Both And (or is it) Either Or?
Whn it comes to ministry which is it? Some people think God should work within denominational structures while others insist that God only works in non-denominational settings. Some people see God only working in new structures while seeing the ineffectiveness of being in a structured organization in or outside of denominations.
Well, I've been thinking. Is it Either Or (or is it) Both And? Is it either denominational structures or is it Non Denominational Sturctures? Is it no structures and just free-wheeling? Or could it be Both And? Could it be that God is working in established denominational structures, non denominational structures and even in places with no formal structures?
Give me your thoughts on this. Are we not in this together? Does God choose to work with everyone who chooses to work with Him? While there are pros and cons to all organizational questions, the issue is really, does God do His thing - His way wherever and with whomever He chooses?
I have concluded that we are all instruments in God's hands. I think I know what is better, but in the end, God will reveal the success and failures of all systems who are or are not reaching and discipling people for Christ. I am for Both And when it comes to ministry.
Whatever happened that resulted in beleivers and pastors thinking that they have the market on the best way or only way to do ministry? We should celebrate God working wherever God is working.
Just because I want to see a new winskin ministry for America doesn't mean God is not working in other wineskins and places and vica-versa. Since we are losing ground for Christianity in America I do believe we need a new wineskin for making disciples who make disciples. On the other hand let's try to make disciples who make disciples wherever the Gospel is shared in old wineskins and in new.
Does anyone want to go on record here? Is it Both And (or is it) Either Or?
posted by Bob Carder @ 3:23 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Both, the tragedy occurs when either new or old wineskin fails to understand the “message and power” of Jesus. We need the continual reminder of Peter (2 Peter 1-5-18)
So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, F3 and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin. So, dear brothers and sisters, F4 work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away. And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I plan to keep on reminding you of these things – even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth. Yes, I believe I should keep on reminding you of these things as long as I live. But the Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that my days here on earth are numbered and I am soon to die. F5 So I will work hard to make these things clear to you. I want you to remember them long after I am gone.
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. And he received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down from heaven, "This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him." We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.
Brian McLaren states "Wouldn't it be interesting if the people who started discovering and believing the hidden message of Jesus were people who aren’t even identified as Christians, and wouldn't it be tragic if people like myself, identified as Christians, were unwilling to consider the possibility that they have more to learn (and unlearn) about the message of Jesus?”
What would be wonderful is that those defined as old wineskins, actually gave birth and discipled the new wineskins. Throughout the history of the church, Jesus has ensured the survival of His bride through this method. There is room for both and the new has an ability to give a re-birth to the old. The power of this transformation rests in He who is in us.
Wow and a very powerful wow. This is really good stuff. BM form Indiana, you must keep writing! I am learning a great deal from you.
Obviously I vote for Both And.
I get antsy whenever anyone tries to limit how God can work. Not that you are...of course.
I also love the (Both And) approach and I am continuing to push the (Both And) to make disciples who make disciples who make disciples...
And I know you guys are all for this, AMEN!
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