We recently attended a Christmas worship event at a large community church. All I could take of it was about ten to fifteen minutes. While there was a worship leader directing the large congregation in songs, the band was playing so loud that you could not hear yourself sing...much less anybody else in the congregation. I thought the band was too loud ...as it was, but it got worse. At some point during the program, huge sparklers like fireworks started going off on stage. That was even more ridiculous...but it got even worse when what sounded like a huge firecracker or bomb, exploded. That was all it took and I was outta there!
Now anybody that knows me personally knows I enjoy contemporary Christian music and that I'm very tolerant and always willing to understand things from a different perspective than what I've always believed. I even believe that an occasional dramatic skit may be in order to teach a lesson, and I've used them to accentuate my sermons before. So...I don't believe I'm being narrow-minded here. Folks...that was overkill and it was far from "decently and in order". Even my 20 year old son thought the theatrics were ridiculous for a church.
So many of the new churches are constructed in a way to enhance the volume of the performers on stage and reduce the volume coming from the singing of the congregation. All kinds of lighting effects and vapor machines are used to get people to "watch" the events going on onstage. Those churches are making a mistake in doing that. Another thing people know about me is that, personally I don't object to a "Praise Team" of singers, IF they are used to help the congregation sing their parts better. Worship is not a spectator sport, as someone has written. I certainly desire to be encouraged when I attend worship and more than anything, I desire that the singing be the best it can be.
To folks in my fellowship, let's seek ways to make worship and especially the singing, the best it can be. Let's stay up with the times and sing new songs as they become available. The Psalmist said: "Sing a new song to the Lord". But having said that, let's never attempt to turn the worship assembly into a Steven Spielberg-like production. God has told us how to worship...we don't need the help of Hollywood-like productions. (At times other than the worship assembly, special productions can be helpful to present a message).
To my Minister friends in other fellowships, please consider what I'm saying here. You may be surprised at how good singing can be if you do all you can to bring out the volume & four-part harmony of the congregational singing, instead of suppressing it or drowning it out with the bands so loud they give worshippers headaches.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Unmasking Halloween
Mary, the mother of Jesus versus a witch. Say what??? While this writer doesn’t recall Mary and a witch ever having a confrontation, it might be that somewhat of a confrontation is taking place in some Churches of Christ. At least “kind-of”.
While Christian people respect and honor Mary the mother of Jesus, no where are we taught in scriptures to “worship” her or to pray to her. As we enter the holiday known as “Halloween”, it is the goal of this writer to encourage members of Churches of Christ, and possibly others, to look inwardly and consider some of our practices associated with Halloween. But what does that have to do with the virgin Mary versus witches? Glad you asked. Many members of Churches of Christ who wouldn't consider dressing up in “costume” to celebrate Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season, or participate in a nativity reenactment (since it has been traditionally taught that we're not to celebrate Christ's birth) have no qualms about dressing up as witches, vampires, ghosts, and devils during Halloween. They may even take part in acting in a “Haunted House” as a part of the season’s festivities.
Something is very wrong with this picture!
Christian people need to consider the paganism which surrounds Halloween.
The Celts who practiced the Pagan religion, originated Halloween by a time of praying for their dead. (and continue to do so). Their “new year” began on November 1st. They believed that Samhain gathered all the souls of those who had died in the past year. These souls had been confined to the bodies of animals to atone for their sins. They were then sacrificed on October 31. Some of the ways pagan practices are a part of Halloween activities are evidenced by the following:
Costumes - The ancient Druids believed that evil spirits roamed the earth during Samhain casting spells and tricks on people. They believed if you wore a mask or a costume you could trick the demons into thinking you were one of them and they would leave you alone.
Trick or Treat - This came from the belief that if you set food or candy out on your door step for the night, the spirits would pass you by, not cause your milk to spoil or your cattle to have birth defects, or damage your family. The Druids would then go around collect the food and burn it as a sacrifice to their gods. They were known to burn your house down or castrate the males in the house if they arrived and the treat was not at the door.
Jack O Lanterns - An ancient symbol of condemned souls. The story originated from a guy named Jack that supposedly tricked the devil into chasing him up a tree and then Jack jumped out and mounted his crucifix so the devil could not get to him. Jack then put an ember that the devil threw at him from Hell inside a pumpkin or gourd and used it as a lantern. It was also a symbol used by the Druids and pagans to determine who was in agreement with them and deserved mercy from the tricks. Just like today we fly the flag to show our patriotism and love for our country, people lit a jack-o-lantern to show the Druids" "hey we are one of you". Currently, witches use hollowed out gourds and skulls as a light during their rituals.
Celebrating activities that are pagan in origin is contrary to the holiness of a child of God. It should also be considered that Christian people need to be able to “see things through the eyes of others”. If you were not a Christian, would you not have to wonder about a church who opposed nativity reenactments at Christmas, yet would host Haunted Houses at Halloween? The apostle Paul teaches Christians to “avoid the very appearance of evil” I Thessalonians 5:22; and to “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness” Ephesians 5:11.
Two questions to ask ourselves:
4“Is dressing up in witch, vampire and devil costumes avoiding the appearance of evil?”
4“Is taking part in the ‘dark and spooky’ elements of Halloween having a part in ‘the unfruitful works of darkness’”?
Christians are called to be a “peculiar people” (set apart), but not “peculiar” in a manner in which both unbelievers and people of other religious beliefs raise their eyebrows as our actions call our spirituality into question.
This writer has always heard that it’s never good to point out a problem without offering a solution. So why not try this:
4Instead of wearing costumes that hint of darkness and paganism, why not have costume parties in which we dress up as Bible heroes, military heroes or others whose examples would be worthy of imitation? (It seems strange indeed when members of Churches of Christ adorn themselves in costumes which would not be permitted at a “costume party” in most other churches. This writer has observed many times that when other religious groups have costume parties during the Halloween season, a special request is made in their bulletins or brochures that participants not wear apparel that relates to anything pagan in origin).
4Instead of a Haunted House, why not a “Harvest Fellowship” with the church family and visitors gathering for a cookout, wiener roast and possibly a hay ride?
As the Christmas season draws closer, I plan to post another article relating to traditional views in Churches of Christ concerning that season. Just a reminder that this blog is to encourage us to think and re-think some of the practices and beliefs that are unique to Churches of Christ.
While Christian people respect and honor Mary the mother of Jesus, no where are we taught in scriptures to “worship” her or to pray to her. As we enter the holiday known as “Halloween”, it is the goal of this writer to encourage members of Churches of Christ, and possibly others, to look inwardly and consider some of our practices associated with Halloween. But what does that have to do with the virgin Mary versus witches? Glad you asked. Many members of Churches of Christ who wouldn't consider dressing up in “costume” to celebrate Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season, or participate in a nativity reenactment (since it has been traditionally taught that we're not to celebrate Christ's birth) have no qualms about dressing up as witches, vampires, ghosts, and devils during Halloween. They may even take part in acting in a “Haunted House” as a part of the season’s festivities.
Something is very wrong with this picture!
Christian people need to consider the paganism which surrounds Halloween.
The Celts who practiced the Pagan religion, originated Halloween by a time of praying for their dead. (and continue to do so). Their “new year” began on November 1st. They believed that Samhain gathered all the souls of those who had died in the past year. These souls had been confined to the bodies of animals to atone for their sins. They were then sacrificed on October 31. Some of the ways pagan practices are a part of Halloween activities are evidenced by the following:
Costumes - The ancient Druids believed that evil spirits roamed the earth during Samhain casting spells and tricks on people. They believed if you wore a mask or a costume you could trick the demons into thinking you were one of them and they would leave you alone.
Trick or Treat - This came from the belief that if you set food or candy out on your door step for the night, the spirits would pass you by, not cause your milk to spoil or your cattle to have birth defects, or damage your family. The Druids would then go around collect the food and burn it as a sacrifice to their gods. They were known to burn your house down or castrate the males in the house if they arrived and the treat was not at the door.
Jack O Lanterns - An ancient symbol of condemned souls. The story originated from a guy named Jack that supposedly tricked the devil into chasing him up a tree and then Jack jumped out and mounted his crucifix so the devil could not get to him. Jack then put an ember that the devil threw at him from Hell inside a pumpkin or gourd and used it as a lantern. It was also a symbol used by the Druids and pagans to determine who was in agreement with them and deserved mercy from the tricks. Just like today we fly the flag to show our patriotism and love for our country, people lit a jack-o-lantern to show the Druids" "hey we are one of you". Currently, witches use hollowed out gourds and skulls as a light during their rituals.
Celebrating activities that are pagan in origin is contrary to the holiness of a child of God. It should also be considered that Christian people need to be able to “see things through the eyes of others”. If you were not a Christian, would you not have to wonder about a church who opposed nativity reenactments at Christmas, yet would host Haunted Houses at Halloween? The apostle Paul teaches Christians to “avoid the very appearance of evil” I Thessalonians 5:22; and to “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness” Ephesians 5:11.
Two questions to ask ourselves:
4“Is dressing up in witch, vampire and devil costumes avoiding the appearance of evil?”
4“Is taking part in the ‘dark and spooky’ elements of Halloween having a part in ‘the unfruitful works of darkness’”?
Christians are called to be a “peculiar people” (set apart), but not “peculiar” in a manner in which both unbelievers and people of other religious beliefs raise their eyebrows as our actions call our spirituality into question.
This writer has always heard that it’s never good to point out a problem without offering a solution. So why not try this:
4Instead of wearing costumes that hint of darkness and paganism, why not have costume parties in which we dress up as Bible heroes, military heroes or others whose examples would be worthy of imitation? (It seems strange indeed when members of Churches of Christ adorn themselves in costumes which would not be permitted at a “costume party” in most other churches. This writer has observed many times that when other religious groups have costume parties during the Halloween season, a special request is made in their bulletins or brochures that participants not wear apparel that relates to anything pagan in origin).
4Instead of a Haunted House, why not a “Harvest Fellowship” with the church family and visitors gathering for a cookout, wiener roast and possibly a hay ride?
As the Christmas season draws closer, I plan to post another article relating to traditional views in Churches of Christ concerning that season. Just a reminder that this blog is to encourage us to think and re-think some of the practices and beliefs that are unique to Churches of Christ.
Friday, October 12, 2007
CAUTION: Restoration Ahead
My wife and I enjoy going to home shows where houses are open for those of us who may not be able to afford the grand homes that are usually on display at these events. We've toured new homes covering several thousand square feet, with seven, eight, and even ten bedrooms and baths. Some of these homes have room to park as many as six or eight vehicles in the garages. ...And, the homes usually cost several million dollars...give or take a few hundred thousand.
Not only do we enjoy touring these new homes, but also the old, historic homes unmatched in craftsmanship and architecture. Often these old homes have been restored to their former glory after having been in states of disrepair for decades. In the process of restoring those old homes, the architect, designers and builders usually go back and research homes from the era when that home was constructed. They often try to research as much information as possible about the particular house on which they are working. Homeowners often want to restore the house making it just like it was when it was originally constructed. Most folk have seen the program "This Old House" on television. It's one of my favorites.
Who of us have not heard it said: "They sure don't build 'em that way anymore"?
Christ's church is the house of God. If you're not familiar with something called a "Restoration Movement", I will be adding thoughts on this site that will tell you a little more about it. I believe you will find it intriguing! For those of us who are familiar with the mission of the "Restoration Movement", this blog is meant to "get the wheels turning" in our heads and to encourage us to continue, with God's help and the Bible as our Guide, the process of restoring the church that Christ originally built over 2,000 years ago. That's an old, old house; isn't it? With building a new house or restoring a historic house there are challenges. In restoration work on old houses, sometimes there are surprises. Unexpected treasures have sometime been found within the walls, and sometime things have been found that revealed something about the original owners of the house. When it comes to the House of God: Christ's church, the same holds true. When Martin Luther set out with a goal of religious reform he met with resistance and challenges. There have been other religious reformers who had great intentions. The only problem was that they were trying to reform religion. However, what was needed was a complete restoration of Christ's church. Several great religious leaders have had goals to do just that. But just like Jesus and His twelve best friends (the apostles) faced opposition from the religious leaders of their time when originally establishing the church, others have faced challenges since then in their efforts to restore the church to the way it was when Jesus started it.
Restoration isn't a completed project. It is something that will likely never be one-hundred percent complete, because as fallible humans, we will never be able to do everything as perfectly as Jesus did. When he started His church, it was His desire that it be perfect: "without spot, or wrinkle or any such thing". Even though we may not be able to do the job perfectly, that shouldn't stop us from giving it our all and do our best. And, since Jesus is the only perfect builder, we are left to depend on His guidance and grace to help us in those ways in which we cannot attain perfection.
The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina took years to build and, as old as it is, it still looks wonderful. If you ever have the opportunity, go see the Biltmore House. In Kansas, a couple is currently building a castle, and they've been doing construction on it for twenty something years and it's still not complete.
God's House is grander than the Biltmore Mansion and grander than the castle in Kansas. Considering the price that was paid for this House, we should take seriously the responsibility of continuing to maintain it, and maintaining something often takes construction work as the years go on. Repairs have to be made. That is the goal of those who truly desire to see restoration in the House of God.
If we are to truly restore the church, we need to know what it is that we're restoring. If we say we want to be like the first century church, then which church would that be? The church at Corinth, even with all it's problems of doctrinal and moral issues? What about the church at Laodicea with it's lukewarmness? Could it be that we may sometime be looking in the wrong place to restore the church? Since the church is "the bride of Christ" and since we, as Christians are to imitate Christ, then should'nt our primary goal be to restore Christlikeness in believers? If we can imitate Christ's life to the best of our ability, then we will have the restored church in it's fullness.
This blog is an effort to stir our thinking and consider some of the things we can do to complete our mission to the extent that we are able. You're thoughts about things that we need to do in Churches of Christ to continue the work of restoration are encouraged and welcomed. It's also fine to discuss other matters that relate to the Christian life. The major overall objective is to encourage us to be all we can be for our Lord, whether as a group of His people, or in our individual walk with Him. I'm looking forward to seeing where this project takes us.
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