CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE CHURCH

There is robust debate as to the exact truth regarding the global climate. Protests abound only to be dismissed by the rolling of the eyes.  The effects or non keep the present culture engaged in discussions; each group believing they wield the stronger argument.

There seems to be (admittedly my personal view) a climate shift from the spiritual life found in Bible revelation compared to the climate of the church today.

The beginning of the church in the book of Acts was vibrant with community.  Sacrifice and surrender overrode self.  Devotion to the certainty that Jesus was not only God's Son; but had resurrected from the dead as well, was a stunning doctrine that changed the climate of religionists.

What is known by historians as the Age of Enlightenment sprouted in the 1700s. Knowledge and reason become both prominent and dominant.  From noting key developments from this field, it seems that the church, simultaneously and unknowingly, enter an Age of Endarkment.

Faith was continued to be called faith.  But it seems it was interpreted in the church to mean logic; human logic.  Journeys became steps.  Community was reduced to fundamental individualism.  The fruit of that age may be more than we can overcome.

I'm far too frail to grasp even this which I write.  So know that while you endure this or any discussion of mine.  Yet, it seems that Individualism cuts against the grain of the Community church because the Age of Enlightenment brought about a sense of individual power which meant a new kind of aggressive climbing of the ladder.

Our doctrinal challenges of this present climate have as much to do with our view of power as much as His revelation in Scripture.  Devoted Individualism keeps us on the hunt for the church that pleases me when the Scriptures call us to be on the hunt for those many in number who know not the name of Jesus.

Will we be able to survive us?  Will communities of seekers be able to survive us as well?

There has been a strong climate change in the church; one of commitment to self.  This must be reversed; yet, I have no idea how far gone I am in this swirl of humanistic spirituality.

What are we to do?  My estimation is that we become aware that God created us lest we serve a god that we have created.  Bending the Bible to fit our pet slants is nothing new.  Yielding to its call is, also, what men and women have tried to do for centuries.

We want to be in on the latter.  And if we are to be, the challenge will be steep and costly.  Dying that others might live is always the pattern of the Jesus format.  That others get what they need over what I prefer is easily typed onto a blog post.  It is also easily read.  But, it contains a risky depth that will surely, but very necessarily, press us.

Climate change is very needed in the church.  Pray for our ability to have the courage, the faith, and the stamina to do this well that others may come to believe that God is not just a Higher Power; but is a personal living Father.