Part 5. Those who live in the lane of Purity have a hard road ahead of them. Maintaining that life is a lot of work. We volunteer for it, accept it, but miss so much more of what Christ promises and gives to us. If we don’t learn how to change lanes, our lives will weaken and suffer.
Tag: Christian Living
Audio: When We Find Ourselves Divided
Part 3. Even the smallest difference in opinion can divide deeply, whether in politics or in the Church. We sit like armies, each one camped upon a hill, with the valley of war between us. Though we start down the Narrow Road together in joy, we drift to one of two sides. This week we learn what separated us and what each side has chosen to fight for.
Audio: The Promises of Forgiveness and Purity
The Narrow Road Paradox, Part 2.
The New Testament was written for a culture much like our own. Acceptance and individualism allowed everything to be approved and welcomed. Such a melting pot results in a big mess. Salvation brings many promises, and among them are Freedom and Purity. As we begin our journey down the Narrow Road we find them working in harmony, and our lives are better for having them both.
Audio: A New Look at the Narrow Road
The Narrow Road Paradox, Part 1.
Jesus told us that salvation is traveling a narrow road leading to life. We have different ideas of the road being dangerous, tight, and unforgiving. When God tells us to incorporate two elements of life that seem contrary to each other, we need to learn how they work together to speed us on the narrow road.
When G.I. Joe Stands Before the Throne of God
One of those famous cartoons of the 1980’s, G.I. Joe was a paramilitary team of experts and super-geeks that fought the forces of Cobra who, like every villain, wanted to take over the world. But after all of the battles and rescues, just before moving on the next Saturday morning classic, the team had a lesson to teach the moldable minds glued to the television sets: “Knowing is half the battle.”
A boy played with a kite too close to the power lines. Girls were baking cookies and almost reached into the oven without any oven mitts on. Kids were running around in the dark near a busy freeway. One of the Joe’s would step in and help them out, and the children would respond with with, “Now we know.” But knowing isn’t everything.
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The Spiritual Side of Singing in the Church
In a previous post I began writing a response to a popular article floating around the internet. In one of the weekly e-newsletters I received today, another article just posted as another chain in the dialogue this topic has created. Though many churches maintain a high caliber of musician and vocalist for the churches, there continues to be a percentage of our congregations that are not participating in this very biblical portion of our services.
The first post talked about some practical ways to create an environment that invites as many as are willing to join in worship. That is just one side of the coin when it comes to this concern. Quite often, this is the only side that is addressed in these internet articles. Change the key; stop singing “girly” love songs; make church “manly” again. Some of those ideas are great ideas. But addressing the practical issues of singing in our churches is only half the battle.
Worship is a spiritual act, after all. While it involves physical rules like musical scales, keys and chords, it is a spiritual offering from a spiritual individual to the only true God. Therefore we have to examine whether there are any spiritual reasons for the lack of participation in worship.
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Chris MacKinnon 