Good words on the emerging church

Here's more wisdom from Chuck Swindoll. I've listened to his sermons for over 30 years. I think he speaks wisely in regards to the emerging church movement, and I know many of the people who have been at the forefront of this movement.

A Word about the Emerging Church
When Paul stood on Mars Hill in Athens and proclaimed the grace of God to the lost, he preached to a crowd of skeptics, critics, and those we might call “sophisticated eggheads.” Rather than beginning with the Scriptures, Paul began with the created world in which these unbelievers lived in order to introduce Jesus to them. He began with their spiritual hunger and pointed them to Jesus as the satisfaction for their longings . . . and the payment for their sins. Paul even quoted a well-known pagan poet as a means of building a bridge between the lost and the Lord (see Acts 17:16–33).

A number of ministries have adopted for their churches what I call a “Mars Hill philosophy of ministry.” Modeled after Paul’s message on Mars Hill, their goal is to connect with the unbeliever, or the postmodern, or any person they would call a “seeker.” In recent years the emerging church movement has attempted to “do church” (or be the church) in a new way amidst our postmodern world. Their purpose is “missional living,” that is, to get involved in the world in hopes of transforming it. This style of ministry engages the culture in a “conversation” rather than preaching to people like a prophet. A wide range of theologies and strategies exist within this current movement. Some individuals hold to orthodox beliefs but have adopted very unorthodox ways of communication. I have read of sermons that use language that would make most believers cringe . . . and cover their children’s ears.

Are we to minister as those in the world? Absolutely. That’s an answer to Jesus’s own prayer for His followers (see John 17:14-16). But let’s be very discerning here. Does this mean we must minister as those of the world? Do we have to adopt postmodern thinking to minister to the postmodern mind? Absolutely not. Such behavior and words are not fitting in the life of a Christian (see Ephesians 5:4). They are obviously, then, not fitting in the context of worship.

Nowhere in the book of Acts or the Epistles do we see a church called to provide a subculture for unbelievers. The lost don’t need to find at church a world that’s like their world. We must relate to the world but not compromise biblical essentials for a church.

I need to make this clear: I don’t intend to erect an “emerging” straw man and then light him on fire. I realize that in the same way our culture unfairly pigeonholes evangelicals, there is a risk of stereotyping the emerging church—or any similar movement. The danger of a broad stroke of analysis is to fail to represent everyone fairly. Or to acknowledge the exceptions.

I’m certain that not all of those who number themselves among the “tribe” of the emerging church favor liberal theology with no belief in absolutes or traditional, orthodox convictions. However, my concern is for those churches in any movement that, in an attempt to connect with the culture, actually embrace a compromise of biblical truth. Paul had the same concern as he wrote with urgency to Timothy:

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (2 Timothy 4:1–2)

It’s worth noticing that this exhortation is not addressed to the hearer; it’s for the speaker. The one who is to obey this command is the one proclaiming the message. That’s you. That’s me. That’s every elder who teaches. That’s all who are called to stand and deliver. It is to be the commitment of every church.

Let me urge you who are considering adopting the emerging church philosophy, or the “seeker church” strategies, to take a good look at what you are trying to do—and why. Be sure to look at it biblically. Be certain you can support any change you plan to implement from the Scriptures. Don’t look to Mars Hill in Acts 17 while ignoring the essentials of Acts 2:42. Instead of searching for justification in the Bible, search and pray for direction from the biblical text. When you find it . . . follow it.

I would say the same thing to any church—including my own.

—Chuck

Easter 2010 1 Cor. 15: 1-4, 12-19
The importance of the resurrection

Intro…VIDEO What does Easter mean to you?

Big Picture:The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal event in the Christian faith.

• Yes, Jesus did a lot of other great things like modeling a life of service, performing miracles, and saying some profound truths.
• Yet, the greatest thing Jesus did, the one thing he really came to earth to accomplish was to die for our sins and to be resurrected.
• Like we saw in the opening video, people have various ideas about Easter.
• I’m a bit amazed at some of the non-Christian churches I’ve seen around town that advertise Easter services. I’m not exactly sure what they are celebrating.
• Today, I’m going to remind us all of the Christian view of Easter. In church, we get to see God’s perspective...
• Yes, Easter is a big deal…

Text: 1 Cor. 15:1-4, 12-18

When we look at proofs for the resurrection, we need look no further than at those right here.
• The proof is all around us...Christians, the Christian church, changed lives!
• There are 12 scriptures in the Bible that speak of Jesus’ appearances after his death.
• One of those references is right here in 1 Cor. 15:5-6a
• I’m guessing that just by the fact that you are here this morning, you either already believe that Jesus rose from the dead or are pretty close to that assumption.
• Palm Sunday-Easter: Holy Week, the pinnacle of the Christian faith.

Why are the events of this last week critical to the Christian faith?
• If Jesus didn’t defeat death, than Christianity would be no different from all other religions. Christ’s death/rez. was necessary for our salvation.
• No other religious or philosophical leader of any of the world’s religions or philosophies has ever been proclaimed as a risen Savior. Instead, many have shrines at their crypts. They lie decayed with nothing remaining but their dust and their man-made philosophy or religious sayings and ethic.


1 Cor. 15 tells us why Christ’s death and rez. is critical:
• The book of Corinthians was written by Paul about 23 years after Christ died and rose. It was his first letter to the new believers in Corinth.
• This was/is a practical letter, helping them deal with spiritual and moral problems. Paul wants them to be rooted and grounded in their faith.
• In his letter, Paul covers divisions in the church, moral disorder, marital issues, food and idols, public worship, and then in chapter 15 the rez..
• He knew that one of the key foundational doctrines they needed to be squared away on was Christ’s resurrection.
• Most Greeks did not believe that people bodies would be resurrected after death. To them, the afterlife was something that only happened to the soul.
• Christianity in contrast affirms that the body and the soul will be united in heaven. 1 Cor. 15:35-50 (40 in particular)
• Since the church in Corinth was in the heart of Greek culture, many of the new “Christians” had a hard time believing in a bodily resurrection.
• Thus Paul’s emphasis on the importance of the rez. of Christ.

Today, we too need to be rooted and grounded in what we believe, and Christ’s rez. is KEY!
• In chap. 15 Paul covers the importance of the resurrection, the consequences of denying the resurrection, the Christian hope, the resurrection body, and the Christian’s victory through Christ.
Key points:
15:1 Gospel, preached to you, on which you have taken your stand.
15:2 “ By this gospel you are saved.”
• What are we saved from?
Ourselves, our sin, hell, a life of turmoil…God’s wrath.

Now that we realize we need to be saved, What saves us?
Vs. 2 “By this gospel we are saved.” “Gospel” (good news.) “euangelion”
That’s what makes Easter such a great thing. This is good news!

Vs. 3 The good news we celebrate today is that Christ lived, died and rose.
• Without this, we could not come to God.


Consequences for denying the resurrection? (V. 12-19)
• Vs. 14 There is literally no reason for me to preach every Sunday unless Christ rose from the dead.
• Otherwise, I’m just the latest self-help guru...spinning my own tales, selling my own ideas and goods.
• If the rez. of Christ is not true, then preaching the gospel is a lie (v. 15), the Christian faith is without meaningful content (v. 17), and Christians are hopeless concerning their prospects for the future (v.18-19)

So, what is the Christian hope? (v. 20-22)
• V. 20 Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.
• V. 21 Death came through one man (Adam), life comes through one man (Jesus).

Conclusion:
• So, you came to church on Easter, you want to do the right thing. Good for you.
• What about the rest of the year? There is a lot more to learn about the Bible.
• Kids Bible quotes..
KIDS WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS.
ADAM AND EVE WERE CREATED FROM AN APPLE TREE. NOAH'S WIFE WAS JOAN OF ARK. NOAH BUILT AN ARK AND THE ANIMALS CAME ON IN PEARS.

MOSES LED THE JEWS TO THE RED SEA WHERE THEY MADE UNLEAVENED BREAD WHICH IS BREAD WITHOUT ANY INGREDIENTS.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENTS WAS WHEN EVE TOLD ADAM TO EAT THE APPLE.

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT IS THOU SHALT NOT ADMIT ADULTERY.

SOLOMON, ONE OF DAVIDS SONS, HAD 300 WIVES AND 700 PORCUPINES.

CHRISTIANS HAVE ONLY ONE SPOUSE. THIS IS CALLED MONOTONY.

IT WAS A MIRICLE WHEN JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND MANAGED TO GET THE TOMBSTONE OFF THE ENTRANCE.


• We can’t do the Christian life on our own. God created us for relationship and community. 15:57-58
• To me, Easter is always a good time for reflecting on your life.
• Let’s say you’re in this place, reflecting …are you living a good life, being nice to others, paying your taxes, going to church? Not good enough.
• As we celebrate life today, I also want to ask you if you are prepared to die…GOSPEL

VIDEO Second half

The paradox

Palm Sunday, “The paradox” Matthew 21:1-11
Intro…Optical Illusions…Paradox defined…

• We call Jesus, “King of Kings”, yet his whole life was a paradox. He came to serve, not to be served. He’s the greatest man that ever lived, yet his whole life was about humility.

Text: Matthew 21:1-11

I titled the sermon, ‘The presentation of the King”, yet his entrance into Jerusalem was not very noble by earthly kingly standards.

Thesis: Just as Jesus modeled a life of humility and service, we too need to remain humble and serve others in the name of Jesus.

The story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is a story of paradox. A story that seems contradictory, but is in fact true.
• We have the benefit, thousands of years later, to know that Jesus was the greatest man that ever lived. Yet, in this story, only a select few knew that.
• They wanted Jesus to be Savior of their world (oppressed by the Romans), yet Jesus came humbly to point them to a better world (as they lived with the oppression of the Romans).
• So, here comes the Savior of the world, and to those people, I’m sure they would rather that Jesus rode in on a majestic white stallion.
• Instead, his triumphal entry was on a lowly donkey/colt...
• In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; versus the horse, which is the animal of war. Those who rode on a donkey proclaimed peaceful intentions.
• Jesus’ whole beginning started out humbly in a manger.
• This fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah. Zechariah 9:9 (red) written 500 years before Christ. Validation the Jesus was the Messiah.
• Jesus was a revolutionary, he came with a message of peace. He wasn’t a king coming to overthrow a government, he was the suffering servant. He came to serve...radical.




Jesus lived and preached humility, contrary to many “famous” Christians today.
• I’m trying to imagine Jesus on TV today... “I've never known a person whom I thought was truly filled with the Holy Spirit who went out and bragged about it or sought to draw attention to himself.” Billy Graham
• From today’s story in Matthew, we know that Jesus’ time had come. “The ride on the donkey, because it was planned, could only be an acted parable, a deliberate act of symbolic self-disclosure for those with eyes to see or after the Resurrection, with memories by which to remember and integrate the events of the preceding weeks and years. Secrecy was being lifted.”

Jesus approached Jerusalem willing to make a public display of his identification
with the OT prophecy of the Messiah. Ready to face what lay ahead...

The residents of the city were truly “rolling out the red carpet” with their cloaks and garments as well as waving the palm branches.
• This was a gesture of honor and respect for Jesus.
• They also shouted “Hosanna” which literally meant “save now” and was originally a cry for help.
• They were quoting Psalm 118:25-27, originally sung at the Feast of Tabernacles.
• Waving palm branches/twigs was often done to celebrate military victories. Again, their mindset was more military than spiritual, because as we know...
• This crowd wanted salvation from the oppression of the Roman government.
• The salvation Jesus offered was different, and what they really needed.
• Same for us today. We may think we need to be saved from __________, but what we really need is what only Jesus can save us from.

Then something very interesting happened. Some of the religious elite standing on the fringes hollered to Jesus: read Luke 19:39-40.
• These “religious elite,” the Pharisees (staunch keepers of the law and so very religious) had been accustomed to Jesus keeping his “messianic secret.”
• They helped pressure these same people who were wildly celebrating here, to bow to political pressure and crucify him a few days later.
• Messianic fervor was high, and perhaps this contributed to Jesus' desire to present himself as Prince of Peace, yet more paradox.


Even though Jesus knew many in the crowd were confused, he allowed the festivities to continue.
• He said that if the Pharisees tried to stop the procession, even the stones would stand up and praise him.
• Jesus was fulfilling prophecy that a Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This was all part of God’s plan and no one could stop it.
• I’m sure that at this point the Pharisees were seething with rage. “Who does he think he is?”
• From there they aggressively pursued their plan to execute the Savior (which leads us into Holy Week or the Passion Week...)
• Jesus was always a contradiction in terms. In just a few days, this same crowd who hailed him would desert him at the cross.
• Again, this was/is all part of God’s plan. So instead of getting all upset at the mistreatment of Jesus...recognize that he went through all this for us...GOSPEL

The week continues...Luke 19:28—
Monday— Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple
Tuesday— Jesus was teaching in the temple and had his authority questioned. Telling parables, where to pay taxes, proper perspectives on money, end times.
Wednesday—As Passover approached, Judas agree to turn in Jesus.
Thursday—(Maundy Thursday) The last supper, Jesus last meal with them. “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Friday—The crucifixion Good Friday
Saturday—Jesus lay in the tomb
Sunday—the resurrection...Easter. Embrace this whole week, it’ll make Easter so much more special!

What does this story of paradox say for us today?
• Like the people in today’s story, it’s too easy to get all excited when we’re “in the moment” (w/ Jesus, palms etc. or for us, at church or around other Christians).
• Don’t let political pressure taint your decisions when you aren’t “celebrating Jesus.”
• Jesus was a threat to “the establishment” the religion of the Pharisees. He had majestic royalty, as well as humility. Remember, we don’t follow a “religion” or a church, we follow Jesus.
• Sometimes we shout “Hosanna: save us” in the wrong way...God won’t necessarily take us out of this world, but give us perspective…
• We need to remain humble and serve others in the name of Jesus.

• “Because Christ Jesus came to the world clothed in humility, he will always be found among those who are clothed with humility. He will be found among the humble people.” A. W. Tozer

Conclusion:
VIDEO/SONG U2, “Pride, in the name of love.”
“one man to overthrow” “one man betrayed with a kiss”