Musings of the Minstrel

We are living in a unique age. We are called to spread the gospel to new generation. Sadly some are pounding the pulpit and railing against what they believe is a generation that is hopeless. I will admit that ministry to this post-modern generation can be frustrating and at the very least challenging, but I do not believe it is hopeless. I would like to go on record and say "This generation can be reached". I know, the "en-vogue" thing for a 41 year old preacher at this point in the post is to attack organized religion and point out all the warts and blemishes of particular church movements and their traditional services. Before you get worried that I am rushing to buy a pottery wheel and candles for my acoustic alchemy worship set, relax, I am not going there! lol... But I do wonder if some of what is being preached is being drowned out by what this generation sees in the lives of Apostolics?

In too many cases what is being said is not being matched by what is being displayed. Remember this is a "visual" generation. This description is not just a statement about video screens and strobe lights added for effect in some kind of optical worship experience. This generation "sees" first, rather than listening. This is one important reason that we must "display" the truth that we preach. People have grown tired of mere words. "Our use of the Bible is analogous to our use of language. We indwell it rather than looking at it from the outside. But for this to happen it is clear that this 'indwelling' must mean being part of the community whose life is shaped by the story which the Bible tells"(Lesslie Newbigin). In other words, what we preach has to be made visible!  WHAT THEY 'SEE' IS WHAT THEY 'GET'!

The Christ message must be preached and "lived out"...clearly! Graham Johnston in his book "Preaching To a Post-Modern World" states, "It is essential that the preacher not fall into the trap of being wishy-washy with a watered down message. People who have tired of uncertainty will be seeking straight answers". This generation is swift to recognize whether or not the message matches the life. They are not afraid of our doctrine...if our lives match what we say we believe. I am proposing that the apostolic church is poised to be the recipient of this generation's gaze. Let us recognize the need to "shew forth" this glorious gospel. This generation needs to see a church on fire, filled with the Holy Spirit and excited about what has brought us out of darkness. There is no need to be intimidated about our faith, our doctrine, our separation, our worship or our service to the Father. Square your shoulders, hold your head up, step out and demonstrate God's provision and love. It is the only way that this generation will receive it.

WHAT THEY 'SEE' IS WHAT THEY 'GET'!

Happy 4th of July to everyone. Thank God for the liberty that we have here in the United States of America. Over the last year over 70 different nations have been represented by visitors to my blog. Many of the visitors have been from countries that do not have the freedom and liberty that we are blessed to have here in the USA. On this 4th of July I am not only saying prayers of thanksgiving but I am also offering up petitions to all of you that are living under oppressive governments. Lets agree together in prayer for the nations that the gospel of Jesus Christ would penetrate the bondage and bring freedom for lost souls. Many of you have come to this blog from Muslim countries. I am praying for you. There is a great revival of Christianity taking place in your part of the world. Keep crying out to God. His name is Jesus Christ. I am reading many new reports of Muslim people who are having dreams and vision of Jesus Christ. Reach out for him, he is as close as the mention of his name.

Repent of your sins, be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You can have eternal life. God loves you unconditionally! You can receive his love now , on this earth.

I am praying for all of you that are trying to find truth. Truth has a name = Jesus.

This is the freedom that goes beyond the boundaries of nations. The bondage of men cannot stifle the freedom of the soul!

Happy 4th of July!