Is It Biblical or American? (Part 5)

Is It Biblical or American? (Part 5)

This is the fifth in our continuing series on "Is it Biblical or American," and I want us to focus on the next two points of this very challenging article by Bishop Joseph Mattera. These two points take us the the heart of one of the most significant challenges facing the growing church....the issue, the cultures' lust for entertainment. As a local church pastor, I am always in a bit of a struggle knowing we must pursue excellence in all we do including all our musical ministry, teaching ministry, and other programming; while at the same time, we must to be sensitive to the Spirit as He moves us through opportunities to minister and serve.  I invite you to read through these two points and ask yourself the question...Is It Biblical or American?

8. American Christianity promotes a culture of entertainment. The Bible promotes the pursuit of God.

In the typical growing American church, there will be an incredible worship team, visual effects, and great oratory. Consequently, we are often catering to the American obsession with entertainment and visceral experiences, which can promote a culture of entertainment instead of cultural engagement. Biblically speaking, some of the greatest examples we have of intimacy with God come from the Psalms in which the writers were in dire straits, with no worship team, and alone somewhere in the desert (Psalm 42 and 63).

Biblically speaking, we should not depend upon a great worship experience to experience Yahweh, but should have intimate fellowship with Him moment by moment, way before we even get through the church doors!

9. American Christianity depends upon services within a building. The biblical model promotes a lifestyle of worship, community, and Christ following.

Most of the miracles in the book of Acts and the gospels took place outside a building in the context of people's homes and in the marketplace. In Acts 2 and 4, the churches met house-to-house, not just in the temple. The man at the gate was healed before he went into the temple (Acts 3), which caused an even greater revival to take place.

What are your thoughts? Comment below.

Is It Biblical or American? (Part 4)

 

 Is It Biblical or American?  (Part 4)

6. The American apologetic focuses on human reason. The Bible's apologetic focuses on the power of God and experience.

Americans have been trained to defend the faith utilizing scientific, archeological, and linguistic historical proofs to validate the resurrection of Christ and the historicity of the Scriptures. This is because the Enlightenment trap that promotes human reason as the highest arbiter of truth has captivated the American church. However, when we read both testaments, we see the prophets, the apostles, and Jesus never based the propagation of their faith on the latest scientific research or human reason but on the anointing, authority, and reliability of God (1 Cor. 2:1-4; Hebrews 2:1-3).

Of course, Biblical faith is the most rationalistic, reasonable faith in the world since it comports with reality more than any other philosophy or religion. However, if the foundation of your faith is human reason, then the first person that has more knowledge than you in science could talk you out of being a Christ-follower. Truly, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom--not human reason (Proverbs 9:10; 1 Cor. 1:17-23).

7. American believers have a consumerist mentality regarding a home church. The Biblical emphasis is being equipped for the ministry.

Americans shop for a church today based on what meets their personal and family "needs" the best. It is almost like a supermarket mentality of one-stop shopping. While it is good if churches attempt to meet the practical needs of families and communities, the focus should be upon equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). God may lead a family to a new church plant instead of a mega-church even if the mega-church has more programs to offer. Biblically, it is all about assignment and equipping. If a person is doing the will of God, they will be fed by God anyway (John 4:34).

These challenging thoughts address two of the most necessary principles in all of Scripture. As you read through these two points, were you challenged to reposition your thinking around  the importance of the anointing, authority, and reliability of God? The priority of the church must change from that of "me and mine," to equipping people to be able to do the work of evangelism and discipleship! 

Any thoughts or points of discussion? 

Let's talk.... Please feel free to comment below!

Pastor Mitch

Is It Biblical or American? (Part 3)

Is it Biblical or American part 3

In our continuing series on "Is it Biblical or American," I want us to focus on the next two points of this very challenging article by Bishop Joseph Mattera. These two points really challenge me as I consider how often I pray for comfort, peace, prosperity, ease, and happiness. While all of us desire such blessings from the Lord, the idea of these comforts are really not the main concern of the Lord for any of our lives. I invite you to read through these two points and consider the veracity and truth of each.

   

4. American Christianity appeals to using faith to attain stability and comfort. The Bible encourages believers to risk life and limb to advance the kingdom.

Much of the preaching in American churches regarding faith has to do with using faith so we can have a nice car, home, job, financial security, and comfort. The biblical focus on faith is on risking our physical health and material goods to promote God's kingdom (read Phil. 2:25-30). Most of the original apostles of the church died as martyrs as did the Apostle Paul, and the hall of faith shown in Hebrews 11 equates faith with a life of risk and material loss for the sake of Christ. Much of the preaching on faith in contemporary churches would seem foreign to biblical prophets and apostles.

5. American Christianity usually focuses on individual salvation. The Bible deals with individual and systemic redemption.

Jesus' first sermon text in Nazareth was a quote from Isaiah 61 (read Luke 4:17-19). American preachers usually interpret these passages in an individual manner only. However, when you read Isaiah 61:1-4, you will clearly see that the gospel not only saved and healed individuals but also transformed whole cities! The biblical gospel deals with systemic sin--not just individual sinners.

Is It Biblical or American? (Part 2)

For this weeks Blog, I want to share 2-3 points from Bishop Mattera’s article with the hope that it will continue to stir our thinking and motivate a systemic change to our way of life and ministry. Please read, and let’s talk about it…feel free to comment or post below to engage with this ongoing conversation!

As we read this weeks thoughts, let's ask ourselves this specific question. "Are we more or less Biblical or American?"

Looking at points 2 and 3, we are confronted with a "Biblical concert that really challenges our Western 'American'" mentality and lifestyle...

 

2. American Christianity focuses on individual prosperity. The Bible focuses on stewardship.

Much American preaching today focuses on "our rights in Christ" to be blessed. However, in Scripture, the emphasis regarding finances has to do with being blessed by God to be a blessing by bringing God's covenant to the earth (Read Deut. 8:18; 2 Cor. 9:10-11). Jesus promised material blessing only in the context of seeking first His kingdom (Matt. 6:33). How does a revival of Biblical Stewardship change our lives, our churches, and our communities? WOW!

3. American Christianity focuses on self-fulfillment and happiness. The Bible focuses on glorifying God and serving humanity.

I heard a statement several years ago that framed this for me... "God is not interested in our happiness but rather our Holiness." While that sounds like a negative statement, it is in reality a positive one. God's desire is a relationship with us now and in eternity. In order for that relationship to happen, there is some work God wants to do in our lives, and that is the development of a lifestyle of focus on loving Him and obedience to Him, His Word, and Will. 

Bishop Mattera's, The Great Commandments are to love God and love our neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40). It seems to me that much of the focus from the American pulpit has to do with individual fulfillment and satisfaction.

Want to talk about it? Share your thoughts below.

Pastor Mitch

Is It Biblical or American? (Part 1)

In an article I read recently by Joseph Mattera, the overseeing bishop of Resurrection Church, Christ Covenant Coalition, in Brooklyn, N.Y.,  a provoking thought and much needed word concerning Biblical Christianity was presented. Unfortunately, his assessments are all too accurate! However, we can make choices in our lives, in our ministries, and in our communities to be more “Biblical” and less “American” in our view of Christianity. Our view of Christianity will definitely impact the way we live our lives, conduct our ministry, and carry out the mission of Christ on the Earth.

For the next few weeks in this Blog, I will be sharing from Bishop Mattera’s article with the hope that it will stir our thinking and change our way of life and ministry. Please read and let’s talk about it…

It has been evident to numerous biblical scholars that, often (if not most of the time), believers (including preachers) interpret the Bible through the lens of their culture. This has resulted in many beliefs, doctrines, and practices prevalent in the church that are not in accord with the clear teaching of Scripture. Sadly, this is often the case with the evangelical church in the United States.

Since the U.S. is so influential, American evangelicals have also exported a Gospel replete with an American cultural paradigm that is not in line with the Hebraic paradigm of Scripture. Consequently, sometimes in the U.S. pulpit, preaching can sound more like the "American Dream" than a sound, biblical teaching.

The following are some of Bishop Mattera thoughts which bring to light the real contrasts between American Christianity and biblical Christianity:

1. American Christianity focuses on individual destiny. The Bible focuses on corporate vision and destiny.

Most of the preaching in today's pulpits in America focuses on individual destiny, purpose, and vision. However, a quick look at the Bible shows us that, in the Old Testament, the emphasis was always on the nation of Israel, and in the New Testament, the emphasis was always on the church. Every promise of God in Scripture was given to the community of faith as a whole. Hence, if a person was not flowing in the context of the church, or the nation of Israel, they would have never even known Scripture since the average person did not own a Bible and only heard the Word when they assembled with the saints on the Sabbath. Of course, believers had to apply the word of God as individuals, but they could not conceive of doing this if they were not part of the corporate body of faith. In the Old and New Testaments, there was no such thing as "individual prophecy" since every prophetic word given to an individual had to be walked out in the context of their faith community and/or had to do with the life of their community.

Want to talk about it??? Comment below!

Check back next week for part 2...

Pastor Mitch

Have You Heard that Jesus Is Coming?

When I was a child growing up in the church, I often heard teachings, sermons, lessons, etc., about the Second Coming Of Christ! It seems to me that every evangelist, pastor/teacher that would come to preach at my home church (which was pastored by my faithful father), would preach a stirring message about the soon return of Christ. Sometimes when I pause to think about my childhood, some of those stirring sermons ring again in my heart. The Bible speaks about Christ coming like a thief in the night, when you least expect him. It will happen in the twinkling of an eye with the sound of a trumpet. We would sometimes sing that piercing old song, "Be Ready When He Comes."

This powerful idea and thought is seldom heard in God's house today. Very few Christians live with a sense of expectancy, looking and yearning for Jesus' return. How has this happened? Do we still believe in this basic truth of scripture? Are we committed to proclaiming it?

As one looks at the world, its condition and its direction, you have to ask yourself if this is the terminal generation! I am certain others in the distant past asked the same thing, but I am suggesting that it is closer now than ever and that we must return to the urgency of this message and proclaim it. I have been asking myself over the past several months if in fact I will hear the Mid-Night Cry and see the return of Christ in my lifetime!

Have any thoughts?

"Until Then,"

Pastor Mitch

The One, the Only Gospel

Is there really only one way to be saved? Today I was visiting a gentleman and was we talked about the truth that Jesus is the one way and one way only to eternal life with God. I asked him the question ... "Do you really believe... Acts 4:12... ' Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved'?" If so, what other motivation do we really need in order to be about the mission and ministry of Jesus on the earth? Because this incredible truth is so compelling, we should need no other motivation. If we really believe people who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior are lost and not going to heaven, then how does that impact the way we share our faith?

I want my life and witness to evidence the fact that I am fully aware that Jesus is the one and only Son of God and the one and only way to have the promise of eternal life.