Redrawing The Lines

If you haven't figured it out by now, I am an idealist. I believe that culture of family and church in most evangelical circles is not what it should be. I believe that we have allowed satan to erase the lines that help direct us to what God desires for our churches and families. What is very humbling is that in times past, I have been used by satan to do this work of erasing. I suppose that is why I am so passionate about making sure that the lines get redrawn. The days ahead are way too precious to waste wondering where to go for lack of direction.

So what are these lines? Well, Let me suggest 4 that we would do well to redraw in our churches and families:

1. Line One: Daily Spiritual Warfare - Ask any of my brothers in ministry and they will tell you that I am a broken record when it comes to this one. It's hard to re-draw a line that you don't realize has been erased. Doing spiritual warfare daily helps you to see what the enemy is doing and to find the help that the Lord is so ready to offer. As a resource to help you this area, download this very simple daily reminder: Daily Preparation For Spiritual Warfare

2. Line Two: Family Worship - This line is sorely lacking and any improvement in this area would help tremendously. It's not rocket science, its just families at least once a week turning off the TV and opening God's Word together. If you don't know where to start Providence Baptist Church has a 7 year Bible Reading Plan that you can easily download and follow.

3. Line Three: Churches That Equip Families - Churches have to re-focus their mission on equipping families instead of replacing them. We need churches and families that cooperate and help one another. This is the dynamic coming together of Deuteronomy 32:46-47 and Acts 2:42. This may sound simple, but its not. It's radical and its going to take some radical pastors to redraw this line. A good reference for this line is a book entitled reThink by: Steve Wright.

4. Line Four: The Preaching and Teaching of the Gospel - This line above all others is the one that satan fears the most. It is the only means of changing the hearts and minds of people. No lasting change can occur except through the teaching of the simple gospel. In fact the gospel is so simple, that until we are willing to simplify our lives to get down to its level we will continue to pass it by on the way to our next Bible study. If you need some encouragement in this area, let me recommend a book entitled The Bruised Reed by: Richard Sibbes.

Okay, so I am an idealist. I believe that someone is going to read this and take up their chalk to start redrawing with me. If you do, leave a comment and let me know. It's always easier when you have a helping hand.