Friday, July 11, 2003
The Conclusion of the Matter: (See previous Post)
I don’t know how many of you have seen the movie, “BRAVEHEART”. I love that movie—it really impacted my life. It is among my favorite movies. If you have seen “BRAVEHEART” then you will especially appreciate my conclusion to the message I wrote about in my previous blog. If not and you read on, hopefully you’ll be blessed even so.
When I considered the question I posed in the message, “What does it mean to be a member of a non-denominational church?, I had to ask, “What is a proper answer to that question?” (See prevous Blog.) I was reading some material about churches and Christian Unity (or the lack thereof) when I remembered “Braveheart”. And I had my answer! What does it mean to be a member of a non-denominational church? It means, FREEDOM!! If you have seen the movie, you may experience some of the emotion I felt when this concept occurred to me regarding the answer to the posed-question.
To be a member of a truly non-denominational church (not just in name but a church that is truly functioning as a non-denominational church), means freedom. Freedom from sectarianism, legalism, and obscurantism.
It means freedom to truly embrace the grace of God, and to be joyfully confident of our salvation. It means freedom to exult in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit—whose mission is to conform us to the likeness of Christ.
Freedom to accept the Spirit’s gift of unity with forbearing love—in spite of all our differences and hang-ups.
Freedom to accept as sisters and brothers all those who are devoted to Jesus Christ as Lord, wherever they may be.
It means freedom to think for ourselves and to question the dogmas handed down by our forbearers. It means freedom from the tyranny of opinionism. (That may not be a word, but is expresses what I mean!) I am talking about making opinions and methods tests of fellowship, the things that determine whether or not we accept some one (or a group of “some ones”) as our brothers and sisters in Christ.
I believe it means freedom from a “herd mentality” and blind conformity, which hinder personal growth in Christ. It means freedom to examine new ideas, and to march by a different drumbeat.
It gives freedom even to be wrong in the quest for truth. Freedom to pick up the broken pieces and start over – whether from a tragic divorce, drug addiction, a gay lifestyle, or a wavering faith – and to be loved and accepted during the struggle.
It means freedom to take a critical look at our history and admit where we’ve been wrong—and to get back on track. It gives the freedom to bring women into the church as equals in ministry and bring an end to “male domination”.
There is freedom to make use of modern Biblical scholarship and to be honest about the differences one faces in the interpretation of Scriptures – without being called names or having one’s motives impugned.
Freedom to participate in Body Life in the assembly—with Believers sharing their joys, concerns and sorrows, and encouraging each other in the faith. And in the church having so-called “professionals” (like me) serving more as facilitators than as performers.
To me, that’s a summary of what it means to be a member of a truly non-denominational church. One of American’s forefathers, Thomas Jefferson, said, “..no person, church or nation can expect to move from despotism to liberty in a feather bed!!”
How true! Jesus assures us that the truth shall make us free. But truth often calls for change. And change is often painful!!
And the wonderful little church I serve, Countryside, comes as near achieving all this as any church with which I have ever been associated.
Jim
posted by jim 7:43 AM 0 comments
Comments:
Post a Comment
