What about all the others?

One of the interesting things was Jesus gathering many people who may have avoided the traditional expression of religion. Surely prostitutes, tax gatherers (with their extortion angle) and
even lepers would not have entered into Temple worship.

Jesus' creation of the church would have provided a place of worship for these people (and many others that wouldn't have been at home in the Temple. Such as Gentiles and slaves).

Lately my mind has worked on the question of: What about those who will never choose to be a part of First Baptist/Alexandria KY? Do we give them over to another church to try to win and disciple? Do we secretly criticize them for not being able to overcome the cultural, social, economic barriers with which they struggle?

How does missions look in N.KY to those locked into poverty? What about the immigrant?
What do we do with those who come to Jesus but won't or even can't fit in at FBC?

Revival Wrap Up

We just wrapped up our Revival with Pastor Pat Finley of Grace Baptist Winchester.

Not surprisingly Pastor Finley brought Biblical and practical messages all three nights. The danger that can arise after a Revival is the issue of outward movement. We had one person 'walk the aisle' during the 3 nights of Revival. Some may feel that is an indication of something lacking. I, like all Christians are encouraged to see the outward expression of God's inward work. What concerns me is if we grade our services, Revival or otherwise by that standard.

There has been some serious thought given on the altar call issue by such experienced and successful pastors as D.Martyn Lloyd-Jones that you can read HERE.

As a pastor I have no desire to discontinue the public invitation. I just wish for it to be seen in the proper perspective. It is an option. There are many ways to respond to the Holy Spirit. The invitation is but one way that is available in our Bible Belt culture.

It is also critical that the invitation does not become the scoreboard for worship service. When that happens people become the center of the service. This can easily lead to doubting God's working in the local church, or psychological tactics to get people down the aisle. Both approaches are wrong headed.

What is the take away from our services? We prayed more. We anticipated. We came. We worshiped. We gave attention to the preaching of the Word. Choose which ever label you like for the events of the last few days. The good news is the Holy Spirit was and is working among us.

April 19 2007

In a time when many churches don't have even Sun PM services, I have learned to really enjoy our Wed evening services.

There is a real value of being able to meet in smaller groups and just connect. There is a sense of interaction and camaraderie that isn't available in the larger Sunday settings.

In the big box, Wal-Mart mentality of today we can overlook the value of small gatherings and house churches that were present in the New Testament.

To give some additional thought on the subject go to house to house.