Spiritualism movements in Christianity kind of function this way…where’s the revival again? People run to see it – asking little questions along the way…like what does ‘revival’ even mean and look like?
Historically, ‘revivals’ ‘renewals’ or what ever you want to call ‘it’ have come with great repentance both individual, locally and sometimes nationally. Throughout the Bible whenever God ‘’showed up” people reacted with totally realisation of their own unworthiness…”Woe is me for I am undone”.
I wonder how many people would be rushing to where God has ‘’shown up” if they knew that this is consequence of what can really happen when God chooses to reveal Himself to us.
Let me play “Devil’s Advocate” (pun not quite intended, but hey who cares!)
My grandson aged 9 plays soccer. I enjoy watching him play, and his club is good for his development. There are committed people in his club who provide training or other forms of support to him and the other kids – including his dad. And when I have the time, I’m willing to help out too (e.g. by driving him and a couple of other kids to away games).
About 5 miles away there is an (adult) soccer club that plays in the top league (Bundesliga) in Germany. Most of the people involved in my grandson’s club also go to watch some of the games there. And everyone watches at least some of the games (or highlights from the games) on TV. Are they following the “blimp” in search of top quality soccer? I suppose it depends on whether the “blimp” takes them away from their local commitments, or whether it actually provides them with models that they can learn from (modestly) at the local level.
My church commitment in my local church here is clear. There are models in other places that can help me in my development, and can perhaps provide stimulus for my local church (not as “copycat” models, but as encouragement by example). I would have loved to visit Lakeland when things were most dynamic there. I would love to spend some time in Toronto and Redding. This would not in any way detract from my commitment in my local church – in fact, I reckon it would strengthen it.
Victor: Oh, I’ve visited other churches in the past and run to the hottest conference, etc… And sometimes it did help in my commitment to my local church. But I wasn’t addressing that. I was referring to the switching of churches.
When God shows up (in His Word and Sacraments), He brings forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
Where else are you going to find that?
The soccer club? The shopping mall? Your family? The bowling alley?
No…the local church is where (hopefully) you’ll find God in His Word and Sacraments.
Luther said that God is present in his pea soup. And He is. But there is a difference between the omnipresence of God and the saving revelation of God in His Word.
Martin: I believe Luther’s theology was in some ways motivated by control and fear of losing it. When the church states that “this is the only way you can meet God”, then shouldn’t we be suspect?
i went to a resturant one day and on there menu it said where god eats every morning i ask then could you tell me what time i would like to meet him they came out to give me a saving message and there church (and i guess he was there then they need the cartoon lol) i said i am sorry you missunderstand me i talk to god all day every day i would realy like to eat with him they just walked away
David Hayward is an artist trapped in a pastor's body, stripping to the essential.
Dang…I missed it…what’s that address again?!
LOL!!! Isn’t that the truth!!
“Where two or three are gathered…”
Does someone think He was kidding?
He just moved to my church in Texas!
This is brilliant!
LMAO!!! Brilliant, true and very funny. Played out in every city small and large across North America.
LOL Last time Lakeland; next time????????
Hahahaha. This is by far the funniest comic I’ve seen here in a while. Just awesome.
Spiritualism movements in Christianity kind of function this way…where’s the revival again? People run to see it – asking little questions along the way…like what does ‘revival’ even mean and look like?
Historically, ‘revivals’ ‘renewals’ or what ever you want to call ‘it’ have come with great repentance both individual, locally and sometimes nationally. Throughout the Bible whenever God ‘’showed up” people reacted with totally realisation of their own unworthiness…”Woe is me for I am undone”.
I wonder how many people would be rushing to where God has ‘’shown up” if they knew that this is consequence of what can really happen when God chooses to reveal Himself to us.
“…Tomorrow is double portion night…Tuesday He’ll heal backs…Wednesday He’ll heal cancer…” Sort of like double coupon day at the supermarket.
Sad that I saw this exact church sign here in town. Something like, “LOOKING FOR GOD? HE’S HERE ON SUNDAYS.” Then they listed their service times.
Let me play “Devil’s Advocate” (pun not quite intended, but hey who cares!)
My grandson aged 9 plays soccer. I enjoy watching him play, and his club is good for his development. There are committed people in his club who provide training or other forms of support to him and the other kids – including his dad. And when I have the time, I’m willing to help out too (e.g. by driving him and a couple of other kids to away games).
About 5 miles away there is an (adult) soccer club that plays in the top league (Bundesliga) in Germany. Most of the people involved in my grandson’s club also go to watch some of the games there. And everyone watches at least some of the games (or highlights from the games) on TV. Are they following the “blimp” in search of top quality soccer? I suppose it depends on whether the “blimp” takes them away from their local commitments, or whether it actually provides them with models that they can learn from (modestly) at the local level.
My church commitment in my local church here is clear. There are models in other places that can help me in my development, and can perhaps provide stimulus for my local church (not as “copycat” models, but as encouragement by example). I would have loved to visit Lakeland when things were most dynamic there. I would love to spend some time in Toronto and Redding. This would not in any way detract from my commitment in my local church – in fact, I reckon it would strengthen it.
Does that make me a blimp-follower?
Victor: Oh, I’ve visited other churches in the past and run to the hottest conference, etc… And sometimes it did help in my commitment to my local church. But I wasn’t addressing that. I was referring to the switching of churches.
When God shows up (in His Word and Sacraments), He brings forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
Where else are you going to find that?
The soccer club? The shopping mall? Your family? The bowling alley?
No…the local church is where (hopefully) you’ll find God in His Word and Sacraments.
Luther said that God is present in his pea soup. And He is. But there is a difference between the omnipresence of God and the saving revelation of God in His Word.
Gimmme the blimp, anyday.
Martin: I believe Luther’s theology was in some ways motivated by control and fear of losing it. When the church states that “this is the only way you can meet God”, then shouldn’t we be suspect?
Where else besides the church???
Gotta run..late for work!!
i went to a resturant one day and on there menu it said where god eats every morning i ask then could you tell me what time i would like to meet him they came out to give me a saving message and there church (and i guess he was there then they need the cartoon lol) i said i am sorry you missunderstand me i talk to god all day every day i would realy like to eat with him they just walked away