I generally keep these kinds of discussions on the private format of my other blog ‘simplemindedpreacher’.  However, I think that this is a valuable discussion for the public world too.

There is a sense of independence that many of us CC pastors share in common.  We enjoy the unity of doctrine and the commonality of philosophy (to a degree), but, at the same time, we are not the types of guys to be tied into the formalities of a true denomination.  Well, some might be… but most aren’t.

Technically, we are still a ‘movement’.  History generally dictates that we will become a monument.  Some think that we already have.  No matter what ‘some’ think, it would be hard to deny that we are moving close to a potential transition into the monument stage of life.  If the leader of this movement has his way, such a thing will never happen.

I love Chuck Smith’s vision for the future of CC.  Roger Wing repeated it for those of us who were gathered at the Deep South Pastor’s Conference this past week:

That which has begun in The Spirit, will continue in The Spirit

In the normal evangelical world, Easter is a time to do things up big!  This is the Sunday that everyone comes to.  Those folks who only go to church 2-3 times a year, go on Easter.  This is our chance to get the life saving message in front of more people.  This is our chance to potentially boost our enrollment.  This is our chance to get a little recognition.  The mailings are going out… the checks are being written… the signs and advertisements are in place…  big things are about to happen.

And that’s all good and well.  I do sincerely hope the best for all the big services that are happening this coming Sunday, but,  as of last year, this has not been my approach.

We often complain that the meaning of Christmas and Easter is getting lost in the mist of commercialization and secular hype.  I’m beginning to think that the meaning these miracles is getting lost in well intentioned methods of the church.  Easter is intended to be a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.  We don’t neglect this matter, but it’s possible that maybe we make it a sideline issue.  It becomes a sideline to outreach.  It becomes a sideline to apologetics.  Dare I say, that it even becomes a sideline to evangelism?

Easter is a good time to reach out to people who don’t normally enter into a church service.  It is a good time to lay out a Biblical, historical and scientific defense of the resurrection.  It is a great time to share the salvation message.  But, in the midst of these good things, I think that our perspective is getting a little cloudy.

This is not a judgment on the church as a whole.  This is a judgment on me.  I have treated Easter as an outreach event for my first 11 years as a pastor.  Last year, that changed.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I want the people I worship with this Sunday, to know that they are celebrating a risen Lord.  Every part of the service is laid out with intent.  Each song is chosen for a specific purpose.  The scriptures will be read by many of our members.  We will be led in two responsive readings.  The children will have a part.  The entire congregation will have interactive opportunities.  There will be no mention of Calvary Chapel Charlottesville.  There will be no announcements.  We will be happy to worship with visitors, but we are not formally welcoming them or gathering their contact information.  This day is about one thing:  THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST!

My daughter Katie wrote a satire for her composition class.  She’s been observing trends in the modern church…

this isn’t about the Army..

……….

“Come one, Come all!” I heard the man call as if he owned a carnival or a petting zoo. “Come see what we have to offer! Come see how we can make your life the best for you!”

I walked apprehensively toward the gruff voice until I found its source. It was a tall, muscular man, standing almost uncomfortably straight under a sign that read Most Effective Army Program Out There. Everything about him – his camouflage uniform, his hat that sat perfectly on his head, and his decorations pinned with the utmost of care – was crisp, neat, and put-together. I approached the soldier and he jerked my hand into a firm handshake.

“My name is General Church, and this is Colonel Steadfast,” he bellowed gesturing to a soldier standing silently behind him. “What can I do for you, son?”

“Sir, I’ve wanted to be a soldier since I was a kid, but it has always seemed so physically and emotionally trying. I’ve looked into several other options, but simply looking at their pamphlets was unpleasant. I’d like to see what you have to offer. What makes you different? What are your features? What advancements can you extend to my life?” I replied.

I hear what the politicians are saying.

I hear what is being written and reported by the press on a national level.

I hear what is happening on talk radio.

I read what people have to say on Facebook and Twitter.

I listen to preachers, theologians and ‘know it alls in the name of Jesus’.

I’m reading…  I’m listening…  I’m considering…  I’M LOSING HOPE IN HUMANITY.

For many people, agenda and opinion is more important than truth.

Sometimes Christians express their faith like glitter sprinkled on a turd.  (or, like lipstick on a pig)

…a Jesus T-Shirt combined with a sour disposition.

…the fish on the car that cuts you off in traffic.

…the prayer said before the meal, right before the waiter is treated like trash.

Sometimes we spiritualize and Biblically justify behaviors which shouldn’t be justified Biblically.

We are free to act just like the unbeliever, as long as we throw a little spiritual justification into our verbiage.

I’m a Libertarian.  Why?  Because I want the church to be free… to be the church.

Some points to consider…

The Church in America wants the government to do the bidding of The Church in America

Our current government system is not and will not create and enforce laws under the direction of a Christian-Biblical belief.  Sure, it might integrate some principles here and there.  It might throw a bone to the church in exchange for some votes, but it will not adopt or mimic the call, beliefs or responsibilities of the church, no matter how many times it uses our language and terminology.   It is the government of all the people, not just the Christian people.  Its rule should be secular.  There should be no favor for one group over another group.  There should just be a provision for freedom on both fronts.  It’s rule should allow individual people and groups to legislate their own morality and spiritual beliefs.  As the government dabbles along the edge of religion with its occasional quotes, principles and claims, it does more damage than it does good.

The Church in America wants the government to do, what The Church in America should be doing.  

I’m not going to practice Lent.

However, I often try my best to find the proverbial baby that exists in the bathwater.

There is a reason why individuals began the practice of fasting in anticipation of their baptism.

There is a reason why these individual practices were adopted by the formal church and instituted as a formal practice.

There is even a reason why the church, both Catholic and Protestant, has changed the meaning and method of Lent over the years.

They call Lent a preparation for Easter.

Most of us Evangelical Protestant types don’t prepare.  In fact, Easter sneaks up on us.  One day we wake up and realize, “Hey, it’s Easter Sunday.”  Those who do prepare, are focusing more on marketing, renting venues, and the hopes of a greater head-count.

In light of this discussion, I’ve put together six points to help non-Lenters learn from the principles of Lent, and maybe even practice the act of intentional anticipation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

1. Don’t just acknowledge the resurrection as truth. 

I believe that the Bible is the ultimate standard.  This is the first authority amongst those of us who might be classified under the fundamental (NOT a bad word) side of Protestantism.  The Catholic world places a primary authority upon the teachings of the church and the liberal Protestants place a primary authority upon the ever-shifting opinions of popular society.

In one world, the Bible submits to the church.

In another world, the Bible submits to culture.

In my world, the church and the culture submit to the Bible.