Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
Living out the Christian faith through a community or denomination that differs from the one to which you are accustomed. Presently, as part of my seminary study I am serving as a pastoral intern with a Mennonite congregation. This is new experience for me and the congregation.
However, on my spiritual journey, God has blessed me to share and minister in Pentecostal congregations, Baptist - Free Will, American, Missionary, and Progressive, Apostolic, United Methodist, and Nondenominational Congregations. God gave me the understanding long ago of the need to connect and share with the Body of Christ in meaningful ways.
I understand there are times that traditions, trends, and lack of understanding that interferes with our fellowship and interrupts our worship. However, quieting the biases, pride, and fears of our ego will allow us to be still and be led by the Holy Spirit into Truth so that we may worship God with pure hearts.
Often I am asked do I miss the rhythm and vibrancy of my home congregation. Reflecting on this question, I find I do not have time to adequately respond to the inquirer. My home church is full of the Holy Spirit and believes in the Bible as our rule and practice of faith. We are Baptist by belief, Pentecostal by experience, Holiness according to the Word of God, and Saved by Jesus. At any given service there may be expressions of jubilant praise in Holy Spirit dancing, tongues of praise, shouting, rejoicing in song, prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, deliverance, exaltation, sermons, Bible study, testimony, solemn reflection, and however else the Holy Spirit leads. My point is that often we construct beliefs about people based on false assumptions or faulty information. We need to get to know the other members of the Body of Christ so that we can work together.
Have you considered becoming informed, involved with other believers so that our fellowship and worship within the Body of Christ becomes intimate and intentional?
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Have you considered: Fellowship Responsibilities
Posts are the original thoughts and writings of Rev. Kelly Bates Oglesby
In this postmodern society, priority is not given to the responsibility each us has to those sharing fellowship with and through Jesus Christ, our risen and soon returning Savior and LORD. Yet, we should be very mindful of how we relate to one another and how we reflect the image of God to unbelievers.
Being a believer and disciple of Jesus is a magnificent responsibility. I dare say that we are woefully inadequate to approach this task in and of ourselves. However, as the Holy Spirit leads, guides, comforts, and teaches us we are equipped and prepared for the task. However, it takes consistent and intentional time spent in sacred meditation, listening prayers, and shared hopes and joys to sustain us and lift us to greater dimensions of witnessing.
Everyday, we must be open to seeking possibilities to demonstrate the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Each day we must crucify our flesh - our aspirations, preferences, and biases so that we may cultivate growth in the fruit of the Spirit. Breaking up the fallow ground of hearts and spirits with the transforming truth of God's Word. Encouraging ourselves with psalms and hymns, provoking one another to good works and more deeds that cause others to look at us in wonder and long to know the God of our salvation. Our actions, behaviors, and choices must reflect God...our greatest witness is made in the times when others watch us in challenging situations, awkward or unexpected changes to our plans.
Begin and end each day intentionally asking God to reveal to you what must die in your life so that others are drawn to the light and life of Christ Jesus. Live and love in such a way that you have people asking you to share your faith. The people in your everyday life: family, neighbors, colleagues, clients, and even enemies are watching you. Make sure they get a view of Christ that is not distorted by your emotions, pride, or lusts.
Have you considered how your life reflects on Jesus and the Body of Christ? Are you strengthening the Body of Christ? Is the fellowship of believers stronger because you are a part of the Body? Is there anything you can give up so you have more to give to the fellowship of belivers?
I am going into my prayer closet now, asking for nothing - but listening to hear what and how I can decrease to allow Jesus to increase in me. I want to be an essential and meaningful part of the fellowship! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus our LORD.
In this postmodern society, priority is not given to the responsibility each us has to those sharing fellowship with and through Jesus Christ, our risen and soon returning Savior and LORD. Yet, we should be very mindful of how we relate to one another and how we reflect the image of God to unbelievers.
Being a believer and disciple of Jesus is a magnificent responsibility. I dare say that we are woefully inadequate to approach this task in and of ourselves. However, as the Holy Spirit leads, guides, comforts, and teaches us we are equipped and prepared for the task. However, it takes consistent and intentional time spent in sacred meditation, listening prayers, and shared hopes and joys to sustain us and lift us to greater dimensions of witnessing.
Everyday, we must be open to seeking possibilities to demonstrate the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Each day we must crucify our flesh - our aspirations, preferences, and biases so that we may cultivate growth in the fruit of the Spirit. Breaking up the fallow ground of hearts and spirits with the transforming truth of God's Word. Encouraging ourselves with psalms and hymns, provoking one another to good works and more deeds that cause others to look at us in wonder and long to know the God of our salvation. Our actions, behaviors, and choices must reflect God...our greatest witness is made in the times when others watch us in challenging situations, awkward or unexpected changes to our plans.
Begin and end each day intentionally asking God to reveal to you what must die in your life so that others are drawn to the light and life of Christ Jesus. Live and love in such a way that you have people asking you to share your faith. The people in your everyday life: family, neighbors, colleagues, clients, and even enemies are watching you. Make sure they get a view of Christ that is not distorted by your emotions, pride, or lusts.
Have you considered how your life reflects on Jesus and the Body of Christ? Are you strengthening the Body of Christ? Is the fellowship of believers stronger because you are a part of the Body? Is there anything you can give up so you have more to give to the fellowship of belivers?
I am going into my prayer closet now, asking for nothing - but listening to hear what and how I can decrease to allow Jesus to increase in me. I want to be an essential and meaningful part of the fellowship! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)