Ephesians 6.4

I have noticed for quite some time how parents seem to be having a harder time with their children than they used to. I realize that children since Adam and Eve's little ones have acted up and I know it will not stop. The problem now seems to be one that is different though. Let me explain.

I'm not sure when it started but for some reason parents have stopped being parents. They seem to be more interested in being their child's buddy or friend rather than his/her leader, protector and role model. The parents appear to be more interested in "hanging out" with their children than disciplining, correcting and teaching their children. If you think about it it makes sense though. It is much easier to be a buddy, pal, or friend than a disciplinarian, leader, or role model. The latter is not fun and makes the children mad. They don't want to be corrected, disciplined, or taught. They just want someone to give them what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. I know. I was a child once myself.

The problem with the above scenario is that the little ones that have been intrusted to us do not have the maturity, knowledge or history of mistake-making that we adults have. It is our duty and responsibility to teach them and that may involve hurting their feelings which may in turn prevent a larger hurt from happening down the road. It will make them mad when we disagree and correct them. Our job is not to be their friend, that will come when they are older. Our job is to lovingly correct, discipline, lead, and teach them to make good choices and pray that they will use that knowledge when they are older.

This Could Be a Wild One

I titled this article "This Could Be a Wild One" because this post could be one with many different comments and views. Here goes...

I was recently saddened by this article. I think the content and purpose of what the article is about will come across at first glance as good and productive. But when you really read it the article seems to shed some light on where the church as a whole within the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) is headed.

I actually think there is a quote in the article from the pastor that really sheds some light on the subject.
"He did describe it as “the most unusual day we have ever had in the life of this church.”"

To me, if I were a member I would pay attention to the changes that start happening in the church. The "Interpretative Movement" and "Dance" that already takes place would be enough for me take great notice anyway.

Another issue that really bothers me is where do these ideas come from.

"Lee said he received the idea for the series after reading “Confessions of a Pastor: Adventures in Dropping the Pose and Getting Real with God” by Craig Groeschel."

Groeschel, who launched Life Church in Edmond, Okla., in 1996, started out doing market research with non-churchgoers in the area and has a church that is gigantic and to me, very emergent friendly. On a side note...I have always paid close attention to the people someone listens to and the books that they read. The people who influence us have a huge impact on our thinking and practice.

I think my big concern with the sermon is:

1. I think Pastor Lee was showboating to get a lot of press and attention

2. Though he says he is not, Lee appears to be apologizing for Christian's view that homosexuality, shacking up, abortion is a sin.

3. "Lee quoted from “Unchristian,” a book recently released by the Barna Research Group, which reported that in a scientific poll 18-28 year-olds perceived the Church as “judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant.”

Well, if Barna says something we had better jump to fix it. Calling sin sin offends people and gets us labeled as "judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant."

"“Folks, they are not leaving the Church, they have already left. What are we doing to bring them back?” he asked the crowded sanctuary in each of the three morning services."

As I have said many times before, it is not our job to populate the church with lost people. The church are the called out ones, the saved.

“For me, I cannot stand in front of God and tell Him that I did nothing to reverse that perception. It’s important to know that the 18-28 year-olds are not against Christ; in fact, they tell pollsters that they have fond feelings for Him and believe in God. But the bottom line is that the Church is still perceived as judgmental, homophobic, and irrelevant” rather than for our love for them. "

Fond feelings and and $1.50 will buy you a cup of coffee at the Waffle House. Fond feelings have NEVER granted forgiveness to anyone from the Holy Throne of God.

I am not saying that I am opposed to all of the sermon. I think it has some points but mainly is full of trite comments.

What do you think?

Quote of the Moment

"Temptation usually comes in through a door that has deliberately been left open."
--Arnold Glasow