One True Way?

They say you only remember roughly 7% of what your pastor says on Sunday morning... I couldn't remember even that! For some reason my attention was just not caught yesterday at church. Have you ever been that way? Your listening, but your not tuned in??

My pastor did say something though that did stick with me...quite possibly the only thing i could remember about her sermon! During the end she quoted Martin Luther saying this (not 100% accurate) "denominations are just another path that leads away from the one true way of worshiping and praising God as set forth in the Word from the beginning."

Now that caught my attention. Being a Religious Studies major these kinds of quotes bring about many many questions! This intrigued me throughout my day yesterday and today, so i felt like I should spend some time on it reflecting. This is what I came up with....

Is the way we are worshiping in our churches the right way? If not, whats wrong about it?

Reflecting on this quote makes me go back to these churches who think they are the only ones getting into heaven and the rest of us are doomed to damnation in hell forever! What about their style makes them better than us? And why do they think this? Obviously they aren't doing it just like the Bible explains...Actually, does the Bible even give us any guidelines?

We see in Paul's letters that he goes around setting up these makeshift churches in towns. These churches are in the homes of the people of the "church." Paul never really tells them how to worship or even how to praise God. Basically all he instructs them to do is "honor God" in their own way.

We would like to think that we are honoring God with how we worship wouldn't we? But did you know that there are more ways to worship than just at church? When we are in church we are in what I would like to refer to it as "corporate worship." We go in and we have this set schedule and way of doing things that invites God in, but thats not it... True worship goes beyond the church and into your daily life with "personal worship". Im a very strong believer that faith is what you make it..your not going to agree 100% with how your church does it, but when you leave you can make it your own!

THAT, my friends is the one true way Martin Luther was referring to...personal worship and personal praise.
Thanks be to God for allowing us to explore ways of worship!

Fear of Faith

I have preached quite a few sermons, given too many studies on Faith Sharing. Its easy to talk about it, but its quite hard to act upon it. I tell my friends, youth, and fellow church members that sharing your faith is an essential aspect of ministry and Christian living. But am I following my own advice. I'd like to think so, but most often than not Im being a hypocrite. Its time to change that! This summer I took a job waiting tables at the fish house in Sterlington, la. Several times pastors have came in and left me the typical booklet in my servers book that say without these words "I was too scared to say this for fear of rejection, but here is what I SHOULD say about God" I find it funny that pastors come in and leave without saying a word about ministry or God. You cant walk away from someone talking, but you can throw a piece of paper away!

A few nights ago, I had a two couples come in and sit in my section. It was the typical grab a beer, have a laugh, and leave type and I dont mind this type I find them actually entertaining. Being the kind of person I am, I like to talk to my customers and make their experience as good as it can be! I found that only the ladies divulged into some Vodka and that the men restrained. Kind of odd if you ask me! One lady made this comment.."..Oh they dont drink, or smoke, they are the good ones of the bunch." Then the man proceeded to say, "yea and you wont catch us in church on Sunday morning either." That just hit me wrong. Should I say something, should I leave a meaningless pamphlet? I decided that it was time to listen to my advice and take action.

I joked with the couple the rest of the night, and when they left I made a reserved, but very forward comment, "so, sir will I see you in church on Sunday?" That was all it took and a wonderful conversation ensued to my surprise. I learned that he knew one of my fellow church members and with a smile he says, "I will be there."

This morning when I walked through the doors, there he sat! I was so shocked. All it took was a simple smile, simple question, and listening ears....The man responded, God did his job and led the man to church this morning!

After church was over the man came up to me with tears in his eyes and told me thank you for saving him one more time. For it was three years ago that God saved him through a heart attack. This man had been dead for over 10 minutes and was revived, and in that moment he found God. He confessed to me that he had ran away from God not too long ago and that when I asked him about church he knew God was calling him once again! He also told us that he found God at church this morning! Praise God!

Next week the man wants to share his story to the whole congregation..Oh how I can not wait for this moment! Faith in God always prevails! Never be afraid to share your story, never be afraid to ask, and never doubt the power of God! He never fails....