Something Quick

I've just had one of those days where I felt like God was speaking to me every second.

It started off in a class called 'Minor Prophets' in which we are studying the 12 minor prophets of the Old Testament. Of course this class has lead to the discussion of prophecy and what that looks like in our modern day context.
We've mentioned that prophecy holds elements which are painful, as it is a reality check to something you may need to correct, but also reassuring and inspiring, letting us know we have the ability to change and see God's power move.

And so just like that I felt God put on my heart these words;

"Take the doors off their hinges, you've made it too hard for people to enter into the Church..."

Shortly after in chapel we sang the old Delirious song 'Did you feel the mountains tremble' which has these words in the chorus;

"Open up the Doors, Let the music play, let the streets resound with singing..."

Church we've got to open our doors and let the sound of forgiveness, grace and love flow into the streets so that every person may have the opportunity to hear and respond.

Access to God is not something you work hard or pay for. Christians should know this best.
We need to stop making it seem so hard for those who haven't received salvation yet, making out that they need to get their life right before God will give them a chance.
We need to open our doors (not just of the church building but also our hearts) and let the powerful sound of forgiveness flow.

This was longer then I anticipated.
Lk

Sunday 01/08/10

AM Set List
YOU- Hillsong
Happy Day- Tim Hughes
Forever Reign- One Sonic Society
Our God- Passion

PM Set List
God One and Only- Hillsong
YOU- Hillsong
Jesus Messiah- Chris Tomlin
Tag -Beautiful Exchange- Hillsong

See You Sunday!

Just one question...

What would a Church look like whose people had never been to a 'church service' before?

Our mission is to get people saved, right?
To Introduce them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and become His Bride;
The Church.

And if were doing this right then Church growth will predominately be from new salvation's; people who have never heard the gospel before, who have never been apart of the Family of God and possibly never attended a church service.

So I wonder how they, New Christians, would structure a service or time together?
What terminology, translation of the bible and hymns would they use?
I wonder what things they would consider important that we skim over?
or things that we highlight which really have no eternal value or significance?
Would there be a band, seats, hall or structure?

Because I'm still trying to work this out for myself, being apart of the Church since before I was born, I can't offer any definite answers except that...

I know the Church should ALWAYS be Relevant; meeting the needs of her community, speaking the local language, understanding the culture and loving.
Yes, lots of LOVE.

This is Love.

Hillsong Church Australia just released their new Album, and let me just say how much I am enjoying listening to it.
Out of all the melody lines, the cool guitar licks and drum solos my favourite part of the album is the words to the song 'Our God is Love:'

This is Love;
Jesus came and died,
And gave His life for us.
Let our voices rise and sing for all He's done
Our Fear is overcome
Our God is Love.
-Joel Houston & Scott Ligertwood

What an amazing summary and description of the Gospel.

That He came to us in Love,
Rescued us, made us holy in His sigh
And so now we respond with our own lives telling those who haven't heard; OUR GOD IS LOVE.