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Sunday, August 12, 2007
Maybe you have heard of the book "Velvet Elvis"
There are scads of books about the "Post Modern" generation and what Christian leaders are doing to connect to them and recruit them into a church.
You have Gothic worship services .... candle lit worship services....chants... singing in minor keys; it seems every conceivable thing parading as the Newest Church Growth idea....
I am just wondering....
Do we as Apostolic Leaders really need to fill our minds with what amounts to Philosophical Popcorn. Is it wise to trade away what we know for theories and philosophy that we have not considered the source or end.
I have read some of these books and enjoyed them to some degree, however when it seems some are quoting them like scripture and following them like a plan of action, it makes me wonder and ask the question, "Why?"
Are there some in our movement being drawn away by the siren song of this mesmerizing marketing movement......
The thing to consider is, where did this stuff originate? Divine Direction, Human ingenuity, or worse evil inspiration.
The scripture tells us their are three kinds of doctrines for a new testament leader to grapple with.
Biblical Apostolic Doctrine
Doctrines of Men
Doctrines of Devils.
Doctrine simply means a system of teaching that leads to a manner of life. So each of these will have decidedly different results.
We must be sure that the core and bulk of what we teach and follow is the Biblical pattern of thought and action. The ways of man will seem nifty and trendy, but remember, they are the ways of man. The ways of the devil are deceptive with a thread of spiritual mystery and intrigue that will lead one to a false conclusion and in the end misery and bondage.
So,
Jesus did relate with his generation, but I am not sure you could call him relevant. His message of connection was not his survey driven program but a Holy Word that was confirmed by supernatural confirmation.
Jesus was not relevant. Jesus was revelation.
We have all heard the gospel songs sang as only Elvis can. Elvis is a picture of American Christianity. Christianity that soothes the soul but stops short of conversion and true repentance. Much like David playing the harp for the demon possessed Saul. Sadly much of America has a Rabbits foot mentality of Christianity.
Should we be mesmerized by what would look like results when the message being preached is at best watered down Christianity and sadly too often doctrines of men and devils.
Try the spirits and see if they be of God.
Let one prophesy and two judge.
I think it is time for us to allow for some voices of judgement and reason speak louder into our lives. We need to turn down or turn off these voices that are not apart of the Mammon driven, Multi Billion Dollar, Christian Publishing community.
Jesus did not wear Velvet and Elvis did not love Jesus enough to allow him change his life.
Or so it would seem.
Just some thoughts.
Scott Phillips |
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