RED LETTER REVOLUTION
Fri
08
Jul
2011
WHAT IS HOLDING US BACK?
Last night I had the privilege to worship with a group of young believers at a house church in Anaheim, California. It was a refreshing time for me being with these vibrant Christians and hearing them share about their journey with Jesus all within such a caring environment. The majority of the believers in this simple house church are from total unchurched backgrounds so to worship with them was a real treat. I was especially impressed by the fact that every one of them worshipped and shared from their hearts. The honesty and intimacy present within the living room of this house church was contagious. Grace permeated throughout the room and it was obvious to me that this was a safe place to come and meet Jesus no matter who you are or what you have done.
Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name there I will be among you." (Matthew 18:20) Jesus was among us in that house last night. That's one of the things I like the best about Jesus - he loves to be with his people and especially those who hurt. He does not restrict himself to the mantras of professional clergy nor does he limit himself to only making appearances in sacred church buildings. He is not into religious posturing or rituals. No, he is present in the simplicity of the poor ("Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40) and the gathering of two or three or more of us meeting together in a living room of a house in Anaheim, California.
While we worshipped there was no “proper” worship protocol that is present in so many of our church services today. There was no evident “order of service”, no special musical arrangements with guest singers and there was no passing of the gold coloured offering plates for our tithes and offerings (though we did pass a baseball cap around that was a little sweaty and dirty as it came from the head of one of the folks attending the house church). Needless to say what happened last night was raw, rootsy and real. People shared how their week had went and I was amazed how many of these people talked about the times they shared their faith and cared for others especially the poor. People spoke about loved ones who were now homeless. Youth asked for prayer for their freinds who are cutting themselves with razors. Best of all were the groanings that rose from the mouths of everyone in that room when they prayed for God's intercession in their lives and in the lives of those they know. When it came time for me to share the Word I had a captive audience hungry, willing and thirsting to learn from the Scriptures. Now that is a church!
I loved last night because this is what I always dream and pray about – to see a movement of Christians in love with Jesus, embodying his “red letters” in word and deed, just simply living out their faith. This sounds like the New Testament church to me and it is to this form of missional movement that I have committed myself to. I seek to work with churches who are committed to activate their people to this kind of "red letter" missional lifestyle where they challenge their people to “go”! I also dream of church plants being birthed naturally and organically in homes, community centers, prisons, bars and wherever else “Red Letter” Christians do mission. It’s that simple yet it is so rare! All it takes for this to happen is for us to go! So, what is holding us back?
That is the question I will leave for you to answer and I look forward to hearing your responses on the "Comments" section below.
Comments: 6
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#1
Hey Colin,
I think Jesus would likely choose to come to this worship service.
Blessings -
#2
Hi Colin
A few years ago I attended a conference in LA and we went downtown to the cardboard city, where many homeless congregate for the night and have a degree of protection and amenities provided by the city. A church has the use of an empty building so they give away hot chocolate and hotdogs and run a kareoke night and always close with Our God is an awesome God, accapella and without the words but they sing it beautifully ( I was moved to tears ) and many times over, as if in prayer of adoration. No choir director, no organ, just voices from the heart.
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#3
Beautiful blog & entry from "Ron"
I believe that when we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we can really have an attitude shift of where Jesus is.
In biblical times, they assumed the Messiah would come in the temple, holy places, but Jesus was found among the lowest socio-economic & forgotten people....so why are we surprised when Jesus is among those today as well!!
Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled! (no matter where we 'gather') -
#4
Great responses from Ron and Kelly. Anyone else want to chime in?
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#5
What's holding us back?
FEAR! Fear of man, fear of making mistakes, etc. I also think that we're listening to lies from the enemy. Why would he want us to do these things? Why would he want crazy lovers of Jesus to go out from the four walls of our church buildings and actually to something besides going to church every Sunday. I'm not bashing churches at all, but I think that the enemy has a lot of people bound and right where he wants them. He has them paralyzed from bringing the love of Jesus to those who need it. I love how Bethel Church in Redding California encourages their members to live a life of bringing the kingdom wherever they are, whatever they're doing. They don't have "evangelism nights" they evangelize wherever they are, at work, in the grocery store, in restaurants, all the time. They are taking their city for the kingdom! If all ya'll don't know about Bethel church or Jesus Culture then check them out, amazing stuff!! You can also get free sermon's online at ibethel.org (Bill Johnson's teaching has changed my life).
Also, please pray for my husband Kyle and I as we're just starting out a life of ministry here in Nepal. We really covet your prayers right now, it's sometimes hard stepping out into your destiny. It's hard but it's so glorious!!!
Bless you all. Grace and peace to you,
annie -
#6
What is holding us back? Culutralism. Our believe of what we are entitled to and the pursuit of the North American Dream (Yes, I said North American Dream).
We are in the top 5% of the wealthiest people on this planet. I know none of us would consider us wealthy by North American standards, but by the average person/family presently on this planet we are very wealthy.
I believe what is holding us back is our pursuit of what we believe we are entitled to attain ... a nice house, toys/camps/sports teams for our children, vacations, the latest computers, cars, appliances ... meanwhile, most of the world is concerned with finding enough water and food for themselves and their family tomorrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoicm4wnQ4c&feature=player_embedded 
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