Perhaps the darkest place on earth right now is any place that the church of Jesus Christ is being persecuted. As dark as these places are God light is shining brighter! In this story we would like to highlight an opportunity for you to be a part of our mission of worshipping God, becoming a mature disciple and carry Christ’s love to the world. The opportunity is a real place where the life found through the resurrection is celebrated in the context of the death of the crucifixion. Check out this story from the Voice of the Martyrs about their ministry to the enemies of God in Columbia. From old to young, retirees to homeschoolers, they are all working for a common cause — spreading the gospel to Marxist FARC guerrillas in the nation of Colombia.For more than 40 years, Colombia has been terrorized by kidnappings and murders resulting from power struggles between drug lords, revolutionaries and paramilitary groups. But in the midst of the chaos, brave Christians in Colombia are risking their lives to spread the gospel. VOM is committed to helping them, and our readers from across the country are joining the effort.
One of VOM’s partners in Colombia is a pilot named Russell. VOM helped Russell purchase an airplane, and today that plane flies over FARC-controlled areas of Colombia dropping small packages attached to parachutes. The packages, which float down into FARC camps and villages, each contain a selection of Christian books as well as a solar-powered Galcom radio pre-tuned to a Christian station. Before the parachutes are dropped, the radio is turned on so that even if the parachute catches in a tree, someone will hear the radio and climb up to retrieve it.
The Voice of the Martyrs has invited our newsletter readers to make parachutes to help Russell in this important ministry … and they have enthusiastically responded! More than 14,000 parachutes made by American Christians recently left our distribution center headed for Colombia. In total, we’ve already received more than 62,000 parachutes. Some church groups have worked together to make hundreds of parachutes, and some families have sent one or two. Each one provides a critical opportunity to present the gospel to a lost soul.
But there are still many FARC guerrillas who haven’t heard the gospel, and there is still a need for more parachutes. If you’d like a downloadable pattern to make the parachutes, as well as more information about VOM’s work in Colombia and a video of Russell talking about reaching guerrillas for Christ, contact Brenda Eaton in the church office or visit www.persecution.com/Colombia for more information about being a part of this ministry.
Friday, March 25, 2011
:Suffering with Hope" by Amy Joy Olivo
Any journey of worshipping God, becoming a mature disciple, and carrying Christ’s love is mark with suffering. Suffering seems to be one of the key ways God brings us to mature worship of Him. As we continue with our theme of celebrating life in the context of death, it is important to remember that this kind of celebration for now, only happens by faith, as we hope for our future reality of living face to face with God. Read these words from WBC member Amy Joy Olivo as she talks about her experience of celebrating bright hope of the resurrection in the context of dark suffering. Without Christ, I would be “like those who grieve without hope.” You see, I have a little girl that I carry in my heart but no longer in my arms. Her name is Maggie Faith and I delighted to carry her in my womb for 38 weeks and hold her in my arms for four days before she danced home to her Heavenly Father’s arms.
We knew from very early in my pregnancy that something was askew in her development. Initially, the doctors thought it was a chromosomal disorder. Then they began to suspect a neural tube defect like spina bifida in addition to the chromosomal disorder. My husband, Layne, and I were told she would probably be stillborn so we purposed in our hearts to enjoy whatever time the Lord gave us with her even if that meant the only time we would experience her life was while she was inside me. Every kick and hiccup was a treasure. It felt like she was dancing inside me and it was delightful!
As we neared her due date, we were so grateful that the Lord allowed my body to sustain her. We were hopeful and had been praying for the Lord to work in miraculous ways since the first grim diagnosis. Thirty-four weeks into my pregnancy, we were encouraged by our midwives to have a fetal MRI to see if we could confirm a diagnosis and give us an idea of the best place to deliver her. This test brought yet another possible diagnosis, this time in the Muscular Dystrophy family, with a very grim prognosis. There was so little hope offered, but we knew we serve a Living God who had sustained us thus far and would not abandon us. In fact, it was around this time that I had a vision of Jesus wrapping his arms around me. It is a vision that I continue to see to this day when I think of Maggie Faith.
Without a definitive diagnosis, we decided to give birth in a hospital where she could be evaluated and treated by neonatal experts. So on March 12, 2010, at 10:40 a.m., I delivered Margaret Faith Olivo by c-section. We had been told she would probably have to be resuscitated at birth, but, much to our great delight, she announced her arrival with a beautiful little cry! Weak though it was, it was music to my ears. She was immediately intubated and placed on a ventilator as they began to evaluate her condition. She valiantly fought for her life and delighted us with her dances for the next four days as the doctors ran tests to try to determine whether medicine could help her. Oh how we were sustained by the Presence of the Almighty and lifted up by the prayers of His Saints! Without Christ, we would have despaired!
In the end, we came to realize that the Lord was calling her home. Her body was simply too wonderful and fragile for this world. Without Christ and the promise of eternity with Him, I could never see this as a temporary, though painful, separation or eagerly anticipate a joyful reunion with her in His presence. The four beautiful days of her earthly life pale in comparison to the magnificent eternity we will spend together in the presence of our Savior. Without Christ, I could offer no words of hope to others. He has given me the words to tell her story so that I can tell of a Greater Story. I love to tell His story through her story—it helps me remember her and to deepen my understanding of all the good things we have in Christ. With Christ, yes, I grieve, but I do so as one with hope in the One who wraps His arms around me and will one day carry me safely home too!
We knew from very early in my pregnancy that something was askew in her development. Initially, the doctors thought it was a chromosomal disorder. Then they began to suspect a neural tube defect like spina bifida in addition to the chromosomal disorder. My husband, Layne, and I were told she would probably be stillborn so we purposed in our hearts to enjoy whatever time the Lord gave us with her even if that meant the only time we would experience her life was while she was inside me. Every kick and hiccup was a treasure. It felt like she was dancing inside me and it was delightful!
As we neared her due date, we were so grateful that the Lord allowed my body to sustain her. We were hopeful and had been praying for the Lord to work in miraculous ways since the first grim diagnosis. Thirty-four weeks into my pregnancy, we were encouraged by our midwives to have a fetal MRI to see if we could confirm a diagnosis and give us an idea of the best place to deliver her. This test brought yet another possible diagnosis, this time in the Muscular Dystrophy family, with a very grim prognosis. There was so little hope offered, but we knew we serve a Living God who had sustained us thus far and would not abandon us. In fact, it was around this time that I had a vision of Jesus wrapping his arms around me. It is a vision that I continue to see to this day when I think of Maggie Faith.
Without a definitive diagnosis, we decided to give birth in a hospital where she could be evaluated and treated by neonatal experts. So on March 12, 2010, at 10:40 a.m., I delivered Margaret Faith Olivo by c-section. We had been told she would probably have to be resuscitated at birth, but, much to our great delight, she announced her arrival with a beautiful little cry! Weak though it was, it was music to my ears. She was immediately intubated and placed on a ventilator as they began to evaluate her condition. She valiantly fought for her life and delighted us with her dances for the next four days as the doctors ran tests to try to determine whether medicine could help her. Oh how we were sustained by the Presence of the Almighty and lifted up by the prayers of His Saints! Without Christ, we would have despaired!
In the end, we came to realize that the Lord was calling her home. Her body was simply too wonderful and fragile for this world. Without Christ and the promise of eternity with Him, I could never see this as a temporary, though painful, separation or eagerly anticipate a joyful reunion with her in His presence. The four beautiful days of her earthly life pale in comparison to the magnificent eternity we will spend together in the presence of our Savior. Without Christ, I could offer no words of hope to others. He has given me the words to tell her story so that I can tell of a Greater Story. I love to tell His story through her story—it helps me remember her and to deepen my understanding of all the good things we have in Christ. With Christ, yes, I grieve, but I do so as one with hope in the One who wraps His arms around me and will one day carry me safely home too!
“Quite Time, Devotion, or Lent?”
As we think about worshipping God, becoming mature, and carrying Christ’s love to the world one of the ways we do that is through spiritual disciplines. What is a spiritual discipline? Well, in the last several years in the context of WBC the most popular spiritual discipline has become bible reading. Some might call this discipline a daily devotion or quite time. Another discipline that we may take part in from time to time is prayer. Are these the only two spiritual disciplines that the bible talks about? No way. The bible also speaks about other disciplines such as fasting, and Sabbath keeping. What is the purpose of practicing a spiritual discipline? Well, there are many, but mostly the purpose of participating in these things is to help point out your sin so that we can grow closer to God. Do you have daily devotions? Are they cumbersome for you? Hopefully you do participate in devoting time each day to read the bible and hopefully it is not a burden for you. The Psalmist cries out to God many times in the book of Psalms of his great love for the word of God and how he delights in it. As we think about our desire of devoting time to read God’s word how are we doing? Do you delight in it? How are you doing practicing other disciplines like fasting? Do you think that there may be things that God would like to point out to you about yourself and your relationship to Him that could from fasting? This month’s theme for Ignite of experiencing the life of the resurrection in the context of the death may be best celebrated through the discipline of fasting. Throughout history the church has attempted to celebrate Easter in this way by practicing fasting during the 40 days of Lent that come before Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately Resurrection Sunday. The word Lent comes from a German word for “springtime.” The 40 days of Lent in the Christian calendar recall the 40 days of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Since the fourth century A.D., the Church has observed Lent as a time of “spring cleaning for the soul.” During this season, we imitate Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for 40 days. We focus on Christ’s battle with Satan that he waged in order to win our salvation. And we think about our temptations and sins and repent. Lent is a time to evaluate ourselves in light of God’s Word, to abandon sin, and to receive God’s forgiveness and strength. Lent has been called the season of “Bright Sadness” because it is a time of both celebration and mourning. The spiritual discipline of fasting is highlighted during Lent. Jesus Christ practice fasting during His time on earth. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1) Every time Jesus responds to the three temptations of the devil in the wilderness, he quotes from Deuteronomy. “Man shall not live by bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3); “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16); and “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13). Moses is speaking to Israel about their time of testing in the wilderness. Look at Deuteronomy 8:2-3 and mark the parallels between Israel in the wilderness and Jesus in the wilderness: “You shall remember all the ways which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness [as Jesus was led by the Spirit in the wilderness] these forty years [as Jesus was there forty days], that He might humble you, testing you [as Jesus was “tested”], to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. And He humbled you and let you be hungry [as Jesus was made hungry by his fasting], and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3) God obviously intends a parallel between Jesus and the people of Israel in the wilderness. Jesus endured His “wilderness experience” to contrast that of Israel and to show us how to negotiate ours. How can we keep our eyes on the prize, avoid moral failures, and honor Christ with the fruit of obedient lives? By following in the footsteps of The Master. Lent is the Church’s annual “wilderness experience” with Christ. He went to the desert, so may be we should too. Certainly, experiencing this would had some beauty to our Easter celebration by placing it in its proper context. So, to answer the question “Quite Time, Devotion, or Lent?” Its not an either or. The answer is “all of the above and more”. Our view of spiritual disciplines has to be bigger that just one of these things and hopefully as we practice these things our hunger and desire for God will grow along with our desire to practice the disciplines that He has given to bring us closer to Him.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Love In Action
Shortly after Christmas, WBC held an event here at church with hopes of Carrying Christ Love to world. The event was called Love in Action and it was truly a great physical picture of our church’s mission as we came together to give away clothes, toys and food to over one hundred families in the Waxahachie area. Rebecca Manguno helped organize and lead the event. Here are here thoughts about that day.
Why did you decide to help lead the Love in Action ministry?
God laid it on my heart the week before Christmas to find someone in need to pass my children's clothes and toys to. We have been blessed by the Lord through others so often and I wanted to do the same but wasn't sure WHO was in need. When Pastor Bruce spoke on 1 John 3:16-18 Christmas Eve and the following Sunday and gave the suggestion of and "after Christmas toy drive," I felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me. I mentioned my interest after service and by Tuesday, the date was set.
What was the process like for you?
I was initially thinking on a smaller scale, keeping things within the church mostly. As I discussed ideas with Pastor Bruce, I realized that the idea was snowballing into something much bigger and something that I couldn't do alone. I contacted Brenda Eaton. I have come to rely on Brenda's wisdom and support having served under her with WBC Mommy & Me. She rallied volunteers to do the work I could not do alone. We collected bags and boxes of donations that week, each opened, folded, and sorted on the tables in the hallway. The volunteers were indispensable and came day and night to prepare for Saturday's giveaway. Saturday was amazing! We had a system in place and everything ran so smoothly. Prayer leaders were praying for and with people who came for the giveaway. Our helpers in the hallway were carry items for people and others carried bags to their cars. It was so wonderful to see the body of Christ serving the lost and needy of the community.
How did it affect your journey with God?
I prayed a lot that week! I was discouraged at one point but God reminded me that I was doing what He called me to do. I was reminded what our ministry as believers is: to reach the lost and hurting of the world and to share the love and truth of Christ. Saturday demonstrated that perfectly.
What was the best thing about Love in Action?
It wasn't just about giving people clothes, it was about sharing the Gospel. I loved hearing from the people we helped. They were so thankful to receive coats and shoes and food that they needed. They expressed the kindness of the church volunteers that day and how much they appreciated everyone involved. I loved seeing prayer leaders holding hands around tables praying with people. One of those leaders told me that NO ONE turned down the opportunity to pray. What a testimony of God's love and power!
Here are the words from one of the people who attended Love in Action”:
I just wanted to let you know that I came by this morning to hopefully get some much needed shoes and clothes and boy did I. I had been looking for a job for past 4 mths with no luck and I went back to my job I left 9 mths ago and last week started back there thanks to Gods help but didn't have a lot of winter type clothes and I got couple of jackets and shirts that I really needed since I had no income at this time. Thanks you Jesus, and I have been going back to church my brothers church actually here in Waxahachie for past month and I could only wear my jeans with the one pair of ok shoes I had but couldn't wear the many dresses I did have cause I had no shoes to wear with them but I found quite a few there that were my size big surprise and I am so happy with what I got. Everyone was so helpful and so very nice it was a great thing that you did. Many people I spoke with were so grateful for what you did and I just wanted to let you know that we all appreciated it so much. I didn't no what the food drive part was and was wondering? I heard about this on the flea market and was so glad I went and just wanted to thank you all for your generosity and may God bless you all. Thanks to KBEC your awesome!
-Anonymous.
Why did you decide to help lead the Love in Action ministry?
God laid it on my heart the week before Christmas to find someone in need to pass my children's clothes and toys to. We have been blessed by the Lord through others so often and I wanted to do the same but wasn't sure WHO was in need. When Pastor Bruce spoke on 1 John 3:16-18 Christmas Eve and the following Sunday and gave the suggestion of and "after Christmas toy drive," I felt like the Holy Spirit was nudging me. I mentioned my interest after service and by Tuesday, the date was set.
What was the process like for you?
I was initially thinking on a smaller scale, keeping things within the church mostly. As I discussed ideas with Pastor Bruce, I realized that the idea was snowballing into something much bigger and something that I couldn't do alone. I contacted Brenda Eaton. I have come to rely on Brenda's wisdom and support having served under her with WBC Mommy & Me. She rallied volunteers to do the work I could not do alone. We collected bags and boxes of donations that week, each opened, folded, and sorted on the tables in the hallway. The volunteers were indispensable and came day and night to prepare for Saturday's giveaway. Saturday was amazing! We had a system in place and everything ran so smoothly. Prayer leaders were praying for and with people who came for the giveaway. Our helpers in the hallway were carry items for people and others carried bags to their cars. It was so wonderful to see the body of Christ serving the lost and needy of the community.
How did it affect your journey with God?
I prayed a lot that week! I was discouraged at one point but God reminded me that I was doing what He called me to do. I was reminded what our ministry as believers is: to reach the lost and hurting of the world and to share the love and truth of Christ. Saturday demonstrated that perfectly.
What was the best thing about Love in Action?
It wasn't just about giving people clothes, it was about sharing the Gospel. I loved hearing from the people we helped. They were so thankful to receive coats and shoes and food that they needed. They expressed the kindness of the church volunteers that day and how much they appreciated everyone involved. I loved seeing prayer leaders holding hands around tables praying with people. One of those leaders told me that NO ONE turned down the opportunity to pray. What a testimony of God's love and power!
Here are the words from one of the people who attended Love in Action”:
I just wanted to let you know that I came by this morning to hopefully get some much needed shoes and clothes and boy did I. I had been looking for a job for past 4 mths with no luck and I went back to my job I left 9 mths ago and last week started back there thanks to Gods help but didn't have a lot of winter type clothes and I got couple of jackets and shirts that I really needed since I had no income at this time. Thanks you Jesus, and I have been going back to church my brothers church actually here in Waxahachie for past month and I could only wear my jeans with the one pair of ok shoes I had but couldn't wear the many dresses I did have cause I had no shoes to wear with them but I found quite a few there that were my size big surprise and I am so happy with what I got. Everyone was so helpful and so very nice it was a great thing that you did. Many people I spoke with were so grateful for what you did and I just wanted to let you know that we all appreciated it so much. I didn't no what the food drive part was and was wondering? I heard about this on the flea market and was so glad I went and just wanted to thank you all for your generosity and may God bless you all. Thanks to KBEC your awesome!
-Anonymous.
Firgive So That You May Live by Jan Thompson
Forgiveness is a mark of becoming a mature disciple of Christ. Listen to this story from WBC member Jan Thompson.
My beautiful 17 year old niece left my home on the morning of July 12, 1982 to go to Waco, TX. That would be the last time we saw her alive. My life totally changed on the evening of July 13, 1982 at 10:00 P.M. with the television news statement: "BODIES OF MISSING TEENS FOUND ON THE SHORES OF LAKE WACO".
Time here does not allow details of the following years of investigations and horrendous stories of the torture of my niece and two of her friends. We were told that the children were "simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Days and months turned to years and I realized I was becoming consumed by the feelings of, I MUST see this through"! Most of my waking time was taken up by constantly trying to find out what happened that day in July, 1982. I had become unable to carry on my daily routine of being a good wife and mother. My dear husband was taking on my role in that capacity and never complained to me, but deep inside, he was living the same torment as I. I felt guilty as I spent most of my time with the investigators, yet I was driven to continue to be involved. My heart was becoming hard and I felt so much bitterness, not only for the four men who were eventually charged for the crime, but also for anyone who could not understand my involvement.
Sometime in 1985, a dear Christian friend from my church was aware of the demons struggling inside me. She came to me with this advice: "UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL FORGIVENESS IN YOUR HEART, YOU WILL NOT FEEL PEACE OR BE ABLE TO LIVE AGAIN," ~~~~~~oh wow-THAT HIT ME HARD! Did she actually say that I should forgive the four men who tortured, raped, and murdered three children?? How in the world could she think that would be possible?? And then I felt anger toward her.
Years passed slowly and I was still feeling the bitterness taking over my heart. I attended the lethal execution of the man found guilty of killing Jill. I THOUGHT it was something I must do. I felt so ALONE, although there were dozens of spectators present. I NOW KNOW that THE FEELING OF BEING ALONE WAS BECAUSE I DID NOT ASK MY GOD AND SAVIOR TO BE THERE WITH ME! This was my worst moment!!!
From that evening forward, I got on my knees for help. That's ALL I had to do!! The change was gradual, but the Holy Spirit came along beside me and has been with me every day since. I am still reminded of the days when I had no room in my heart for anything or anyone who could not find the killers of the children. However, today, I AM FREE OF THAT HARD HEART BECAUSE GOD HAS SHOWN ME THE WAY TO "FORGIVE, AND I NOW LIVE. ~~~~~~~~ WITHOUT HIM, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!
My beautiful 17 year old niece left my home on the morning of July 12, 1982 to go to Waco, TX. That would be the last time we saw her alive. My life totally changed on the evening of July 13, 1982 at 10:00 P.M. with the television news statement: "BODIES OF MISSING TEENS FOUND ON THE SHORES OF LAKE WACO".
Time here does not allow details of the following years of investigations and horrendous stories of the torture of my niece and two of her friends. We were told that the children were "simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Days and months turned to years and I realized I was becoming consumed by the feelings of, I MUST see this through"! Most of my waking time was taken up by constantly trying to find out what happened that day in July, 1982. I had become unable to carry on my daily routine of being a good wife and mother. My dear husband was taking on my role in that capacity and never complained to me, but deep inside, he was living the same torment as I. I felt guilty as I spent most of my time with the investigators, yet I was driven to continue to be involved. My heart was becoming hard and I felt so much bitterness, not only for the four men who were eventually charged for the crime, but also for anyone who could not understand my involvement.
Sometime in 1985, a dear Christian friend from my church was aware of the demons struggling inside me. She came to me with this advice: "UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL FORGIVENESS IN YOUR HEART, YOU WILL NOT FEEL PEACE OR BE ABLE TO LIVE AGAIN," ~~~~~~oh wow-THAT HIT ME HARD! Did she actually say that I should forgive the four men who tortured, raped, and murdered three children?? How in the world could she think that would be possible?? And then I felt anger toward her.
Years passed slowly and I was still feeling the bitterness taking over my heart. I attended the lethal execution of the man found guilty of killing Jill. I THOUGHT it was something I must do. I felt so ALONE, although there were dozens of spectators present. I NOW KNOW that THE FEELING OF BEING ALONE WAS BECAUSE I DID NOT ASK MY GOD AND SAVIOR TO BE THERE WITH ME! This was my worst moment!!!
From that evening forward, I got on my knees for help. That's ALL I had to do!! The change was gradual, but the Holy Spirit came along beside me and has been with me every day since. I am still reminded of the days when I had no room in my heart for anything or anyone who could not find the killers of the children. However, today, I AM FREE OF THAT HARD HEART BECAUSE GOD HAS SHOWN ME THE WAY TO "FORGIVE, AND I NOW LIVE. ~~~~~~~~ WITHOUT HIM, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!
“Loving God with All Your Heart Soul Mind and Strength.” Matthew 22:37 by Matt Lewis
Part of the out working of the Worshipping God aspect of our church’s mission can be found in one element of our the WBC vision statement that says “We envision our church family being passionately and completely engaged in biblical worship that consumes our worship services, ministries and lives.” (Full vision statement can be found at: http://waxahachiebible.org/#/about-us/vision)
This statement is based on Matthew 22:37(among other passages) and seeks to draw our attention to acknowledging God in all that we are, and in all that we do, all of the time. Hear the thoughts of WBC missionary Matt Lewis on the outworking of this passage in to his life of worship.
1. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out (actually/correctly happening) in your life of worship to God?
This is an interesting question in that, personally, this theme, love, has been on my heart and mind for about 2 1/2 years. It's a long story so I'll only write that I had a very difficult time that included depression and dryness of soul to the point that I didn't know what my faith in Christ meant a few years ago. One question that came out of this time was: What is love? Specifically, How does God love me?, how should I love Him?, and how should I love others?.The Lord showed me that for all the things i thought i knew about Him from scripture, these points of knowledge had become idolatry in my heart. I wasn't truly loving the Lord with everything within me. I loved things about Him but not the person of Christ. Since, that time the Lord continues to show me that I am a very self-centered person who delights in worshipping myself. This sounds harsh but I have found it to be true. Only by loving the Lord with all that I am (or attempting to do that) can I be a whole person. I believe that the basis of my life must be first and foremost to Love the Lord with my whole person, body and soul. Everything else flows from that. If i am not rightly related to God, if I'm not placing Christ at the center of my "heart, soul, and mind" then i am wrongly aligned and cannot truly love my fellow man. When I have placed Christ at the center of my life, to the best of my ability, I do find that I love my wife, Cassie, my daughter Willa, and others much better.
2. What are some ways that you seek to do that (Mt. 22:37) in your life?
I seek to develop my prayer life. I try to be in community with other Christians. I read the scriptures. Everyday I try to take control from God and so everyday I must try to realign my will with His. So, many times i try to take a prayerful attitude of humility before the Lord. I ask for forgiveness but I try to humble myself before him and ask that He would help me redirect my affections towards Himself and not myself. As a follower of Jesus, I believe that in order to Love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul means that the Love of Christ must be central to my entire being To the best of my abilities, through worship, prayer, scripture, the church and body of believers i try to direct my love towards the Lord so that I might glorify Him and better love others.
3. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out in a public worship service?
First of all, this love command that Jesus gives us is severe. It requires every aspect of our being. When we gather together as Christians i think we should come before the Lord reverently with an attitude of submission and humility. I don't mean to suggest that the worship service shouldn't be joyful. On the contrary, it should be a celebration...a holy celebration. It's really ironic that I'm attempting to answer this question because many times i'm the worst at coming to the worship service seeking to be changed by the living God. Practically, I'm not completely certain how the worship service should be conducted. Does this mean a certain order? a particular style of music? style of exegesis? liturgy or no-liturgy? public readings of scripture? private moments of silence and reflection before the Lord? I don't completely know. I do think that as a body of believers we should come before the Lord to worship him with everything about us. I think we need to hear His word and be changed. I think we should lift our voices before His throne in worship and adoration and I think we need to love and worship the Lord by taking the Lord's table together. Also, I think we should let this public worship service flow outwards to the community. As we come together to love and worship the Lord it should also help us love our neighbor.
4. Do you think that different worship elements of a service help fulfill different aspects of Matthew 22:37? For example loving God with your heart vs. your mind.
Maybe. although I think the Love of God appeals not only to our hearts but our reason as well. Honestly, I'm not sure how you could break this down. I think this verse is directing us to Love God with our entire person. I think to compartmentalize it too much might diminish it. for instance, does scripture require more of my mind or heart? does taking the Lord's table fulfill me intellectually, spiritually or communally? I think the different elements of the worship service should direct all of us to Love the Lord with all that we are so that we are able to glorify Him and love others better. Of course during the worship servcie we call upon our different faculties to worship the Lord, I just don't know exactly where one begins and the others end.
5. What are some of the differences of public worship in America from Italian worship?
oooh. this is a tough one. even though Cassie and I have been in Italy several years i would hardly say we are super cultural insiders. If you mean, "what does an Italian church worship service look like?' then I'll take a crack at it. The church we go to in Florence actually resembles the services here at WBC somewhat. We gather together to worship the Lord through songs and music. Then we seek the Lord through scripture by listening to the sermon. we seek ways to serve the community outside the church building and at least once a month we take the Lord's Supper together. One of the differences is that the only space we have right now is at the Communist community center. It's pretty cool.
This statement is based on Matthew 22:37(among other passages) and seeks to draw our attention to acknowledging God in all that we are, and in all that we do, all of the time. Hear the thoughts of WBC missionary Matt Lewis on the outworking of this passage in to his life of worship.
1. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out (actually/correctly happening) in your life of worship to God?
This is an interesting question in that, personally, this theme, love, has been on my heart and mind for about 2 1/2 years. It's a long story so I'll only write that I had a very difficult time that included depression and dryness of soul to the point that I didn't know what my faith in Christ meant a few years ago. One question that came out of this time was: What is love? Specifically, How does God love me?, how should I love Him?, and how should I love others?.The Lord showed me that for all the things i thought i knew about Him from scripture, these points of knowledge had become idolatry in my heart. I wasn't truly loving the Lord with everything within me. I loved things about Him but not the person of Christ. Since, that time the Lord continues to show me that I am a very self-centered person who delights in worshipping myself. This sounds harsh but I have found it to be true. Only by loving the Lord with all that I am (or attempting to do that) can I be a whole person. I believe that the basis of my life must be first and foremost to Love the Lord with my whole person, body and soul. Everything else flows from that. If i am not rightly related to God, if I'm not placing Christ at the center of my "heart, soul, and mind" then i am wrongly aligned and cannot truly love my fellow man. When I have placed Christ at the center of my life, to the best of my ability, I do find that I love my wife, Cassie, my daughter Willa, and others much better.
2. What are some ways that you seek to do that (Mt. 22:37) in your life?
I seek to develop my prayer life. I try to be in community with other Christians. I read the scriptures. Everyday I try to take control from God and so everyday I must try to realign my will with His. So, many times i try to take a prayerful attitude of humility before the Lord. I ask for forgiveness but I try to humble myself before him and ask that He would help me redirect my affections towards Himself and not myself. As a follower of Jesus, I believe that in order to Love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul means that the Love of Christ must be central to my entire being To the best of my abilities, through worship, prayer, scripture, the church and body of believers i try to direct my love towards the Lord so that I might glorify Him and better love others.
3. How do see Matthew 22:37 playing out in a public worship service?
First of all, this love command that Jesus gives us is severe. It requires every aspect of our being. When we gather together as Christians i think we should come before the Lord reverently with an attitude of submission and humility. I don't mean to suggest that the worship service shouldn't be joyful. On the contrary, it should be a celebration...a holy celebration. It's really ironic that I'm attempting to answer this question because many times i'm the worst at coming to the worship service seeking to be changed by the living God. Practically, I'm not completely certain how the worship service should be conducted. Does this mean a certain order? a particular style of music? style of exegesis? liturgy or no-liturgy? public readings of scripture? private moments of silence and reflection before the Lord? I don't completely know. I do think that as a body of believers we should come before the Lord to worship him with everything about us. I think we need to hear His word and be changed. I think we should lift our voices before His throne in worship and adoration and I think we need to love and worship the Lord by taking the Lord's table together. Also, I think we should let this public worship service flow outwards to the community. As we come together to love and worship the Lord it should also help us love our neighbor.
4. Do you think that different worship elements of a service help fulfill different aspects of Matthew 22:37? For example loving God with your heart vs. your mind.
Maybe. although I think the Love of God appeals not only to our hearts but our reason as well. Honestly, I'm not sure how you could break this down. I think this verse is directing us to Love God with our entire person. I think to compartmentalize it too much might diminish it. for instance, does scripture require more of my mind or heart? does taking the Lord's table fulfill me intellectually, spiritually or communally? I think the different elements of the worship service should direct all of us to Love the Lord with all that we are so that we are able to glorify Him and love others better. Of course during the worship servcie we call upon our different faculties to worship the Lord, I just don't know exactly where one begins and the others end.
5. What are some of the differences of public worship in America from Italian worship?
oooh. this is a tough one. even though Cassie and I have been in Italy several years i would hardly say we are super cultural insiders. If you mean, "what does an Italian church worship service look like?' then I'll take a crack at it. The church we go to in Florence actually resembles the services here at WBC somewhat. We gather together to worship the Lord through songs and music. Then we seek the Lord through scripture by listening to the sermon. we seek ways to serve the community outside the church building and at least once a month we take the Lord's Supper together. One of the differences is that the only space we have right now is at the Communist community center. It's pretty cool.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Are missionaries the smartest people of all? WBC Missionary Mike Cloud.
Here are Mike’s survey results.
Which Bible figure is most closely associated with leading the exodus from Egypt?
Moses
What was Mother Teresa's religion?
Catholic
Which of the following is NOT one of the Ten Commandments?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
When does the Jewish Sabbath begin?
Friday
Is Ramadan…?
The Islamic holy month
Which of the following best describes the Catholic teaching about the bread and wine used for Communion?
The bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Which Bible figure is most closely associated with remaining obedient to God despite suffering?
Job
What was Joseph Smith's religion?
Mormon
According to rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, is a public school teacher permitted to lead a class in prayer, or not?
No, not permitted
According to rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, is a public school teacher permitted to read from the Bible as an example of literature, or not?
Yes, permitted
What religion do most people in Pakistan consider themselves?
Muslim
What was the name of the person whose writings and actions inspired the Protestant Reformation?
Martin Luther
Which one of these preachers participated in the period of religious activity known as the First Great Awakening?
Charles Finney
What do you call a person who does not believe in God?
Atheist
What was the name of the town where Jesus was born?
Bethlehem
Yes or no? Does the US Constitution state that government shall neither establish nor interfere with religion?
No
What is the name of the Islamic Holy Book?
Koran
What are the names of the books of the Bible known as the gospels?
Matthew Mark Luke and John
What religion do most of the people in Indonesia practice?
Islam
True or False? Only Protestants (not Catholics) traditionally teach salvation comes through faith alone?
True
What religion was Maimonides a part of?
Hindu
Mike got 18 of 21 questions correct. Way to go Mike. He missed 3 of the questions. Jonathan Edwards was one of the preachers that took part in the first Great Awakening. The US Constitution does say that that government shall neither establish nor interfere with religion. And Finally Maimonides was Jewish and not Hindu. As it turns out, missionaries are not the smartest people of all, worship leaders are. Way to go Amy Beth!
Which Bible figure is most closely associated with leading the exodus from Egypt?
Moses
What was Mother Teresa's religion?
Catholic
Which of the following is NOT one of the Ten Commandments?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
When does the Jewish Sabbath begin?
Friday
Is Ramadan…?
The Islamic holy month
Which of the following best describes the Catholic teaching about the bread and wine used for Communion?
The bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Which Bible figure is most closely associated with remaining obedient to God despite suffering?
Job
What was Joseph Smith's religion?
Mormon
According to rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, is a public school teacher permitted to lead a class in prayer, or not?
No, not permitted
According to rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court, is a public school teacher permitted to read from the Bible as an example of literature, or not?
Yes, permitted
What religion do most people in Pakistan consider themselves?
Muslim
What was the name of the person whose writings and actions inspired the Protestant Reformation?
Martin Luther
Which one of these preachers participated in the period of religious activity known as the First Great Awakening?
Charles Finney
What do you call a person who does not believe in God?
Atheist
What was the name of the town where Jesus was born?
Bethlehem
Yes or no? Does the US Constitution state that government shall neither establish nor interfere with religion?
No
What is the name of the Islamic Holy Book?
Koran
What are the names of the books of the Bible known as the gospels?
Matthew Mark Luke and John
What religion do most of the people in Indonesia practice?
Islam
True or False? Only Protestants (not Catholics) traditionally teach salvation comes through faith alone?
True
What religion was Maimonides a part of?
Hindu
Mike got 18 of 21 questions correct. Way to go Mike. He missed 3 of the questions. Jonathan Edwards was one of the preachers that took part in the first Great Awakening. The US Constitution does say that that government shall neither establish nor interfere with religion. And Finally Maimonides was Jewish and not Hindu. As it turns out, missionaries are not the smartest people of all, worship leaders are. Way to go Amy Beth!
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