Friend John’s last word to me warned of “A PROPHETIC CRISIS.”
Here’s what he said, “The “Blessed Hope” of the Church is the return of the Lord Jesus. Both our Lord and His Apostles clearly proclaimed this in the New Testament. We are told to “Watch” and be “Ready” for He is coming back for those who are expecting Him. Jesus gave some clear “signs” that would reveal the nearness of His return and warned that it would be suddenly and unexpectedly like a thief in the night. Yet despite this relevant teaching I have heard virtually nothing from the pulpit in recent years on this most important subject. Clearly many such Churches are asleep and need to be awakened for the final words of Jesus still speak loud and plainly to us: “Yes I am coming soon”!”
I reacted to the word “prophetic” thinking John might have a different approach than I. Yet, reading more closely, I get to the core of his issue and find it to be the anticipated return of Christ. That involves a lot of biblical teachings about which many Christians agree to disagree. One indisputable fact, however, that remains among all Christians, is the word of Jesus Himself saying, as John wrote, “Yes I am coming soon!”
Whatever one believes about the Kingdom of God, whatever one’s interpretation of millennial views (Pre-Post-A-), Christians are admonished over and over again to be in an attitude of expectancy, ready and waiting for the final Advent of Christ and the final culmination of right conquering wrong.
God is still in charge of this universe. Although I am not one who tries to read the signs of the times, I am disappointed by the lack of pulpit proclamation.
I have no doubt we live in the last times--the Gospel Age. I don’t dabble in projecting time lines. I do, however, have firm anticipation and full assurance that He is not at all confused by our theological misapprehension and misinformation and that He will be on time and in full control of all that is.
From Warner’s World, it might be well to speak of that "Blessed Hope" a little more often,
Wayne
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Persecution ... Crisis ... ?
I must admit John pushes a hot button when he suggests there is “A PERSECUTION CRISIS”!
Here’s what John wrote: “There has never been a time in Church history when so many Christians are being persecuted and martyred for their allegiance to the Lord Jesus. Yet this subject is practically being ignored by the Church in the west. Unprecedented violence in many parts of the world against Christians is a major concern for the missionaries who are sent out and are being supported by the Church. If ever there was a time when the local Church should be continuously concerned and earnestly praying about the safety of those on the mission fields of the world it is today! Yet in most congregations on Sunday morning there is nothing said about the horrendous torture and killing of literally dozens of fellow believers every week somewhere on earth.”
I could not agree more with John. Daily, I am deluged daily with reports of Christians abused, harassed, tested, tormented, subjected to illegal and inhumane treatment, tortured and killed, without reference to the source of their support. These people are deprived of civil rights, loss of property, driven from communities, imprisoned, even killed. Daily reports come from India and Pakistan, China and numerous smaller nations, throughout the orient and Africa especially.
As a Christian, I believe in the free practice and propagation of all religions; I believe that is the spirit of Christ, and it represents my theology of man’s “free will”, choice if you will. As an American, I would much prefer that America should remain Christian in its basic orientation, but I respect the right of others to choose for themselves.
I suggest the CHURCH SHOULD BECOME FAR MORE PROACTIVE THAN IT IS. The average American Christian lives too much at the center of his-her own interests. Pastors are too self-engaged (sometimes overburdened) in building larger local institutions, at all levels. Too many Senior Citizens waste time networking online, passing on triviality, when they could be spending time advocating for the persecuted and crusading for missionary causes.
WE ALL NEED TO BE MORE SENSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE of national Christians, missionaries, and those parachurch ministries advocating human rights causes of Christians. Assist News Service is one SUCH way of learning about such needs. One can readily learn about Groups like VOICE OF THE MARTYRS, founded by Richard Wurmbrand in 1967 or Gospel For Asia (GFA). There are informative China advocacy groups.
It is always possible for church members to research denominational missionary personnel and follow their work. There are many local churches involved in mission projects that would welcome assistance, support, even involvement in work camps, et al.
The least that an American Christian can do is to become acquainted with someone of another faith and share your own faith. They are all about us and every kind of involvement imaginable is out there for the interested person.
There are more persecuted Christians today than in all of history; the need for advocacy for the Martyrs is dramatic. Moreover, the American church faces the judgment of Scripture as I would paraphrase it: to us much has been given; of us, more is expected.
From Warner’s World, thanks John for the reminder,
Wayne
Here’s what John wrote: “There has never been a time in Church history when so many Christians are being persecuted and martyred for their allegiance to the Lord Jesus. Yet this subject is practically being ignored by the Church in the west. Unprecedented violence in many parts of the world against Christians is a major concern for the missionaries who are sent out and are being supported by the Church. If ever there was a time when the local Church should be continuously concerned and earnestly praying about the safety of those on the mission fields of the world it is today! Yet in most congregations on Sunday morning there is nothing said about the horrendous torture and killing of literally dozens of fellow believers every week somewhere on earth.”
I could not agree more with John. Daily, I am deluged daily with reports of Christians abused, harassed, tested, tormented, subjected to illegal and inhumane treatment, tortured and killed, without reference to the source of their support. These people are deprived of civil rights, loss of property, driven from communities, imprisoned, even killed. Daily reports come from India and Pakistan, China and numerous smaller nations, throughout the orient and Africa especially.
As a Christian, I believe in the free practice and propagation of all religions; I believe that is the spirit of Christ, and it represents my theology of man’s “free will”, choice if you will. As an American, I would much prefer that America should remain Christian in its basic orientation, but I respect the right of others to choose for themselves.
I suggest the CHURCH SHOULD BECOME FAR MORE PROACTIVE THAN IT IS. The average American Christian lives too much at the center of his-her own interests. Pastors are too self-engaged (sometimes overburdened) in building larger local institutions, at all levels. Too many Senior Citizens waste time networking online, passing on triviality, when they could be spending time advocating for the persecuted and crusading for missionary causes.
WE ALL NEED TO BE MORE SENSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE of national Christians, missionaries, and those parachurch ministries advocating human rights causes of Christians. Assist News Service is one SUCH way of learning about such needs. One can readily learn about Groups like VOICE OF THE MARTYRS, founded by Richard Wurmbrand in 1967 or Gospel For Asia (GFA). There are informative China advocacy groups.
It is always possible for church members to research denominational missionary personnel and follow their work. There are many local churches involved in mission projects that would welcome assistance, support, even involvement in work camps, et al.
The least that an American Christian can do is to become acquainted with someone of another faith and share your own faith. They are all about us and every kind of involvement imaginable is out there for the interested person.
There are more persecuted Christians today than in all of history; the need for advocacy for the Martyrs is dramatic. Moreover, the American church faces the judgment of Scripture as I would paraphrase it: to us much has been given; of us, more is expected.
From Warner’s World, thanks John for the reminder,
Wayne
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Our Current Economic Crisis
"AN ECONOMIC CRISIS" – Friend John wrote the following:
“The current financial chaos is having a disastrous impact on society and is affecting almost everyone, either directly or indirectly, regardless of their level of income. In the business world, bankruptcy, plant closings, lay offs and unemployment is the worst in decades. Most Churches and Christian Ministries are feeling the negative effect and for some their very survival is at stake. While this unprecedented condition in recent decades is continuing to get worse there is often nothing being said of substance to encourage the people in the pew on Sunday. The promises of Scripture with prayerful exhortations to trust the Lord, is certainly one practical way to comfort and encourage the flock in the midst of the turmoil we are in.”
John and I live in an area heavily impacted by the obvious “economic crisis--one of the more critically impacted, in fact. The church I attend is one of few in our community not laying off staff et al. It is hard for me to believe John’s statement that says “while this unprecedented condition in recent decades is continuing to get worse there is often nothing being said of substance to encourage the people in the pew on Sunday.”
Without becoming too personal, I have, among others, experienced that economic crisis. I have also found reassuring verbal and financial support. I have been prayed over, prayed for, and repeatedly experienced real concern expressed by staff and church leaders in prayers, sermons, worship, and general practice.
The church has moved into supportive ministries in the community. I observe an ongoing concern expressed in a variety of ways to individuals. Without tilting left or right politically, the pastor expresses deep compassion in sermons, counseling, and conversation, and the church has exhibited a compassionate gospel. I see our local fellowship putting its money where its mouth is.
Looking at the larger picture, I see and hear more of what I’m experiencing locally. Thus, I can only hope that what John sees where he worships expresses the exception to the rule, for I cannot imagine Jesus lacking in awareness of the crises people experience--even an economic crisis.
This is Wayne at Warner’s World,
“The current financial chaos is having a disastrous impact on society and is affecting almost everyone, either directly or indirectly, regardless of their level of income. In the business world, bankruptcy, plant closings, lay offs and unemployment is the worst in decades. Most Churches and Christian Ministries are feeling the negative effect and for some their very survival is at stake. While this unprecedented condition in recent decades is continuing to get worse there is often nothing being said of substance to encourage the people in the pew on Sunday. The promises of Scripture with prayerful exhortations to trust the Lord, is certainly one practical way to comfort and encourage the flock in the midst of the turmoil we are in.”
John and I live in an area heavily impacted by the obvious “economic crisis--one of the more critically impacted, in fact. The church I attend is one of few in our community not laying off staff et al. It is hard for me to believe John’s statement that says “while this unprecedented condition in recent decades is continuing to get worse there is often nothing being said of substance to encourage the people in the pew on Sunday.”
Without becoming too personal, I have, among others, experienced that economic crisis. I have also found reassuring verbal and financial support. I have been prayed over, prayed for, and repeatedly experienced real concern expressed by staff and church leaders in prayers, sermons, worship, and general practice.
The church has moved into supportive ministries in the community. I observe an ongoing concern expressed in a variety of ways to individuals. Without tilting left or right politically, the pastor expresses deep compassion in sermons, counseling, and conversation, and the church has exhibited a compassionate gospel. I see our local fellowship putting its money where its mouth is.
Looking at the larger picture, I see and hear more of what I’m experiencing locally. Thus, I can only hope that what John sees where he worships expresses the exception to the rule, for I cannot imagine Jesus lacking in awareness of the crises people experience--even an economic crisis.
This is Wayne at Warner’s World,
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Message From Scotland
It is regrettable that the Scottish parliament met in Emergency Session to challenge the actions of Premier, Kenny MacAskill. I applaud Mr. MacAskill for his "political daring," in freeing Abdel Basset al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds because he is dying of cancer.
I support his criticism of Libya for the celebrations that greeted “the bomber’s” return to Tripoli. "A decision had to be made," MacAskill told the packed chamber in the Scottish capital. "It was based on the law of Scotland, and the values I believe we seek to uphold. It was not based on political, diplomatic or economic considerations."
Relatives of U.S. victims have strongly condemned the Scottish government over its decision to release Megrahi, 57 (the only person convicted of the bombing of the Pan Am jet over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988, killing 270 people). I am not oblivious of their feelings, nor am I opposed to rightful punishment. However, I believe “we” made our point by imprisoning the offender.
Political opponents now accuse MacAskill of bowing to political and/or economic pressure. Some even hint that Britain wanted the release because of Libyan oil. Obama expressed the “disgust” many feel with the “hero’s welcome.
Nonetheless, I rejoice that “someone in the world” could see more than revenge, the economics of oil, politics, and all the other “stuff.” Mr. MacAskill looked at a human being facing his greatest crisis in life and saw both a need and a deeper issue of “mercy.”
Behind that Islamic terrorist, there are family members who may, or may not have had anything to do with the Lockerbie bombing. Whether they did or not, is beside the point; they are also human beings. Premier MacAskill has granted to them their rightful responsibility to care for their family member, and ultimately to bury him.
In sending Megrahi home, MacAskill freed Scotland from the dubious task of caring for, and burying, this sick bomber. MacAskill has also made a powerful statement on behalf of many of us, for the common good of humanity. Call it grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, or whatever else you will, however it is received, it is the most powerful message that could be given in this instance.
Compassionate caring is always more powerful than hostility and hatred. Millions around the world spend their lives suffering from the overdose of hostility experienced world-wide.
Religion in the Middle East recognizes no such religious spirit, but I dare to believe Premier MacAskil recognized that the laws of Scotland have been heavily influenced by another great humanitarian. He crusaded for humanitarian causes, good relationships and equal rights for everyone some two thousand years ago. As I remember it, the religious leaders conspired with the military authorities and they crucified that man at a place called Calvary, near Jerusalem.
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
I support his criticism of Libya for the celebrations that greeted “the bomber’s” return to Tripoli. "A decision had to be made," MacAskill told the packed chamber in the Scottish capital. "It was based on the law of Scotland, and the values I believe we seek to uphold. It was not based on political, diplomatic or economic considerations."
Relatives of U.S. victims have strongly condemned the Scottish government over its decision to release Megrahi, 57 (the only person convicted of the bombing of the Pan Am jet over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988, killing 270 people). I am not oblivious of their feelings, nor am I opposed to rightful punishment. However, I believe “we” made our point by imprisoning the offender.
Political opponents now accuse MacAskill of bowing to political and/or economic pressure. Some even hint that Britain wanted the release because of Libyan oil. Obama expressed the “disgust” many feel with the “hero’s welcome.
Nonetheless, I rejoice that “someone in the world” could see more than revenge, the economics of oil, politics, and all the other “stuff.” Mr. MacAskill looked at a human being facing his greatest crisis in life and saw both a need and a deeper issue of “mercy.”
Behind that Islamic terrorist, there are family members who may, or may not have had anything to do with the Lockerbie bombing. Whether they did or not, is beside the point; they are also human beings. Premier MacAskill has granted to them their rightful responsibility to care for their family member, and ultimately to bury him.
In sending Megrahi home, MacAskill freed Scotland from the dubious task of caring for, and burying, this sick bomber. MacAskill has also made a powerful statement on behalf of many of us, for the common good of humanity. Call it grace, forgiveness, reconciliation, or whatever else you will, however it is received, it is the most powerful message that could be given in this instance.
Compassionate caring is always more powerful than hostility and hatred. Millions around the world spend their lives suffering from the overdose of hostility experienced world-wide.
Religion in the Middle East recognizes no such religious spirit, but I dare to believe Premier MacAskil recognized that the laws of Scotland have been heavily influenced by another great humanitarian. He crusaded for humanitarian causes, good relationships and equal rights for everyone some two thousand years ago. As I remember it, the religious leaders conspired with the military authorities and they crucified that man at a place called Calvary, near Jerusalem.
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Crisis of Terrorism
Responding to another paragraph from my friend John, I add some responses: John wrote (bold font):
A TERRORISM CRISIS – International “Terrorism” is the greatest threat that the Western World has ever had to deal with. The USA is engaged in the longest and potentially the most costly war in its history. The National danger has never been greater. Yet silence on this critical issue in the Church, week after week is a tragedy. It implies that the leaders are in denial re the urgency of the hour. Terrorism, due to the availability of weapons of mass destruction, is a danger to the whole human race. If ever there was a time for Christians to be concerned about the world situation it is today. Earnest prayer for our leaders concerning their wisdom, guidance and strength is desperately needed!
Terrorism is a word politicians like to bandy about, so I have reservations about it in church. I AGREE this is a time “for Christians to be concerned about the world situation…” I don’t know if John and I are on the same page as to how to respond to this great threat.
First, I found the previous Administration‘s “politicizing” of terrorism treacherous and traitorous. Beyond that, I find terrorism symbolic of a deeper ideological war.
Second, it goes deeper than merely Mohammed versus Jesus. The only way to correct terrorism (beyond full Christian redemption) is to acknowledge the “failed policies of militarism and selfish political nationalism” and pursue a new course of politics and economics based on the common good of humanity world-wide.
Third, any definition of terrorism should include the production and promotion of drugs (manufacturing, producing, selling, abusing) meth-labs, heroin and opium products for private and personal gain is an act of terrorism. It degenerates and demoralizes the character of our country.
Further expanding John’s concerns for terrorism, I would consider the following. After the Mumbai bombing, CNN reporter Fareed Zakaria explained events as he saw them. Muslims in India are marginalized, he said, not represented in government, and three times more unemployed than people of other religions. Therefore, he concluded, it is easy to radicalize Muslims in India.
Fouad Masri, a Lebanese Christian asks “What is it about Islam that radicalizes people to kill innocent bystanders? It can't be simply poor living conditions and being unrepresented in government. He sees thousands of Christians in Muslim countries facing the exact same situation--“unrepresented and unemployed.”
Yet, says Fouad, we have not seen Coptic Christian terrorists take the Pyramids at Giza, or marginalized Filipino Christians attacking the Burj-al-Arab hotel in Dubai. He wonders, if Islam teaches peace, as so many scholars insist upon, how can you radicalize a follower of that religion to kill innocent people?”
Fouad adds that he believes Jesus is right when saying “if you hate your brother you killed him.” He suggests what we saw in India, and around the world is nothing short of the depravity of humankind.
The truth is, whether it is a “Terrorist Act” in Iraq, a Drug Cartel shooting in Mexico, or a collapse on Wall Street, when we harbor hatred, we get murder. When we focus on selfish greed, we end up with the same moral dilemma.
Fouad admits Jesus “saved” him from his hate. Actually, Jesus has transformed all kinds of people throughout the centuries, and in many cultures. He is changing lives today. He can change your life … today.
From Warner’s World, if ever there was an important time for people to dialogue and engage with, and in,the world,sharing God’s way of love, it surely is now. . . People everywhere need to know God loves you, and so do I,
Wayne
A TERRORISM CRISIS – International “Terrorism” is the greatest threat that the Western World has ever had to deal with. The USA is engaged in the longest and potentially the most costly war in its history. The National danger has never been greater. Yet silence on this critical issue in the Church, week after week is a tragedy. It implies that the leaders are in denial re the urgency of the hour. Terrorism, due to the availability of weapons of mass destruction, is a danger to the whole human race. If ever there was a time for Christians to be concerned about the world situation it is today. Earnest prayer for our leaders concerning their wisdom, guidance and strength is desperately needed!
Terrorism is a word politicians like to bandy about, so I have reservations about it in church. I AGREE this is a time “for Christians to be concerned about the world situation…” I don’t know if John and I are on the same page as to how to respond to this great threat.
First, I found the previous Administration‘s “politicizing” of terrorism treacherous and traitorous. Beyond that, I find terrorism symbolic of a deeper ideological war.
Second, it goes deeper than merely Mohammed versus Jesus. The only way to correct terrorism (beyond full Christian redemption) is to acknowledge the “failed policies of militarism and selfish political nationalism” and pursue a new course of politics and economics based on the common good of humanity world-wide.
Third, any definition of terrorism should include the production and promotion of drugs (manufacturing, producing, selling, abusing) meth-labs, heroin and opium products for private and personal gain is an act of terrorism. It degenerates and demoralizes the character of our country.
Further expanding John’s concerns for terrorism, I would consider the following. After the Mumbai bombing, CNN reporter Fareed Zakaria explained events as he saw them. Muslims in India are marginalized, he said, not represented in government, and three times more unemployed than people of other religions. Therefore, he concluded, it is easy to radicalize Muslims in India.
Fouad Masri, a Lebanese Christian asks “What is it about Islam that radicalizes people to kill innocent bystanders? It can't be simply poor living conditions and being unrepresented in government. He sees thousands of Christians in Muslim countries facing the exact same situation--“unrepresented and unemployed.”
Yet, says Fouad, we have not seen Coptic Christian terrorists take the Pyramids at Giza, or marginalized Filipino Christians attacking the Burj-al-Arab hotel in Dubai. He wonders, if Islam teaches peace, as so many scholars insist upon, how can you radicalize a follower of that religion to kill innocent people?”
Fouad adds that he believes Jesus is right when saying “if you hate your brother you killed him.” He suggests what we saw in India, and around the world is nothing short of the depravity of humankind.
The truth is, whether it is a “Terrorist Act” in Iraq, a Drug Cartel shooting in Mexico, or a collapse on Wall Street, when we harbor hatred, we get murder. When we focus on selfish greed, we end up with the same moral dilemma.
Fouad admits Jesus “saved” him from his hate. Actually, Jesus has transformed all kinds of people throughout the centuries, and in many cultures. He is changing lives today. He can change your life … today.
From Warner’s World, if ever there was an important time for people to dialogue and engage with, and in,the world,sharing God’s way of love, it surely is now. . . People everywhere need to know God loves you, and so do I,
Wayne
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Moral Issue
Friend John suggests that we have A MORAL CRISIS … emphasized in bold print:
The Church is commissioned to be a beacon of light in the darkness of this world. Christians are called to be reflectors of righteousness in a sinful environment.
Currently among many professing believers, there is much compromise and even conformity to the common life-style of society at large. The lack of a strong Biblical teaching ministry on personal integrity and morality in the local Church, accounts for much of the disappointment and failure in character and conduct among believers.
This also explains the disturbing tolerance of sexual permissiveness among Christians. If the Church is ever going be “Salt and Light” morally and spiritually in the public arena, it must first have a genuine return to Scriptural teaching. Only an earnest congregational commitment can make this a reality in this critical hour in which we live.
I couldn’t agree with you more, John. Now, let me add some thoughts of my own.
1. We are called to holiness, to actively pursue right living and right relationships amid our sinful environment. The Church of God calls that a quest for holiness. Unfortunately, life in the church often reflects little difference from the culture around it. This is true of marriage, sexual behavior, economic behavior, and other areas of ethical behavior, in the pulpit and out.
Biblical Christianity calls us to return to Biblical behavior and not justify compromising behavior on cultural, psychological, and other oft-used bases. Divorce in the pew and in the pulpit is but one example of cultural adjustment that deemphasizes Scripture.
2. We do need more “sound Bible teaching” The cultural tolerance and sexually permissive waters in which we swim are fed by rivers of money--profit (god of the free market). It will take more than “more teaching and preaching;” there must be personal transformation driven by the ethics of Jesus.
Thieves, rapists, murderers, cheaters, and lawless in general, abound because people’s hearts are filled with themselves. NOBODY, but Nobody, IS GOING TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO! Where in the U.S. Constitution do you find it written that anyone has a right to drive drunk, or high on drugs, listening to A BOOM BOX that makes things rattle inside the closed homes of people they are passing by? Where do you find the right to corner a monopoly on the market and run a drug cartel, a milk cartel, or a housing market scandal?
3. The church will become salt and light only when it personalizes the words of Jesus about loving God and one another, including one’s enemies, and going into ALL the world. That may mean becoming your brother’s care-giver and going into prisons and helping rehabilitate addicts. It may include mingling among politicians and helping negotiate health coverage for everyone rather than jumping offside and crying foul ball--“socialism.” It may mean involvement in reconciling communities ravaged by racism, crying out against the insanity, the political selfishness and failed diplomacies of war. It cannot begin without loving people and meeting people needs.
I’ve probably gone far astray from what John originally had in mind, but have I strayed that far afield? Most distressing to me is the need for us to broaden our scope as we view the moral crisis in the current church-and-culture. We fiddle with symptoms and wonder why we have no cure.
From Warner’s World, I join Jim Wallis in urging a return to being “Red Letter Christians”--give first allegiance to Christ and let the chips fall wherever they will on the political platform!
Wayne
The Church is commissioned to be a beacon of light in the darkness of this world. Christians are called to be reflectors of righteousness in a sinful environment.
Currently among many professing believers, there is much compromise and even conformity to the common life-style of society at large. The lack of a strong Biblical teaching ministry on personal integrity and morality in the local Church, accounts for much of the disappointment and failure in character and conduct among believers.
This also explains the disturbing tolerance of sexual permissiveness among Christians. If the Church is ever going be “Salt and Light” morally and spiritually in the public arena, it must first have a genuine return to Scriptural teaching. Only an earnest congregational commitment can make this a reality in this critical hour in which we live.
I couldn’t agree with you more, John. Now, let me add some thoughts of my own.
1. We are called to holiness, to actively pursue right living and right relationships amid our sinful environment. The Church of God calls that a quest for holiness. Unfortunately, life in the church often reflects little difference from the culture around it. This is true of marriage, sexual behavior, economic behavior, and other areas of ethical behavior, in the pulpit and out.
Biblical Christianity calls us to return to Biblical behavior and not justify compromising behavior on cultural, psychological, and other oft-used bases. Divorce in the pew and in the pulpit is but one example of cultural adjustment that deemphasizes Scripture.
2. We do need more “sound Bible teaching” The cultural tolerance and sexually permissive waters in which we swim are fed by rivers of money--profit (god of the free market). It will take more than “more teaching and preaching;” there must be personal transformation driven by the ethics of Jesus.
Thieves, rapists, murderers, cheaters, and lawless in general, abound because people’s hearts are filled with themselves. NOBODY, but Nobody, IS GOING TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO! Where in the U.S. Constitution do you find it written that anyone has a right to drive drunk, or high on drugs, listening to A BOOM BOX that makes things rattle inside the closed homes of people they are passing by? Where do you find the right to corner a monopoly on the market and run a drug cartel, a milk cartel, or a housing market scandal?
3. The church will become salt and light only when it personalizes the words of Jesus about loving God and one another, including one’s enemies, and going into ALL the world. That may mean becoming your brother’s care-giver and going into prisons and helping rehabilitate addicts. It may include mingling among politicians and helping negotiate health coverage for everyone rather than jumping offside and crying foul ball--“socialism.” It may mean involvement in reconciling communities ravaged by racism, crying out against the insanity, the political selfishness and failed diplomacies of war. It cannot begin without loving people and meeting people needs.
I’ve probably gone far astray from what John originally had in mind, but have I strayed that far afield? Most distressing to me is the need for us to broaden our scope as we view the moral crisis in the current church-and-culture. We fiddle with symptoms and wonder why we have no cure.
From Warner’s World, I join Jim Wallis in urging a return to being “Red Letter Christians”--give first allegiance to Christ and let the chips fall wherever they will on the political platform!
Wayne
Monday, August 17, 2009
Unfinished Agenda
FOLLOWING THE LIGHT provides excellent documentary history of the teachings, testimonies, trials and triumphs of the Church of God Movement (Callen/Warner Press/2000/82. This is one of several books I have been reading and/or reviewing while rethinking issues involving who we are and why we are whatever it is we are.
I read Callen's book when published and found reviewing some of our better writers quite refreshing. Ben Reid especially inspired me. Facing the 21st century, Big Ben thought only of breaking down the walls: “The Church of God faces its second century with a full agenda marked ‘unfinished business.’”
“Back to the Blessed Old Bible” is a wonderful heritage hymn. Yet, as Ben wrote, it “must be more than a nostalgic reminiscence of our Bible-thumping, proof-texting pioneers.” Pretty strong language!
It must be, he insisted, “the under girding strength of our preaching, teaching, writing, and searching . . . without getting bogged down in semantic battles about plenary inspiration and infallible versus inerrant.”
The Church of God, he wrote, “must proclaim that the Bible is our only rule of faith and practice and is the only trustworthy revelation of God and his Christ and of God’s will for us through the Holy Spirit.” Note what he declared about breaking down the walls (italicized for clarity):
“Yes, after one hundred years we are still grappling with the problem, prospect, and potential of Christian unity. How exciting is the prospect that perhaps in our second century, should Jesus tarry, we shall learn more effectively how to put into practice our proclamation that there is ‘one way and one Spirit, one hope and one God!’
In our future, racism must continue to die among us so that we will no longer be embarrassed as we preach that we are a ‘united church for a divided world.’ Our arrogance must continue to die, so that truly we will ‘reach our hands in fellowship to every blood washed one” without our thinking that ‘coming home to Zion’ means coming to our Anderson-centered organization.
We must see that union in Christ, fellowship in Spirit, and unity in one spiritual body do not mean amalgamation into one organization. We must be a spiritual movement that ignores, overlooks, and works around denominational structures and rejoices in, relates to, and recognizes always our fellowship in the Spirit with every member of the body of Christ, whatever their racial or cultural heritage and whatever their theological or denominational history.”
Reid was a man many of us loved and respected immensely--a black man. Ben pleaded for the racial unity we practiced before we caved in to certain social and political norms. Big Ben was both a hulk of a man--300 plus; he was a spiritual giant who practiced what he preached as he led the Crenshaw Blvd church of Inglewood, CA well beyond 5,000 members.
Ben’s educational ministry formed the foundation for his powerful evangelistic ministry that was both ecumenical and evangelical. “Ecumenical” is a tainted word among us, although we profess to quest after holiness and unity.
Our “unfinished agenda” requires that we return to the Bible's “unfinished agenda.” Jesus left that “Go…“ word with the church (all of us)--all the world--all of it.
His agenda calls us to become one in purpose, regardless of ethnicity, doctrinal orientation, or church polity. Our mission is bigger than rallying the “true church” to Anderson, IN (or NAC). Our mission is more than competing with denominations we denegrate as “Babylon.” Jesus invites all of us us to cooperate, complement, and be HIS UNIVERSAL CHURCH, SO that by every means possible, we REVEAL HIM to a hurting world needing HIS HEALING.
Future “growth is assured as long as we believe and accept the Great Commission as our way of life,” concludes Ben. Future “impact upon the entire religious world [will be] assured as long as we remain open to the “wind of the Spirit.”
As a so-called Reformation Movement, we have presented a poor imitation of God’s church. We’ve been too busy threshing "Babylon" with “come-outism, too busy debating proper eschatology, too busy defending personal autonomy, too busy resisting personal accountability. These are secondary issues! However important they are to your ecclesiology, they do little to reveal the grace and glory of the MAN OF CALVARY.
Jesus really meant for everybody to know that God loves them, and that‘s about it from Warner’s World,
Wayne
I read Callen's book when published and found reviewing some of our better writers quite refreshing. Ben Reid especially inspired me. Facing the 21st century, Big Ben thought only of breaking down the walls: “The Church of God faces its second century with a full agenda marked ‘unfinished business.’”
“Back to the Blessed Old Bible” is a wonderful heritage hymn. Yet, as Ben wrote, it “must be more than a nostalgic reminiscence of our Bible-thumping, proof-texting pioneers.” Pretty strong language!
It must be, he insisted, “the under girding strength of our preaching, teaching, writing, and searching . . . without getting bogged down in semantic battles about plenary inspiration and infallible versus inerrant.”
The Church of God, he wrote, “must proclaim that the Bible is our only rule of faith and practice and is the only trustworthy revelation of God and his Christ and of God’s will for us through the Holy Spirit.” Note what he declared about breaking down the walls (italicized for clarity):
“Yes, after one hundred years we are still grappling with the problem, prospect, and potential of Christian unity. How exciting is the prospect that perhaps in our second century, should Jesus tarry, we shall learn more effectively how to put into practice our proclamation that there is ‘one way and one Spirit, one hope and one God!’
In our future, racism must continue to die among us so that we will no longer be embarrassed as we preach that we are a ‘united church for a divided world.’ Our arrogance must continue to die, so that truly we will ‘reach our hands in fellowship to every blood washed one” without our thinking that ‘coming home to Zion’ means coming to our Anderson-centered organization.
We must see that union in Christ, fellowship in Spirit, and unity in one spiritual body do not mean amalgamation into one organization. We must be a spiritual movement that ignores, overlooks, and works around denominational structures and rejoices in, relates to, and recognizes always our fellowship in the Spirit with every member of the body of Christ, whatever their racial or cultural heritage and whatever their theological or denominational history.”
Reid was a man many of us loved and respected immensely--a black man. Ben pleaded for the racial unity we practiced before we caved in to certain social and political norms. Big Ben was both a hulk of a man--300 plus; he was a spiritual giant who practiced what he preached as he led the Crenshaw Blvd church of Inglewood, CA well beyond 5,000 members.
Ben’s educational ministry formed the foundation for his powerful evangelistic ministry that was both ecumenical and evangelical. “Ecumenical” is a tainted word among us, although we profess to quest after holiness and unity.
Our “unfinished agenda” requires that we return to the Bible's “unfinished agenda.” Jesus left that “Go…“ word with the church (all of us)--all the world--all of it.
His agenda calls us to become one in purpose, regardless of ethnicity, doctrinal orientation, or church polity. Our mission is bigger than rallying the “true church” to Anderson, IN (or NAC). Our mission is more than competing with denominations we denegrate as “Babylon.” Jesus invites all of us us to cooperate, complement, and be HIS UNIVERSAL CHURCH, SO that by every means possible, we REVEAL HIM to a hurting world needing HIS HEALING.
Future “growth is assured as long as we believe and accept the Great Commission as our way of life,” concludes Ben. Future “impact upon the entire religious world [will be] assured as long as we remain open to the “wind of the Spirit.”
As a so-called Reformation Movement, we have presented a poor imitation of God’s church. We’ve been too busy threshing "Babylon" with “come-outism, too busy debating proper eschatology, too busy defending personal autonomy, too busy resisting personal accountability. These are secondary issues! However important they are to your ecclesiology, they do little to reveal the grace and glory of the MAN OF CALVARY.
Jesus really meant for everybody to know that God loves them, and that‘s about it from Warner’s World,
Wayne
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Do You Have a Doctrinal Crisis?
I misplaced this in my documents, took out a couple of days for painting, yard clean-up, and the like. Now that I‘ve found it I’m anxious to see what John suggests in (what he describes as) “A DOCTRINAL CRISIS.” His paragraph consists of 4 statements as follows (italicized for emphasis).
(1) Every Congregation needs to be reminded frequently about the basics of the New Testament Evangel.
(2) Today due to a soft-sell seeker friendly approach to Church growth, much is being taken for granted regarding the essentials of Christian Belief and the Experience of Salvation.
(3) Seldom in Worship, during Prayer, Praise or Preaching, do we hear references to Sin, the Cross, Repentance and Conversion. One reason why most Christians rarely witness to others is because the Lord Jesus is not the main focus of attention in the local Church where they attend.
(4)This is no doubt one of the reasons why surveys have revealed that many who profess to be born again also say they believe that Jesus is not necessarily the only way to heaven. This mindset in turn opens the door to doctrinal pluralism and effectively denies His Lordship.
What do I think, John … wow! There’s a lot of weighty stuff here! First, I cannot dispute that first statement. Any congregation that wants to be a truly New Testament Church must be grounded in the Scriptures. I admire John Wesley who strived to be a man of the Book. I have often wished I had spent more time in Scripture and less in non-scriptural studies, while in the active pastorate. Most denominations (including the Church of God) consistently fail here; it seems to be in the cultural air we breathe.
I am not much for beating up on Church Growth People, for numbers are important in God‘s scheme of things). Seeker friendly services are essential to the mission of the church. On the other hand, I note that Willow Creek now admits some failure here and is revamping their curriculum to correct their failure to sufficiently develop adequate discipleship.
I find this thought especially interesting: One reason why most Christians rarely witness to others is because the Lord Jesus is not the main focus of attention in the local Church where they attend. If john is correct, then what is our main focus upon? Other than the Lord Jesus Christ?
Unfortunately, I can think of lots of answers to that . . .In bygone days when I kept stats, it took 38 Church of God Christians to make 1 convert; today I’m sure that number is even higher and probably needs to be repented of.
John suggests a lack of preaching about Sin, the Cross, Repentance and Conversion. I’m bothered by much of the therapeutic preaching, problem solving, and sermons. I especially agree about the lack of “sin” preaching, but revivalism isn’t neither the necessary or the only viable method of evangelism. Growing churches come out of growing relationships. The church I attend has grown from 100 to 500 and the primary reason if friendship evangelism, one friend bringing another. I do, however, believe we need more preaching on the subjects John mentions.
As to the 4th point, I guess I would have to admit that I believe that anyone who finds Jesus is only one of several ways to heaven--as opposed to be THE WAY--such a person has only learned “about” Jesus and has never been experienced His transformation. There is a difference, which many in this age of relative truth have not yet discerned.
I do believe there can be doctrinal pluralism. I believe in congregational polity, but not everyone does. I am not a pre-millennialist, but I do not de-Christianize the person that is, although I believe it is badly flawed theology. Either Jesus is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE, or he is the biggest SCAM ARTIST of all history. He is one or the other but cannot be both.
The thread of doctrine runs through John’s paragraph--system of teaching. My conclusion is that you cannot build a house that will amount to anything without having both a firm foundation and a solid framework of belief around which to build it.
From Warner’s World, there could be a lot of churches out there with a doctrinal crisis; I only hope your's is not one of them,
Wayne . . .
Monday, August 10, 2009
Living Out Biblical Faith
When you come upon your enemy's ox or donkey going astray, you shall bring it back. When you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden and you would hold back from setting it free, you must help to set it free.
- Exodus 23:4-5
From Warner's World,
Wayne
- Exodus 23:4-5
From Warner's World,
Wayne
Online Networking
On Monday, August 3, 2009 the UK Archbishop allegedly criticized Facebook. Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service UNITED KINGDOM (ANS) reported the Archbishop believes that social networking websites, texting and e-mails are undermining community life.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, according to Ireland, is Archbishop Vincent Nichols who said MySpace and Facebook lead young people to seek "transient" friendships, with quantity becoming more important than quality. Reporting on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC),Nichols concluded a key factor in suicide among young people was the trauma caused when such loose relationships collapsed.
"Friendship is not a commodity," the Archbishop told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, adding: "Friendship is something that is hard work and enduring when it's right." He insisted society is losing some of its ability to build communities through inter-personal communication, as the result of excessive use of texts and e-mails rather than face-to-face meetings or telephone conversations.
Nichols said skills such as reading a person's mood and body language were in decline, and that exclusive use of electronic information had a "dehumanizing" effect on community life. He further suggested that social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace encouraged a form of communication that was not in his words "rounded," and would not therefore build rounded communities.
Thus, the churchman further warned of the danger of suicide among young people who threw themselves into a network of friendships that could easily collapse. He said young people were being encouraged to build up collections of friends as commodities, and were left desolate when these transient relationships broke down. "Facebook and MySpace might contribute towards communities, but I'm wary about it," he told the newspaper.
I’m not a sympathizer of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, but I fully agree with the Archbishop. One has only to observe the process. I became aware of it when I started being put on hold so someone that called me could take an incoming call while I twiddled my thumbs (or hung up). Better to hang up and say getting another call is more important than talking to me ... better to call back than just leave me dangling. I’m sorry, but I call that rudeness and shallowness ... misplaced values.
Such networking sites have much going for them, but they also encourage a tendency to amass “friendships” (networks) a mile wide and an inch deep. There is a place for such sites, but with them should come the recognition of awareness that there are negative side effects and we need to use with discretion and properly-placed values.
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, according to Ireland, is Archbishop Vincent Nichols who said MySpace and Facebook lead young people to seek "transient" friendships, with quantity becoming more important than quality. Reporting on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC),Nichols concluded a key factor in suicide among young people was the trauma caused when such loose relationships collapsed.
"Friendship is not a commodity," the Archbishop told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, adding: "Friendship is something that is hard work and enduring when it's right." He insisted society is losing some of its ability to build communities through inter-personal communication, as the result of excessive use of texts and e-mails rather than face-to-face meetings or telephone conversations.
Nichols said skills such as reading a person's mood and body language were in decline, and that exclusive use of electronic information had a "dehumanizing" effect on community life. He further suggested that social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace encouraged a form of communication that was not in his words "rounded," and would not therefore build rounded communities.
Thus, the churchman further warned of the danger of suicide among young people who threw themselves into a network of friendships that could easily collapse. He said young people were being encouraged to build up collections of friends as commodities, and were left desolate when these transient relationships broke down. "Facebook and MySpace might contribute towards communities, but I'm wary about it," he told the newspaper.
I’m not a sympathizer of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, but I fully agree with the Archbishop. One has only to observe the process. I became aware of it when I started being put on hold so someone that called me could take an incoming call while I twiddled my thumbs (or hung up). Better to hang up and say getting another call is more important than talking to me ... better to call back than just leave me dangling. I’m sorry, but I call that rudeness and shallowness ... misplaced values.
Such networking sites have much going for them, but they also encourage a tendency to amass “friendships” (networks) a mile wide and an inch deep. There is a place for such sites, but with them should come the recognition of awareness that there are negative side effects and we need to use with discretion and properly-placed values.
From Warner’s World,
Wayne
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Do You Have a Prayer Crisis?
My friend and I are enjoyng an interesting and ongoing discussion. Both retired from pastoral ministry, we both stay busy while eagerly pursuing trends in the church. John recently sent me an assessment of current Christianity as he sees it, which an editor published. If I respond a subject at a time, I can do several shorter-than-usual (for me) blogs and interact with John at the same time, so here's a couple of thoughts.
John was a “Brit” via Canada. He has an Assembly of God heritage, with extensive experience with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, the U Methodist Church, the Missionary Church and the Church of God, Anderson. First on the list he gave me is “A PRAYER CRISIS”. :
The Lord Jesus said the Church is to be a “House of Prayer”! How sad that in many Sunday Worship Services only about three to four minutes out of about ninety are given over to the vital matter of Prayer each week. And often much of what is voiced in prayer is repetitious from the previous week, except for the addition of any current concerns for those of the Church family that have some new or ongoing problem.
It is obvious that in these situations the congregation is self-centered as there is no reference to anything outside their local situation. Sadly, many of these congregations wonder why they do not grow numerically. Ironically, if any of the following “Crisis” matters were voiced before those same people, they would readily agree that these issues are valid subjects for urgent prayer and intercession.
I have to agree about the “House of Prayer.” I remember realizing as a pastor how little of our church activity was adequately doused in anything other than a brief and perfunctory prayer to officially open whatever function it might be. Can you imagine the Church Board dividing one of its meetings into one hour of prayer and one hour of business? Unheard of!
When was the last time you listened to a serious Pastoral Prayer? The last one I heard by my pastor was “filled” with congregational wants, aspirations, and needs. Yes, there was submissiveness to the Divine Will, but in thinking back, it was too “full of us” and too empty of praise, thanksgiving, adoration. It was taking the car to the gas station and getting a fill-up, mostly all about us.
I grant you, I frequently hear prayers that petition for world needs, for local military personnel, and for people with serious needs. Yet, as a fulltime caregiver, I confess I have almost stopped “asking” God for additional blessings on my spouse. I became aware that God had already answered so many prayers, and extended so many blessings, to maintain good conscience I simply Thank Him for all those other blessings and take comfort in being in His will.
I'm not sure I pray enough. Yet, I carry on a thought-filled conversation with God most days. When the Air Force discharged me in 1947, they released me because “they said” my spouse would only live 3-12 months--”C“ word. They were not playing God; they just gave me the medical facts, except they did not know “all” the facts, nor did I.
God was good enough to give us a lifetime together. In that time, one of the things I have learned is the F Word--faith. Give more thanks and ask for less. To paraphrase a book Stan Toler wrote, God may have scared us a few times, but he has never let us down yet!
From Warner’s World, what do you think?
Wayne
John was a “Brit” via Canada. He has an Assembly of God heritage, with extensive experience with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, the U Methodist Church, the Missionary Church and the Church of God, Anderson. First on the list he gave me is “A PRAYER CRISIS”. :
The Lord Jesus said the Church is to be a “House of Prayer”! How sad that in many Sunday Worship Services only about three to four minutes out of about ninety are given over to the vital matter of Prayer each week. And often much of what is voiced in prayer is repetitious from the previous week, except for the addition of any current concerns for those of the Church family that have some new or ongoing problem.
It is obvious that in these situations the congregation is self-centered as there is no reference to anything outside their local situation. Sadly, many of these congregations wonder why they do not grow numerically. Ironically, if any of the following “Crisis” matters were voiced before those same people, they would readily agree that these issues are valid subjects for urgent prayer and intercession.
I have to agree about the “House of Prayer.” I remember realizing as a pastor how little of our church activity was adequately doused in anything other than a brief and perfunctory prayer to officially open whatever function it might be. Can you imagine the Church Board dividing one of its meetings into one hour of prayer and one hour of business? Unheard of!
When was the last time you listened to a serious Pastoral Prayer? The last one I heard by my pastor was “filled” with congregational wants, aspirations, and needs. Yes, there was submissiveness to the Divine Will, but in thinking back, it was too “full of us” and too empty of praise, thanksgiving, adoration. It was taking the car to the gas station and getting a fill-up, mostly all about us.
I grant you, I frequently hear prayers that petition for world needs, for local military personnel, and for people with serious needs. Yet, as a fulltime caregiver, I confess I have almost stopped “asking” God for additional blessings on my spouse. I became aware that God had already answered so many prayers, and extended so many blessings, to maintain good conscience I simply Thank Him for all those other blessings and take comfort in being in His will.
I'm not sure I pray enough. Yet, I carry on a thought-filled conversation with God most days. When the Air Force discharged me in 1947, they released me because “they said” my spouse would only live 3-12 months--”C“ word. They were not playing God; they just gave me the medical facts, except they did not know “all” the facts, nor did I.
God was good enough to give us a lifetime together. In that time, one of the things I have learned is the F Word--faith. Give more thanks and ask for less. To paraphrase a book Stan Toler wrote, God may have scared us a few times, but he has never let us down yet!
From Warner’s World, what do you think?
Wayne
Monday, August 3, 2009
117th "Historic Warner Camp"
Naysayers complain of dying camp meetings and other negative perspectives. Had D.S. Warner visited last week’s 117th WARNER MEMORIAL FAMILY CAMP, he would have found camp meeting alive and well!
Joseph Fisher came into the area in late 1882. In June 1883 Fisher, Daniel S. Warner, and S. Michels hosted the first area Church of God camp meeting. It was a non-spectacular event, typical camp meeting of the time, but it proved pivotal in Church of God history. For 12 years--1884-1896--Warner published Gospel Trumpet literature from Grand Junction. His publishing ministry became established and in 1892, Michels, Joseph Smith--father of FG--and committee purchased the farm on Lester Lake that today hosts WARNER MEMORIAL CONFERENCE AND RETREAT CENTER.
Camp Meeting is alive and well at Grand Junction. It is neither the oldest, biggest, nor greatest, and not strictly “camp meeting” in early vernacular. Few people present this year had a broader view than mine; I attended first in 1927 or 1928 as best I know--infant in arms (you count the years).
The Church of God (Anderson) exists within the camp meeting tradition. Few camp meetings reflect the original perspectives of Warner’s “reformers” better than WARNER FAMILY CAMP. In some respects, Warner Camp continues to lead the way. Now a year round conference and retreat center, it heavily emphasizes youth and family camping. “Camp Meeting” today is best described as WARNER FAMILY CAMP. Following are some random observations from this year.
1. “Family Centered”
Planned for the family; scheduling is somewhat “laid back.” Drive-in’s come, but do not find the schedule “packed” for their appearance. Campers and families do find time for swimming, camping, visiting, “coffeeing,” reading, or just walking around.
2. Environmentally sensitive.
I enjoy people-watching. I loved watching the preschoolers! They did all the things they do--watched by all yet (sometimes) seemingly watched by no one--freely and safely. Adolescents, youth, young adults, tottering seniors pursue appropriate activities. As an active participant, I found it profoundly moving--hugely refreshing. All the while, we were supported by an exceptionally fine CORE STAFF of college youth (representing AU, Hope College, and elsewhere), serving under Doc Stevens’ (our Resident Director) “servant” banner.
3. Broad Participation
Seeing friends old and new is expansive. I spoke with Robert Malzon--among others. Robert came from Russia. Robert’s wife came from East Poland. They met in Fritzlar, Germany and came stateside--mid-50’s. They have attended WMC “every” year since! We had a lot of seniors doing all the things seniors do, but every age had abundant activities--inside and out, including the youngest--truly “family” camp!
4. Inspiration
Evenings we gathered at the old Tabernacle for inspirational singing, moving testimonies, and stirring sermons. Dr. Jeannette Flynn may be Director of a National Agency, but she revealed a down-home Ohio farm girl. Her infectious laughter and exemplary vulnerability peeled off that “Anderson veneer,” as she dared to reference some of the hot button issues between our “Chog traditions” and “what the bible teaches”. “Historic” Warner Camp is not tradition bound, but we do honor Scripture.
5. Koinonia
More than a sacred place for a Civil Rights farm, Koinonia is a New Testament Greek word describing a special kind of fellowship--in short supply today. I found koinonia last week, in the openness, the acceptance, the inclusiveness of a diverse body of believers--true integrity. We didn’t all have the same skin color. Obviously, we did not all belong to the same generation. We came from diverse perspectives, but we were ONE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST--Anglo-Afro-Hispanic-European-Americans. WMC often lacks sufficient “color,” but I was especially impressed by the increasing number of “ethnic” children in our midst. We do have diversity, as well as ...
6. Unity
Camp opened with a marvelous concert by Tim Zimmerman’s “King’s Brass.” This Trans-denominational group brought a class act of 9 professional musicians that travel a broad denominational spectrum. Guests included Wycliff literacy missionaries from Papua, New Guinea. Evangelist Flynn drove in from Church of God Ministries--Anderson, IN. WMC campers believe deeply in a United Church for a Divided World and practice being more than Christians Broadcasting Hope; they practice the intentional denominational diversity that D. S. Warner sought when he stepped outside of denominationalism to worship with “the whole family of God.”
7. Diversity
Unity and diversity are not always one and the same. The Church of God is struggling with its diversity! There are deep differences as we attempt to live out the Scriptures, but we remain far more than a loose association of clones and carboned copies. While we struggle to balance our tradition of autonomy, congregational rule, et al, we recognize the social obligations members of the BODY OF CHRIST owe to one another.
Words feel flat and lackluster when describing the vitality I saw last week, but it offers more hope for a positive future for the Church of God than I have seen in recent years. This is Wayne at
Walking With Warner
Joseph Fisher came into the area in late 1882. In June 1883 Fisher, Daniel S. Warner, and S. Michels hosted the first area Church of God camp meeting. It was a non-spectacular event, typical camp meeting of the time, but it proved pivotal in Church of God history. For 12 years--1884-1896--Warner published Gospel Trumpet literature from Grand Junction. His publishing ministry became established and in 1892, Michels, Joseph Smith--father of FG--and committee purchased the farm on Lester Lake that today hosts WARNER MEMORIAL CONFERENCE AND RETREAT CENTER.
Camp Meeting is alive and well at Grand Junction. It is neither the oldest, biggest, nor greatest, and not strictly “camp meeting” in early vernacular. Few people present this year had a broader view than mine; I attended first in 1927 or 1928 as best I know--infant in arms (you count the years).
The Church of God (Anderson) exists within the camp meeting tradition. Few camp meetings reflect the original perspectives of Warner’s “reformers” better than WARNER FAMILY CAMP. In some respects, Warner Camp continues to lead the way. Now a year round conference and retreat center, it heavily emphasizes youth and family camping. “Camp Meeting” today is best described as WARNER FAMILY CAMP. Following are some random observations from this year.
1. “Family Centered”
Planned for the family; scheduling is somewhat “laid back.” Drive-in’s come, but do not find the schedule “packed” for their appearance. Campers and families do find time for swimming, camping, visiting, “coffeeing,” reading, or just walking around.
2. Environmentally sensitive.
I enjoy people-watching. I loved watching the preschoolers! They did all the things they do--watched by all yet (sometimes) seemingly watched by no one--freely and safely. Adolescents, youth, young adults, tottering seniors pursue appropriate activities. As an active participant, I found it profoundly moving--hugely refreshing. All the while, we were supported by an exceptionally fine CORE STAFF of college youth (representing AU, Hope College, and elsewhere), serving under Doc Stevens’ (our Resident Director) “servant” banner.
3. Broad Participation
Seeing friends old and new is expansive. I spoke with Robert Malzon--among others. Robert came from Russia. Robert’s wife came from East Poland. They met in Fritzlar, Germany and came stateside--mid-50’s. They have attended WMC “every” year since! We had a lot of seniors doing all the things seniors do, but every age had abundant activities--inside and out, including the youngest--truly “family” camp!
4. Inspiration
Evenings we gathered at the old Tabernacle for inspirational singing, moving testimonies, and stirring sermons. Dr. Jeannette Flynn may be Director of a National Agency, but she revealed a down-home Ohio farm girl. Her infectious laughter and exemplary vulnerability peeled off that “Anderson veneer,” as she dared to reference some of the hot button issues between our “Chog traditions” and “what the bible teaches”. “Historic” Warner Camp is not tradition bound, but we do honor Scripture.
5. Koinonia
More than a sacred place for a Civil Rights farm, Koinonia is a New Testament Greek word describing a special kind of fellowship--in short supply today. I found koinonia last week, in the openness, the acceptance, the inclusiveness of a diverse body of believers--true integrity. We didn’t all have the same skin color. Obviously, we did not all belong to the same generation. We came from diverse perspectives, but we were ONE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST--Anglo-Afro-Hispanic-European-Americans. WMC often lacks sufficient “color,” but I was especially impressed by the increasing number of “ethnic” children in our midst. We do have diversity, as well as ...
6. Unity
Camp opened with a marvelous concert by Tim Zimmerman’s “King’s Brass.” This Trans-denominational group brought a class act of 9 professional musicians that travel a broad denominational spectrum. Guests included Wycliff literacy missionaries from Papua, New Guinea. Evangelist Flynn drove in from Church of God Ministries--Anderson, IN. WMC campers believe deeply in a United Church for a Divided World and practice being more than Christians Broadcasting Hope; they practice the intentional denominational diversity that D. S. Warner sought when he stepped outside of denominationalism to worship with “the whole family of God.”
7. Diversity
Unity and diversity are not always one and the same. The Church of God is struggling with its diversity! There are deep differences as we attempt to live out the Scriptures, but we remain far more than a loose association of clones and carboned copies. While we struggle to balance our tradition of autonomy, congregational rule, et al, we recognize the social obligations members of the BODY OF CHRIST owe to one another.
Words feel flat and lackluster when describing the vitality I saw last week, but it offers more hope for a positive future for the Church of God than I have seen in recent years. This is Wayne at
Walking With Warner
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