The value that society places upon the presence of the Christian Faith Community is directly affected by the type of presence that the church establishes within the culture. An insular "church presence" that prides itself and fixates upon in its man-made image is Narcissistic.
Jesus being the express image of God became a servant and we as the church are directed in scripture to allow the Holy Spirit to form that same "servant" mentality within us. Being a servant requires commitment and presence. (Philippians 2:1-11)
The church is not God's security guard and He does not require our protection. Demanding those outside of the church, to align themselves with "Christian" values without allowing the Holy Spirit to establish His light and life giving presence among them through His church, further widens the gap between the church and surrounding culture. (The church will never fit into the world's mold nor should it try to. But the distinct likeness of Christ formed within the church and established within culture often looks much different than we would define it.) The world is a desperate place and a dingy, smug presence offers little hope.
The value that the church places upon people will determine the value that culture attaches to the presence of the church. Those outside of the church have little reason to value that which does not value those beyond the shadow of its steeple. (Luke 15)
Rather than building walls and demanding that people climb them to come to the Christ that we have constructed in our image, may Christ in us be revealed, connecting with people in every conceivable place where human breath is found. (Matthew 23:13; Romans 10:15)
It would appear that fewer man-made shrines and "Christian" branding is needed. Does the Living Christ need for His name to be placed in the hands of religious image consultants when His cause has been so well served by His church in whom He is enthroned upon their hearts and whom He directs by His Spirit. (Acts 1:8; 15:28; 16:6)
May Christ's valued presence be established in the living church that travels light and would rather be in the marketplace than imprisoned behind stained glass museums. Jesus is not a caricature and He is not hidden in the shadow of the Madonna. He reveals Himself through the presence of those who realize that He is the bridge to the Father and not the wall that separates His church from the surrounding culture. Light among darkness is Hope. Light removed from darkness is Hopelessness.
The church is elect only because of Christ. It is not elite, it is not entitled, and it would be a community of death without the heart of God providing it with a strong pulse.
Jesus being the express image of God became a servant and we as the church are directed in scripture to allow the Holy Spirit to form that same "servant" mentality within us. Being a servant requires commitment and presence. (Philippians 2:1-11)
The church is not God's security guard and He does not require our protection. Demanding those outside of the church, to align themselves with "Christian" values without allowing the Holy Spirit to establish His light and life giving presence among them through His church, further widens the gap between the church and surrounding culture. (The church will never fit into the world's mold nor should it try to. But the distinct likeness of Christ formed within the church and established within culture often looks much different than we would define it.) The world is a desperate place and a dingy, smug presence offers little hope.
The value that the church places upon people will determine the value that culture attaches to the presence of the church. Those outside of the church have little reason to value that which does not value those beyond the shadow of its steeple. (Luke 15)
Rather than building walls and demanding that people climb them to come to the Christ that we have constructed in our image, may Christ in us be revealed, connecting with people in every conceivable place where human breath is found. (Matthew 23:13; Romans 10:15)
It would appear that fewer man-made shrines and "Christian" branding is needed. Does the Living Christ need for His name to be placed in the hands of religious image consultants when His cause has been so well served by His church in whom He is enthroned upon their hearts and whom He directs by His Spirit. (Acts 1:8; 15:28; 16:6)
May Christ's valued presence be established in the living church that travels light and would rather be in the marketplace than imprisoned behind stained glass museums. Jesus is not a caricature and He is not hidden in the shadow of the Madonna. He reveals Himself through the presence of those who realize that He is the bridge to the Father and not the wall that separates His church from the surrounding culture. Light among darkness is Hope. Light removed from darkness is Hopelessness.
The church is elect only because of Christ. It is not elite, it is not entitled, and it would be a community of death without the heart of God providing it with a strong pulse.
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