I agree with you. Yet I also think that the starting point for many people seeking God’s presence is in church. And when they experience watered-down sermons or “Ted Talk” type sermons, plus flat contemporary workshop music, they don’t feel that presence. So I think church needs to look different too, as a starting point.
I agree that gathering on Sunday morning (or any other day) with the church is an excellent way to enter God’s presence. I’d want to allow room for different preferences on the appearance of the church building, but certainly we need sound teaching and songs and hymns with rich, faithful lyrics. Thanks for reading and commenting!
It might be as simple as “no application” but it could be several related things—lack of commitment, lack of accountability, lack of discipline, etc.
My concern is the lack of “why” related to both a biblical observation & the application drawn from an observation of a truth.
When we don’t understand why a truth is true, or understand “why” it should be “applied” in my life, then it’s just more biblical info, of which there is a glut of already.
I took the pastor's observation about "no application" as a provocative point meant to lead to further questions. If a Christian I know doesn't seem interested in putting God's Word to use, I need to come alongside that person and try to understand why.
I like the possibilities you raise: Could it be lack of commitment, accountability, etc? All of us, at times, need help understanding why a truth is true and what to do with it. Discipleship, mentoring, accountability, and even just being a good friend are all good ways to help another believer. Each approach can help us turn biblical info into life change.
Amen, David! As you said, that intentional coming alongside people is so needed. Teaching, preaching, even writing is easier & doesn’t require as much time & effort as intentional discipleship. I think that’s why discipleship is often lacking in churches. It takes time, commitment & isn’t always fruitful. I learned that experientially 😉😆
Yes!! Return to the headwaters!! “Without me you can do nothing.” Lamenting the condition of the world and the church will accomplish nothing. We cannot talk the world or the “church” into holiness, but as we who know him walk in the light, He will accomplish his purposes - even if we don’t.
I agree with you. Yet I also think that the starting point for many people seeking God’s presence is in church. And when they experience watered-down sermons or “Ted Talk” type sermons, plus flat contemporary workshop music, they don’t feel that presence. So I think church needs to look different too, as a starting point.
I agree that gathering on Sunday morning (or any other day) with the church is an excellent way to enter God’s presence. I’d want to allow room for different preferences on the appearance of the church building, but certainly we need sound teaching and songs and hymns with rich, faithful lyrics. Thanks for reading and commenting!
It might be as simple as “no application” but it could be several related things—lack of commitment, lack of accountability, lack of discipline, etc.
My concern is the lack of “why” related to both a biblical observation & the application drawn from an observation of a truth.
When we don’t understand why a truth is true, or understand “why” it should be “applied” in my life, then it’s just more biblical info, of which there is a glut of already.
Yes, thanks for the clarifying comment.
I took the pastor's observation about "no application" as a provocative point meant to lead to further questions. If a Christian I know doesn't seem interested in putting God's Word to use, I need to come alongside that person and try to understand why.
I like the possibilities you raise: Could it be lack of commitment, accountability, etc? All of us, at times, need help understanding why a truth is true and what to do with it. Discipleship, mentoring, accountability, and even just being a good friend are all good ways to help another believer. Each approach can help us turn biblical info into life change.
Amen, David! As you said, that intentional coming alongside people is so needed. Teaching, preaching, even writing is easier & doesn’t require as much time & effort as intentional discipleship. I think that’s why discipleship is often lacking in churches. It takes time, commitment & isn’t always fruitful. I learned that experientially 😉😆
“We need to spend time in God’s presence.
Everything else that is holy and redeeming, everything truly desirable, originates there.”
Amen.
Yes!! Return to the headwaters!! “Without me you can do nothing.” Lamenting the condition of the world and the church will accomplish nothing. We cannot talk the world or the “church” into holiness, but as we who know him walk in the light, He will accomplish his purposes - even if we don’t.
☦️❤️🩹⛪🇺🇲🤔