| If I should die before I wake...this is what was on my brain... |
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Just a few things before I sleep...
Ok,
sleep at this point in time is no longer over-rated. I realize that
getting up early means going to bed earlier...and I am tired. However, before
I go to sleep (which my wife is on the treadmill at the moment, so
sleep would be hard anyway), I wanted to share a few thoughts...
We
had a great time tonight with our small group at the Thompsons. We
talked about the fellowship that we can have through Jesus Christ. And
then we looked at Acts 2:42-47...sigh. A dream, right? Not able to
really happen, right? Wrong. I think it can. I think that people going deep in relating with each other, centered around a relationship with God that leaves behind selfishness and the attachment to "things" that a lack of faith produces - I think this kind of relating is not only possible, but God desires for us to pursue it. And I think it's time for the church to stop believing the lies that say "you can't have it" or "it could never happen in America." I think it's time for the church "to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). I think we as Christians have suckered ourselves into believing that what GOD would tell us is a lie - that TRUE community can't happen. And we sucker ourselves into believing the devil on this one...amazing, but I think true. So I go to sleep tonight with this Acts 2:42-47 dream...wondering if we will ever abandon the arguments that set us up for failure as we reject community and deeper fellowship...I go to bed dreaming of this: 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. My prayer is that God's kingdom...God's DREAM for the church happens as He would have it... |