Maybe I'm just rebellious...

I don't know why I seem to be disagreeing with people quite often. Yesterday, I felt rebellious. I felt like I was the bad apple that was going to spoil the barrel. I felt like I was being asked to do things that I could not ever do.

It started with the article written by one of our church members about worship. It was about how it has become a form of entertainment, influenced by consumerism. He went on to quote some Reverend Doctor Ben Witherington, “Worship creates a communion which maintains a separation between us and God.”

I don’t know whether he was quoting the Reverend Doctor in context or not. A search on google showed that Reverend Doctor Ben Witherington is a scholar / theologian. And I am not. But I remember thinking, “How can that be true?”
In Ephesians 2:14-16, it says that Jesus has made us one in Him, so that we might be reconciled to God in one body through the cross.
In Romans 6:4, Ephesians 2:6 and Colossians 3:1, it seems to me that Paul was emphasising that we have been buried AND raised with Christ. How can there be a gulf or a gap if Jesus already bridged that gap?

You see, we are stuck in a rut where we’re telling people not to do certain things because of the consequences, we’re trying to prevent people from doing wrong things. But if I’m not to sin, then what do you expect me to do? Since forever, Pastors and church leaders have wanted to inspire people to come into church because it was in church where they would hear the Word, have a chance to receive into their hearts and be inspired to live it out and serve.

Again on the topic of hymns. The purpose of John Wesley’s songs was to inspire non-religious unchristian people to come to Jesus. He used hymns because the unchristian people recognised the tunes as pub songs. It was the new and fresh which inspired the lost to come. They were willing to listen. Music itself does nothing. The presentation of the gospel contained the power.

So now, worship music is done with the same intention. Maybe not all of it, but I know many have the intention to reach the lost with their music and lights. So why criticise? Why question young believers about whether they are coming to worship or to consume when all they know is that they have been transformed by encountering God?

How come we remember Isaiah 6:5 which says, ”And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"
We remember the prophet Isaiah’s guilt and depravity. He was sinful and unclean. Why do we fail to mention the marvellous work of God? The Mercy & Grace that brought us to Him? Have we forgotten the burning coal, the Christ? It was He who took away our guilt and atoned our sins!

And from that moment, Isaiah did not dare speak of uncleanness or guilt. Why do we do so? There is no more separation because of Jesus Christ. The dividing wall has been destroyed. The gulf / gap has been bridged.
Romans 8:38-39 says that nothing in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God. Are we the ones who are separating ourselves?

I come to consume Jesus. Because only then will rivers of living water be able to flow out from me. Isn’t this what salvation is about? Isn’t this what the Holy Sacraments represent. Jesus’ body and blood, given and poured out for us?

~~~ On Fire ~~~
And you're on fire
When He's near you
You're on fire
When He speaks
You're on fire
Burning at these mysteries
| Performed by Parachute Band | Written by Switchfoot |