At the start of my message on Sunday night I don't really know how to describe what I felt. There was just this overwhelming feeling that something wasn't right. As I tried to process it, I kept coming to the conclusion that someone was present in the congregation who had full intention of disrupting the service. As a result, at the same time I felt so indescribably troubled I also felt an intensity in my spirit that such an act could not be permitted.
My response may have been right, it may have been wrong. Truthfully, I'm not for sure. All I knew to do at the moment was to make sure that every person present possessed a firm understanding that in corporate gatherings of worship, we are Biblically mandated to do everything decently and in order. Therefore, I gave a brief disclaimer that ignorance would not be tolerated.
There has been enough nonsense happen in church environments, under the pretense of the moving of the Holy Spirit, to forever scar Christ's body. I simply sensed or discerned--whatever you want to call it--that I had an obligation as a pastor to give a reminder that such acts of ignorance would not and could not be tolerated at 3515 West Hwy 80.
I have a reverential awe for the presence of God and I never want anything to be done under the guise of His moving that is actually fleshly in nature. During the course of nine years of pastoral ministry, on two or three different occasions that I vividly remember, I did not have the courage I needed as spiritual leader and stood passively by in moments when I should have addressed some things with authority. Each time I sensed something foolish was about happen and I just couldn't seem to find the strength to address it before it transpired. (Obviously, it is easier to stop something before it gets started than vice-versus.) God has deeply convicted my heart over my past cowardice and has led me to the understanding that as a spiritual leader there may be no greater hypocrisy than the sin of silence. Thus, the reason I spoke so bluntly on Sunday evening. :)
Perhaps, I should have given a better explanation at the time but honestly, at that moment, I wasn't for sure how to.
If you have any further questions regarding the brief comments I made that evening feel free to send them to me and I'll do my best to answer them. You can reach me directly at: jackrambles@gmail.com
Love guys. Hope you have a great week.
Greater things are yet to come!
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