Our Reasonable Liturgy

This is part 2 of 4 on "What is Acceptable Worship." The title of this message is:

"Our Reasonable Liturgy."

It is amazing to see how much a biblical liturgy makes a difference.



Here's the link.

What Is Acceptable Worship?

Listen to the 1st of a 4 part series on "What is Acceptable Worship?" This will blow your mind.




Here's the link.

I must say, Rev. Jesse is the best minister I have ever sat under. It is truly a joy to be led by him.

Serving the Wrong Church

There was a time when I wrote for a blog titled "Preach Like Jeremiah." I eventually closed that blog because I thought I was done with blogging, at least for a time. Then, I opened this blog. I've enjoyed writing for it, but this too will soon close.

As of late, I've been writing for several magazines. It's truly been a joy, but I've come to realize I cannot continue doing 'all these things.' Something has to go, and it will most likely be this blog. My current efforts have been toward writing for magazines, studying in seminary, and attempting to plant a church in San Diego (necessarily implied is my family). So, I will focus on that for the time being. In the meanwhile, I will write every so often on this blog until I fully close it down, but you won't be without contact with me. I am going to develop a general newsletter for the church (hopefully it develops) and you can keep in touch that way.

Thank you for all your support in the matter and registering for this blog. I hope you've learned a thing or two. I know I have...

So, why the title: "Serving the Wrong Church"?

The answer is relatively simple.

Since attending seminary, I've learned more about the church and how it should function than I ever have before. In addition to that, I can look back on my previous church experiences and note what things did not go well. This helps me to make sure I do not endeavor in the same mistakes as we plant this church.

One of those mistakes is 'serving the wrong church.' Now, what do I mean by that?

Typically, in the announcements section of the church service, you always hear:

"We have a need in children's ministry. Please volunteer."

or

"Utilize your gifts; please serve as an usher/greeter."

or

"We need some people to help set up for church service and break down; please help."

or

"We are short on our income; start giving regularly as you're called to."

And the list goes on. I must say, all these things are good and well. We need members in the church to serve the church, but...

SERVICE IS NOT LIMITED TO INSIDE THE 4 WALLS OF THE CHURCH!

Let me ask you this.

If you're a senior citizen or an older woman, when was the last time a young, single man asked you if he could help you with your lawn?

Or when was the last time a young married couple asked you if you needed work done around the house?

If you're a widow, when was the last time anyone asked you if they could cook a meal or two for you?

If you're a single mother or father, when was the last time someone in the church asked if they could help you with your children?

You see, the only time people really hear that they need to serve is when the church, as it functions on Sundays, needs help. Occasionally, you'll hear about cooking meals when someone has a baby, but that's about it. What about when a father is away on military service? Is the church body there to help during the entire deployment? I've seen it where they are there for a week or two, but that's about it.

You see folks, we need each other. I don't think that's quite preached as often as it should be. Let me say it again, WE NEED EACH OTHER!

God has created us as a communal people. It started in the Garden. Nothing has changed.

So, consider how you serve. Is it always on Sundays, or are you actually looking to serve the actual church, and not merely the church that has 4 walls?

As I share this with people, one of the first questions they ask is, "Where can I see this modeled?" My honest answer is: I have not seen it modeled.

This is why I want to model this type of service. Yes, we are to serve on the Lord's Day, but it does not end there.

I hope to later write about, "Church as Community and Family versus Church as Clique." I see that far too often. There are these little cliques inside the 4 walls of the church, and the people within those clicks never venture to make contact with others. They have their friends and that's it.

If you're an evangelist, you hang out with the evangelists. If you're a homeschooling family, you hang out with the homeschooling families. If you're single, you hang out with the singles.

And the list goes on.

I cannot stress this enough people, that we need each other. Consider your service to the actual church and consider your relationships in the church. Is it restricted? Or better yet, have you restricted it?

Reach out. Talk to others who are not like you. Serve the single mothers and fathers in their homes; serve the elderly in their homes. Serve the families in their homes. See how you help. Mow their lawns, clean their windows, mop their floors. And if they have children whom normally do this, see in what other ways you can serve.

This is the CHURCH; this is COMMUNITY!

Well, I can write more. These are things I am learning; these are far too often all the mistakes I see being made, and...

These are the things I, by the grace of God, plan to correct in my church (if the Lord allows me to shepherd His people).

www.churchplantpointloma.com

For the Jehovah's Witnesses

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἀληθινὸς θεὸς καὶ ζωὴ αἰώνιος.

This says:

He is the true God and eternal life.

Who is the "he"?

The "he" is Jesus Christ.

καὶ ἐσμὲν ἐν τῷ ἀληθινῷ, ἐν τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ.

This says:

And we have the truth, in his Son Jesus Christ.

This follows:

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἀληθινὸς θεὸς καὶ ζωὴ αἰώνιος.

Thus, Jesus Christ is eternal life and the true God.

Have fun!

**This is 1 John 5:20.

John 10:16 Conference

Keep your eyes open. We will soon be releasing the website for the John 10:16 Conference, focusing on "God's Wrath or Redemption."

You can start to get the word out by visiting the home page of the site. Click here, and pass the word!

If you're eager enough, you can register now, although we are officially taking registration March 1.

We are hoping to make our visit to New York annual. Keep your eyes open!

Leon

Re: Help Satisfied

We found help. Thank you for your consideration in the matter.

Due to a dear friend's assistance, we now have a location for our Bible study. CLICK HERE to read about it, and hopefully attend (if you're in the area).

Church Plant Point Loma

Need Help (Urgent)

As you know, I am attempting to plant a church in San Diego, CA. This has been a consuming task. All the paperwork, all the items needed (which I will later post a list of things we need to purchase), all the time driving here and there, and lastly, a place to hold the Bible study.

After making so many calls, I've found a place. This particular place charges ($). The rate in which I qualify is non-commercial ($43.50/hour). If I am a non-profit, the rate is $5/hour.

This is where you come in...

If you are a non-profit, and would consider sponsoring me for this Bible study, all that is needed is the paperwork stating you are a non-profit and a signed letter stating you are sponsoring this particular Bible study.

If you will do that, my rate will only be $5/hour and we can pay for the next 6 months. If not, however, the rate is $43.50.

Please email me if you are willing to help:

eteam@evangelismteam.com

Leon
www.churchplantpointloma.com