God is Not Chump Change

Okay, so I am pumped after a week off. It was a great time of rest and rejuvenation. I am feeling closer to communities and I am enjoying life with other members of the body of Christ. Which brings me yet again, to another observation point. In these chapters that I read, there is a lot to do with signs or symbols. Also, just the way we do worship represents things of the past, or remembrance of something. It is really important to me that I take these things seriously.

So simply put in this chapter is the fact that, in worship we: as the body of Christ, are summing-up the Christ event in our worship. We do this by centering worship around Christ, coming together as the bride of Christ, and we are looking forward to Christ's return. Now, how often does that specifically come up in my worship? Let me answer for myself...      not often. I think my worship is just a little bit out of sync with this. Yes, it is easy to get distracted in worship, but not to focus on Christ as the center, or looking forward to Christ's ultimate return, or recognizing the body as the hands and feet of Jesus is just wrong. I feel ashamed to say this, but I am not going through those motions. I know I am not alone in this either.

If we tune ourselves to God's will he will initiate our worship and guide us through that process. If we focus on our emotions, or the music, or life, we will short-change God and we will just worship our flesh. Their can only be one who we worship. One is the answer. Don't sell your relationship with God short.

Another thing that I have to work on is just expressing myself in worship. In the book it talked about the importance of signs in worship. We raise our hands in worship, we bow, we kneel, we sit, and stand. Why are these things important? It in itself isn't important. It is all about that act signifying something else. The Eucharist isn't just a small snack at the end of a service. There is rich meaning in all these signs. For me, I need to focus on what these signs more in worship. If we can truly remember the significance of these things God will be praised.

I think it is very important to not just go through the motions when it comes to worshipping God. I am just as guilty as the next person. So lets give it our all in worship. Let's remember the importance of Christ and what he has done for us. He deserves our praise.

Matt Brown

Early Church Community

Kairos moment for me in this week is about a community. God is teaching me about community through the actions of the early church. The bond of the community was so strong back then. They were willing to face persecution and they met in private homes. This is such a huge risk. They basically risked their lives to worship God. This model of a church community is something that I admire. 

I like how the Early Church gathered for an agape meal as well. They were willing to spend time with each other in fellowship. I want to be a part of a community that is like that; investing in each other, and enjoying company of other people. A body that has many talents, but unites as the bride of Christ. 

This week I am just realizing the importance of community in churches. In my life the most evident community is that of my school. I am there 5 days a week. I want to see that community thrive. It is a body of young people united in the purposes of learning to be better studiers of music and better followers of Christ. I see a good community there. But I invision a greater community. 

So all this talk on community is just a little random, and not too cohesive, but let me elaborate more on my personal observations. I observe that I am investing in my school community as much as I think I should (I am self-critical about this). I also observe that I am not deeply rooted in a church community at this present time. I know both of those  things are not good. I believe God is trying to teach me more about community and I am willing to listen. 

Matt