Strengths and Weaknesses and Unity

I went to a Disciple of Christ Church today with some friends today. Once again I was reminded that each denomination has its strengths and weaknesses. Please don't take this at me putting my fellow Christians down, but for all the things we have in common, there are still some major differences in both belief and practice. Some are better, some are worse and some are just different. Some are small and irrelevant and some are non-reconcilable. As much I would like to see unity and full fellowship with all Christians, that can not happen unless we truly believe the same thing. Some practices divide us and really should not because they are just personal preference. Sometimes I think it would be good to see what other denominations do well that mine does not do as well and use them. It would be even nicer if we were in unison. Come Lord Jesus and unite your sinful children.

Candlemas

Candlemas has been a traditional day in the church for dedicating the candles of the church that will be used throughout the year. One of it's texts is the story of Jesus being taken to the temple to be redeemed as Jewish law stated as all first born were. I think having this Church holiday is at an interesting time. The candles are dedicated during the time of the year where the length of day is starting to be noticeably longer. It is also just before the season of Lent where we look at the death and Resurrection of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Definitely a time to look forward to spring and the Lent season.

SEX- Moral vs Legal

I was listening to the radio and heard a news story about the State of Indiana wanting to change some laws about dealing with having sex with consenting age minors. It got me to thinking that the moral and legal standards for sex is two totally different things. Morally, sex outside marriage is wrong. If this was the legal standard, prisons would be full and fines would be way to abundant.

Even within the legal system, the standards can be confusing. How do handle it when one of the participants is under age but still above the age of consent. One legal issue was a boyfriend who just turned 18 and a girlfriend who is 17. If they were both 18 or both 17, there would no issue but since they straddle the line. (Yes, I know this is changing in alot of areas and is now based on age split) Needless to say, there are plenty of situations where it is clearly morally and legally wrong, an other places where it may be morally wrong but legally not so clear.

I may be a prude sometimes, but there are times that having less fun and staying away from fire just keeps you safe and in the long run is more fun because you don't have to deal with the fall out, legal or otherwise. Sometimes doing the moral thing, and not just the legal thing, is worth the effort.

Season of Epiphany

Christmas is over and the season of Epiphany is upon us. It is an odd one this year. Not only is the weather record breaking warm (nothing to do with the church year except it is the weather we are having right now) but it one of the shortest Epiphany seasons we could have. Easter is coming the second earliest date it could come. It comes March23 this year and the absolute earliest is the 22 of March. To learn of the rules and the history of the rules, check out this link.

What not to do while witnessing

I all for it it when people are willing and able and actually go out witnessing for their faith. Witnessing is one thing I am not good at and not comfortable doing and fail miserably when it comes to sharing my faith. I am not the person to go to to see how to witness. However, I do know what does not work when it happens. Here's a list of what not to do while witnessing that I actually got to see in action.

1) Call your relatives about 10 minutes before you show up and say you are coming over for a visit. Once there, do a bait and switch and start witnessing.

2) Same visit, one of the visitors asks another to get their omnichord and play it for us. Instead of just playing one or two songs, do a half dozen and all pointed at making a decision for Jesus.

3) Without asking if it is ok, placing a Christian sticker on your bathroom mirror.

4) After the singing is done, do a little sermon and a prayer.(all without asking)


I am Christian and I was really offended by this. I think a non Christian would be turned off by Christianity by this. It left me with the thought that if Christianity was about telling the gospel without reaching out to where people are and knowing their situation, I do not want to be a part of it. I don't want to be a Christian if it means forcing the gospel on people. Please don't get me wrong. I believe the gospel should be actively and loudly proclaimed to the whole world. What I have a problem with is whether or not how it is preached is about actually bringing people to faith or is it about how great a Christian is because they are preaching Christ regardless of the cost to those listening. There are untold numbers who are not going to church or believing because of the faithful's bad behavior.

Praise be to God that people still believe despite our failing best efforts. Truth be told, people come to faith by the working of the Holy Spirit and not our efforts. We are only the clay vessels called to the work of proclaiming the gospel and what pitiful vessels we are.

To the non Christian who reads this, please do not judge God by his sinful, imperfect children. God alone is perfect and Holy. To the Christian, let us preach the gospel boldly and loudly with love and concern for those who have not heard: let us not become the reason the non Christians to stay away.