Emerge was awesome tonight!!

I can’t explain what a joy it is to be able to worship with good friends and see God’s love demonstrated to new visitors by the community of believers at Trinity. Josh’s message tonight was genuine and definitive, clearly stating our simple purpose - love the Lord with all your being and extend that love to your “neighbor.” He also took some time to conduct a powerful interview exposing the salvation story of one of the guys who is so passionate about living out that command. The worship, though supported by a light number of band members, was just awesome. God is constantly reminding me in my heart that true worship has no required amount of band members but is just a heart’s natural response when exposed to His character. Again, to be able to share in that with these people that I love is so encouraging. What a privilege!

If you haven’t come out to Trinity but are thinking about it, I encourage you to give it a shot. You’re not “choosing” a church, but are taking the first step in discovering the Truth that changes lives and awards eternal purpose.

Thanks to all the awesome people who come out and to all the volunteers who make it their joy to see God’s work being carried out at Trinity. Keep serving and keep reaching out to your “neighbors.” Acts 2, here we come.

Last night I read 1 Thessalonians 4. Verse 11 and 12 present an interesting biblical concept:

“…aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”

This past week I was listening on Charles Stanley speaking on a similar concept - maintaining Jesus’ “reputation” by how you live your life. The Bible clearly warns against becoming superficial and worrying about how you are perceived, but also seems contradictory in verses such as the one above which seem to indicate that appearance and reputation do count in the Christian life.

I love mixing these perspectives… though they seem opposite, God may be indicating that a simple life is devoid of mindless distractions (gossip!) and meaningless pursuits — a kind of focused, intentional, and selfless lifestyle that glorifies the Lord and gives Him great reknown. But does the “quiet” lifestyle demand an introverted hermitage in order that peace be maintained? Certainly not — I’m reminded of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg in calm protest of the corruption in the Catholic church. Though his actions were more of a “scholarly objection” than a confrontation with the church, his example marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent revival of the church. As we see from Luther’s example, the “quiet” life which is seen “…properly before outsiders” does not require complacency, but conviction, respect, and self-control which often are lauded by secular onlookers and Christians alike. I think in that situation God is glorified and His “reputation” is made evident.

I have a lot of work to do in this area, and I’m sure you do as well. Do all things for God’s glory and let all situations glorify Him. That’s a good start.

From OnePlace.com - the “White Horse Inn” broadcast takes a look into the philosophy and religion of Joel Osteen, leader of the biggest “church” in America.
Grab the MP3 here. (Right-click to save.)

Also, John Piper on the issue of the “prosperity gospel”.

These are divisive issues. Thoughts?