A dear friend sent me this: http://www.biblicalrecorder.org:80/post/2009/03/25/Saying-no-to-Sundays.aspx.
I’d like to know your thoughts on it.
Also, you may be interested in this article about our son, Steve Jr. and Chrissy, and their desire to live the life of Jesus among the people in their community. Here’s the link for that: http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158749~Couple_in_Boston_redefines_%27church_planting%27
You know, it’s really as simple as that…living the life of Jesus among the people you are with every day…family, friends, co-workers, strangers, everyone. (It’s the principle that’s simple; living like Jesus is excruciatingly difficult, though the pursuit is exciting beyond imagination.) And to know that if you fail, you’re still OK…how can you lose?
What are you doing in that regard where you live, play and work? How’s it going?
L’ chai-im!
Steve,
One must be sure to read the comments to the article before responding either way. Questions:
1. Is it not promoting “accommodation” to the post millennial generation with the idea that “I am the judge of what is relevant?” Did God’s people in the O.T. have the right to tell Him what they needed? When the Israelites left God it usually began with “accommodating” their neighbor’s beliefs.
2. Have we misplaced the purpose and reason to meet as a corporate body? Worship in the synagogue and temple was a “custom” of Jesus.
Why was it a custom?
3. Does everything taking place on Sunday in a designated building/location meet the criterion of worship?
4. Are some Sunday church/location activities more beneficial being done some other way or place?
By: Fred Phillips on April 19, 2009
at 1:23 pm
Fred: Thanks for taking time to respond. I’m not sure I understand your point. Is the first sentence (“One must be sure to read…”) addressed to me? Is there a question in that? And in reference to your “Questions:”, again, are they addressed to me or rhetorical? If I’m to answer them, I’ll give it my best shot. Just wanting to know where you’re going and what you’re seeking with your comments. Thanks…
By: Steve Holt Sr. on April 19, 2009
at 3:27 pm
Steve,
The first sentence was a note to all others that read the article. I read it yesterday without noting the comments and had a reactionary thought about it, but then adjusted my thinking after reading all of the comments. The questions are not for your response per se , just for consideration for all.
Thanks for the challenging things you do in all aspects of you walk with God.
I did read the article in the Christian Chronicle and also younger Steve’s blog. Fantastic!!
Brother Fred
By: Fred Phillips on April 19, 2009
at 7:24 pm
Good advice. I overlooked the comments at first myself. They provide some good reflections on how various ones interpret the piece.
You raise good questions which I hope others will address, and that eventually, you’ll offer your thoughts on the questions. One thing I’ll say to question 1 is that scripture seems to overwhelming support the fact that God is the ultimate accommodator. He often changed his mind to accommodate a relationship with Israel and others. Jesus was often criticized for being too accommodating to suit the religious leaders. And it was Paul who promoted becoming all things to all people to help them know God. So, accommodating the cultural and generational (even personal) twists and turns for the sake of the gospel seems in line with the Father’s way. The author was not advocating accommodating at the expense of a relationship with God. It seems one can relax one’s non-critical doctrinal positions, for example, in order to connect with those who couldn’t care less about any doctrinal issues. Jesus did that time and again.
Thanks, Fred…
By: Steve Holt Sr. on April 19, 2009
at 8:08 pm