I’m seeking to be faithful, at last.
Even after over 35 years, I have not the slightest illusion that I have all this stuff right, that I have finally figured out the key to all things, or that I have some secret knowledge or power or calling. I do not for a moment think that I will change the church or the world, or that finally I will be the one to have the last word on these matters, or even that I will plant even one church that will be near ideal. I am, rather, convinced of the truth of I Cor 1:25-27 and this gives me reason to go ahead and seek to be faithful in spite of every reason why I should not bother to try.
Presently the church is stirring herself; the Wind is blowing. It seems the Lord is moving circumstances that will re-inforce the deep changes coming in the church. I can say that I am convinced of these truths about the church that I’m laying out here, about the walk and work of the saints, about the equippers (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers), and about the itinerants (apostles, prophets, evangelists). I think the preponderance of scripture supports these views and though the church has largely seen them differently, some have always seen the views I’m trying to lay out similarly, and have helped me see them. There are today many voices seeing these same issues, some describing them differently, some calling for different solutions, but many who are saying very similar things.
I think to be faithful to Him I need to share what is on my heart as clearly as I can. The tsunami of change rolling towards us is made up of many, many drops of water. My great hope is to be one of those little, powerless, insignificant drops of water that together will sweep the shores clean.
The information on the website and on this blog are my working draft (sometimes in an extended outline format) for what I think I need to say for me to be faithful to Him. It might in the end be of no help to anyone else and I don’t think that matters. He is bringing the changes I hope for in the church anyway. It doesn’t depend on me.
But, I earnestly desire your help. As you can, let me know how these things do or don’t make sense to you, what am I missing, where have I headed down the wrong trail, what am I leaving unsaid? What needs better clarification, where is my argument from scripture weak or lacking or off base?
Thank you. Yours,
-Art
I like your openness here and I do agree change is coming to the American church. My question, what is my role?
greg z
Greg,
This is the question for many of us. The thing that has most held me back is not wanting to run ahead of God, and the inner confusion from so much faulty thinking about what the church is like, how believer’s function, etc. The only infallible authority is God’s word. Not to say my understanding of it, or yours, or “theirs,” is correct or perfect, but I think we will in large measure be judged based on how faithful we are to seek understanding and being responsive/obedient to what we do come to understand. This is not a light responsibility, but one Paul took with great intrepidation.
I also think God stirs our hearts in His direction. Phil 2:12-13 (see the whole chapter for the expansive context),
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (KJV)
“Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” (Amplified)
How is God stirring your heart?
There is a desire to follow Him without reservation. To be strong and couragous. Not to fear man but to fear God. I want to trust His word and be obedient. Amen.