Ostrich

“May contain adult themes, hard drugs, (frequent) strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by context. Use of very strong language may be permitted based on frequency and how they are used, as well as contextual justification.” - Movie Cert 15 Rating

Recently I came across a movie to be shown in a church, under the supervision of the same church that organised it. The reason given for screening it was the theme which was one of human redemption, but not God’s plan of redemption. The church in question emphasised that it would ensure the age restriction (15+) was strictly monitored and enforced. That alone made me sit up and take notice.

I have a bigger question. Why is it being shown in church at all? It’s one thing for an individual deciding to watch any movie in a theatre, but when a church sponsors it, is that not different given the wide spread of scenes it may show under that ‘15+’ rating? When a movie is given a rating by the British Board of Film Censors, it is cleared for any and all of the subject matter under that approved rating (see above). I ask again. Why screen it in a place of worship? Did someone have to sit through the movie to make sure none of the ‘really bad stuff’ was included? If so, it begs other questions like, what is the ‘really bad stuff’, who is best placed to decide, and if that is done for a ‘15+’ rating, would it be considered for any other rating? So, where does it end, and who makes the final decision?

I don’t hear anyone saying that movies are getting more moral and ethical as the years pass. In fact adult themes of graphic violence, strong language and nudity will almost certainly play some part in most, if not all ‘15+’ rated films. After all, that’s what sells. For the record, I believe if a church is going to show a movie, it must be suitable and appropriate for all ages, from the youngest child to the oldest senior citizen in the room. Simply put, if it can’t be shown to a child, don’t screen it! You may think I am hiding my head in the sand like the proverbial Ostrich, but I suggest there is a loss of reverence and respect for a place of worship when we support and condone any movie of this rating. What do we want to be known as? A movie theatre, or a church?

“You are overreacting” I hear you say. “This wouldn’t happen in my church” you stress. Really? Are you sure about that?

Simple and Easy

During our time in North Carolina in the 1980’s we enjoyed the good folks we were privileged to meet, the fellowship of the church which was important to us as a family, and more so because we had (and still have) two lovely daughters who mean so much, and as I became more immersed in my work it was good to have that faith family away from home. We could count on them for fellowship, friendship, and good Bible teaching and preaching. These were good days, and have made for equally good memories.

One of our neighbours was a fine Christian lady, but because of her own circumstances she had decided not to attend or be associated with a ‘formal church’ group. Her church was a TV channel televangelist, and she got all the spiritual feeding she needed from that program. She tithed to her ‘TV Pastor’ and for the time we were neighbours this didn’t change. Let’s not be hasty to sit in judgement on her choices, because we didn’t know her circumstances. Keep in mind that this was in the 1980s before the internet came on the scene and changed all of our lives.

We like things made simple and easy, or at least I do. I would think that our neighbour would have logged into an internet church of her choice if available, and perhaps used that medium for her worship instead of TV. For a while it would have worked, but crucially for how long? In her own case she didn’t seem to be actively looking for fellowship.

There is good reason for being a part of a church body of believers. There is fellowship, working with others, spiritual growth, responsibility, Kingdom activity, praise and worship in word and song, and the teaching ministry which helps us grow. Another small point. Who will visit when you are sick? Encourage you when you feel down, and when you are promoted to Glory, who will be right there for your grieving family? Certainly not the TV or internet preacher. But we must remember above all else, it is the will of God that we gather together.

We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer. Hebrews 10:25

Which is Better, Large or Small?

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

Recently it has been my privilege to worship in a church of around 150+ on a Sunday morning, and enjoy the fellowship, preaching, and the singing of praise songs to the music of an amazingly gifted group of musicians who give their time and talents freely. It is easy to enjoy these benefits of a ‘larger’ church in the same denomination.

You see, my own home church has an attendance of around 35. Similarly, the Word is preached, fellowship shared, and songs of the Kingdom are sung, led by a much smaller group of musicians who are equally dedicated to providing the music to worship. I suppose the biggest differences between the larger and smaller churches are the volume of music and open style of songs used. The smaller congregation is used to older hymns and songs, and the larger one uses more modern (less than 20 years old) contemporary songs, but both are used to worship the same God. One encourages a demonstrative participation, and the other experiences their joy in a quieter way.

Another major difference between the two church services, is the use of the open altar for voluntary prayer or seeking during the service. This is a dedicated, sanctified place to come and pray and leave your burdens and requests with the Lord. (I have asked myself if this is partly the reason for the larger church being more relevant and better attended, especially by youth).

There is a trap set for me, and I tend to fall into it easily. Having spent time with family, and shared the experience of the larger church for a time, I find it hard to return to the older form of worship when I return home. But then I am reminded of the verse in Matthew 18:20, and the fact that in God’s eyes, numbers, volume, and style are not important. The key is the last phrase, “there am I with them.” Thank you Lord for your promise which applies equally to small and large services where You are lifted up.

It's Over

That’s it! All over for another year. The wrapping paper torn from the gifts is in the bin. The turkey is half eaten, and all the time you took to arrange and buy those special gifts for the important people in your life, is in the past. So long to get here, and over in a day. I suppose the real question becomes, is it all worth the effort?

Christmas, with all its rush and bustle is not for the faint hearted, but it is good to see the look on a child’s face when they get their gifts. Today’s special present that caused so much happiness will soon become tomorrow’s old dated game or toy. Christmas is great, and I love it, but it seems to be gone so quickly, and all you are left with, is the fond memory, and the still to be finished turkey which will become a curry, or  sandwiches.

So, it’s over. Or is it? Take a step back and think what Christmas really is all about. It’s not the gifts or the food, good as they are, the clue is in the word Christmas, and the verse which says Jesus came into the world as “Immanuel, God WITH us”, so it’s not just for a day. It’s a lifetime thing, and beyond that into eternity. As Christians we do our Lord, and our faith a disservice by thinking Christmas is a day on the calendar. It’s more than that. It’s a lifestyle choice. It’s a mindset, and a change of heart. Yes, our Christmas should last all year, until the next time we celebrate His birthday again. You don’t ignore your children between birthdays, so why should we do that with Jesus?

It just leaves me to say, Happy All Year Christmas my friends.

Taking Part

It would be a very strange football stadium that was very quiet during a game. It would be odd for a party to be silent. What would we think of a karaoke club where no one joined in the singing? Can the church learn from this simple lesson? In each of these cases, the people attending are expressing themselves appropriate to their event.

Expressions give us away, whether we know it or not. It is hard to ignore an infectious laugh or grin, in fact these make us want to laugh or smile too. Our faces tell a story which we cannot hide or deny, and so it is with the places we go to. If we enjoy being at the football game, party, or karaoke it will show somewhere on us. Maybe on our faces, or by cheering or singing.

There are churches where you will hear ‘Amen’ or ‘Hallelujah’ or ‘Praise God’. You may even see hands raised in worship. These are expressions of joy at being in the presence of God. There are singing churches, where the singing is rousing, loud and praiseworthy to the King of Kings. Some singing churches have volume, some melody, and on occasion some have both! But one thing is sure, growing and thriving churches are not silent and expressionless. Sure, not everyone has a singing voice, but those would be in the minority and even these can sing when among those who can carry a tune, so what does a silent congregation mean? Maybe I should let you answer that one.

The first half of the average church service is usually given to praise and worship, and that is where we get to express ourselves. The music and songs can be old and traditional, or modern and contemporary, but the common goal is that we get to express our worship in an appropriate way. Music and song are universal. We all relate, and enjoy taking part when we can. So let me go back and ask the question again. What would you think of a silent church that didn’t express itself? Just asking.