Red Dirt Road
Posted by Chris on April 21, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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Sermon for April 21, 2013 – Travis Campbell
Worship Wars
Posted by Chris on April 14, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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Some of you here today may not recall international incidents that involve a supreme leader of a nation threatening to fire nuclear missiles. To those under 25 it may sound like the plot of a 007 movie. Yet, men with bad haircuts in black polyester suits threatening to take over the world with nuclear arms and their high-stepping armies is what some of us grew up with. At one time, that was the threat of war.
What we see in the North Korea situation is what many of us always assumed about warfare: that there are nations, borders, governments, uniforms and flags. Even if they are aggressive and unreasonable, there is always someone with whom to negotiate; and there is always a target to hit if negotiations fail. Once we assumed that weapons are only weapons — and the bigger they are, the better they are. Once we assumed that in war superior firepower or better technology was the counter-move to the enemy’s move. We assumed that the Cold War was cold because even though the boundaries were clearly and tightly drawn, there was the assumption that at the end of the day everyone was hoping that no one would fire anything.
Then the threat of war changed in 2001. Now we assume that war involves terrorists representing no government and with no national borders. We assume that war takes place in secret with the objective of doing damage. We have accepted the fact that there are no flags, no uniforms, no tanks, no jets and no missiles. There is no one with whom to negotiate. There is nothing cold about the new shape of warfare as the objective of the enemy seems to be fire everything they have.
The “old ways” didn’t apply so much after 9/11. Missiles, bombers and tanks are less effective against invisible terrorist cells. Instead, drones and Special Forces are necessary. Warfare got up close and personal. Now it is less like Missile Command and more like Call of Duty.
I need to make a transition from war to worship. It disturbs me that I cannot decide if it is difficult to make the connection between war and worship or if it is in fact an easy connection. I suppose that warfare and worship should be very different things, but the sad reality is that there has been a long history of conflict in worship and sometime in the 20th century the term “worship wars” was coined.
Conflict over worship is nothing new. In the first century, Jewish traditionalism and Gentile simplicity created enough tension that a special meeting had to be called in Jerusalem (Acts 15). In Corinth, tongue speakers and prophets were at odds over who got more time in the pulpit. Creeds and Confessions often had to do with doctrinal distinctions, but sometimes they would create borders in worship. That was really visible in the Christian West – especially in England (which has a huge influence on our church culture.) Two major options were available to the worshipper in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries. On the one hand there was the “smells and bells” of the Anglican church or the austere simplicity of the Puritans.
Up until the late 20th century, there were clear boundaries and borders. There were uniforms and flags. There were people to negotiate a truce if necessary. When it failed, it led to major divisions – like the instrumental and non-instrumental division in our own movement. That division was acknowledged as the 20th century began.
During the 20th century in America, different groups became known by their worship styles. Words like traditional, contemporary, charismatic, contemplative, progressive, and conservative were used to identify groups who would all be identified as Christian and maybe even hold the same beliefs in essential matters, but the content and style of their worship might vary. By the 1970s the term Worship Wars was being used by Evangelical writers to describe these distinctions.
Forty years later, and one tenth of the way into the 21st century, I wonder if we really have Worship Wars anymore. It’s hard to determine where the boundaries and borders are. There are no uniforms or banners. There’s no one to negotiate with. Very conservative congregations might have no problem with speaking in tongues but they would condemn the use of a projector. Very contemporary groups might use a praise team, but they might preach a strict gospel. A church might be acapella in its worship, but they may use incense or they might feature a spoken word poem.
Just as the nature of warfare has changed, so too have the worship wars. I wonder if the new situation after the Worship Wars is Worship Terrorism? There does seem to be too much fear connected to worship. And I know some leaders who feel terrorized every time something goes awry in worship. Maybe we are in the days of the Worship Peacekeeping Operations or the Worship Police Actions? Sometimes the best solution we can come up with in worship is containment. We try and set boundaries that satisfy no one simply so we can avoid conflict. I know church leaders and members who worry that we may be trying to contain the Holy Spirit.
None of these terms have the same alliteration as Worship Wars. So I propose a new term that I hope calls out the real problem – Worship Weariness. Whatever shape conflict around worship takes, I suspect that most of us, if not all of us, are just tired of the conflict. No, we don’t want peace at the sake of truth – that would be too easy. But like the song says we want to “stop the fighting and start uniting” but that isn’t easy and some may be losing hope that its even possible.
This week I spoke to a church leader (this is a different church – listen to the sermon and don’t bother trying to figure out who’s upset and where – that’s not the point). This friend told me that he is certainly weary of worship. He says that he would love to just come to church and not have anyone quiz him about changes being made to the worship service or worship events being planned for the college group, or singles group, or teen group. He just wants to come and enjoy being in worship rather than feeling like he is walking on eggshells through an entire worship and wondering “Who won’t like that?”
That’s worship weariness. The easy solution at this point would seem to be an appeal to “Just do what God wants.” On the one hand that is the answer (and its how this sermon will conclude) but on the other hand, that’s been tried a lot and for quite some time, people have issued statements in God’s name saying “This is what God wants” – and yes, they typically back it up with a lot of Scripture.
There’s only one such statement that seems the definitively credible statement of what God wants from worship. [Note: The emphasis will shift from what God wants in worship to the kind of worshippers God wants]. Perhaps that is because it comes from God’s own son. Take a look at John 4 . . .
1. The Samaritan Woman brings up the Worship War of her age – “Should we worship on Mount Gerazim, or in the Jerusalem Temple?”
2. Each side had Scriptural support. Each decision excludes the possibility of the other. Its either mountain top or temple. There’s too much here to come up with a blended compromise.
3. Jesus offers something different – much more than a third option. The new perspective on worship that Jesus gives, defines the other two but also nullifies their distinct doctrines and styles (v. 22 – 23)
4. True worship is worship of the Father in Spirit and in truth. There’s no more description than this. And once again Jesus has missed an opportunity . . .
· He could have given an authorized order of worship right there on the spot.
· He could have said, “Spirit and truth means: No banjoes, no singing during the Lord’s Supper, lengthy sermons are okay as long as they end with an invitation, women can pray publically if they have their head covered (Paul will give you more on that), . . .”
· And Jesus could have written an entire book in detail and then we wouldn’t have to fight. But all he says is “Spirit and Truth” as if he seems to really know God the Father quite well, so well in fact that he is like God’s Son or something!
5. The fact is, Jesus never misses an opportunity. And writing and entire book on how to worship would not settle a thing (that was attempted in Leviticus and they still wrote commentaries on what it meant). Jesus wants us getting past temple and mountain issues.
6. And I think Jesus wants us to pay attention. Notice carefully that Jesus says nothing about what God “wants” from worship – isn’t that how we often formulate the question? Rather he says, “God seeks something in worship.” And what God seeks is not simply “the product” or “order” of worship, but he seeks worshippers! The kind who worship in Spirit and Truth!
So what kind of worshipper are you going to be?
Baptism as Worship
Posted by Chris on April 7, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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Sermon for April 7, 2013 – Chris Benjamin
The Gospel According to Genesis
Posted by Chris on April 2, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
It’s the new year and a new beginning! Let’s go back to “The Beginning” and learn our story.
The good news of Genesis communicates the truth about a good Creator and a good creation. Genesis reveals the meaning of our lives and the truth about who we are and the world in which we live and thrive.
The sermons in January and February from Chris Benjamin and Travis Campbell will draw from the first eleven chapters of Genesis.
January 6 – Genesis 1: Mechanics or Meaning
January 13 – Genesis 2: Keepers of Paradise
January 20 – Genesis 3-4: Damaged Goods
January 27 – Genesis 5-6: Song of the Sword and the Grief of God
February 3 – Genesis 7-8: Comfort and Covenant
February 10 – Genesis 9: Rainbow in the Dark (Travis Campbell)
February 17 – Genesis 10-11: Stairway to Heaven (Travis Campbell)
Slowness of Heart
Posted by Chris on March 31, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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Sermon for March 31, 2013 (Easter)
Chris Benjamin
Luke 23-24
Missing the Point of Salvation – Luke 23
Posted by Chris on March 24, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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Sermon for March 24, 2013 – Chris Benjamin
Luke 23
When the Rocks Cry Out – Luke 19
Posted by Chris on March 17, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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Sermon for March 17, 2013 – Chris Benjamin
Luke 19
Let the Word Do Its Work
Posted by Chris on March 10, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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Sermon for March 10, 2013 – Chris Benjamin
Text: Isaiah 55
Noah’s Ark – Truth or Myth?
Posted by Debbie on March 8, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons, Uncategorized
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Presented by Dr. Michael Cole on Sunday evening, February 17, 2013.
The text of this lesson comes from www.westark.org/2010/01/01/noahs-ark-truth-or-myth/
Creation and Flood Scriptures Outside Genesis
Posted by Debbie on March 6, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons, Uncategorized
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Presented by Dr. Michael Cole on Sunday evening, February 24, 2013.
Ex 20:11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and ALL that is in them, and rested the seventh day.
Ex 31:17 ‘It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’
Job 38-42:6 . . . answer thou me . . .
Psm 8:3 When I consider {“with stars”} Your heavens, the work of YOUR fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained
Psm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And ALL the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
Psm 104:5-9 You who laid the foundations of the earth, So that it should not be moved forever, You covered it with the deep as with a garment; The waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away. The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place which You did appoint for them. You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, That they may not return to cover the earth.
Ecc 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
Ecc 3:20 All are from the dust, and all return to dust.
Isa 45:12, 18 I have made the earth, and created man on it. It was I — My hands that stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded. . . . For thus says the LORD, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD, and there is no other.
Isa 48:13 Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and My right hand has stretched out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand up together.
Isa 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Jer 31:35-37 Thus says the LORD, Who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night, Who disturbs the sea, and its waves roar (the LORD of hosts is His name): “If those ordinances depart from before Me,” says the LORD, “Then the seed of Israel shall also cease from being a nation before Me forever.” Thus says the LORD: “If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done,” says the LORD.
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Mt 19:4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at THE BEGINNING ‘made them male and female,'”
Mk 10:6 But FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION, God “made them male and female.”
Lk 17:26-27 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them ALL.
Acts 14:15 [Barnabas & Paul said] “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and ALL things that are in them
Acts 17:24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
Acts 17:26 And He has made FROM ONE BLOOD every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their habitation
Rom 1:19-22 Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the CREATION OF THE WORLD His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools
I Cor 11:8-9 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.
Heb 1:10 You, Lord, IN THE BEGINNING laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of YOUR hands;
Heb 3:4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built ALL THINGS is God.
Heb 4:3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest,” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. [The verse indicates men have sinned “since the foundation of the world.”]
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
I Pet 3:20 Who formerly were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
II Pet 2:5 And did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly
II Pet 3:3-8 Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, And saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were FROM THE BEGINNING OF CREATION.” For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, By which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which now exist are kept in store by the same word, reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Rev 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created ALL THINGS, and by Your will they exist and were created.
Rev 10:6 And swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it