I have heard so much lately whether in bookstores, blogs, or in conversation regarding ways to do church. (Or the should I say the programs or atmosphere of services.) We question and discuss and write about ways we can enhance and put into action plans that will touch people’s lives, especially those who do not know the wonderful Savior. And I read how house churches in China are shaking that country, many who are uneducated (some who are), but regardless it is another Book of Acts all over again.

We here in the West, or for that matter north, south or east need a revelation on what twelve men had that they could shake the known world and rattle the most powerful empire at the time. They lived with passion, power, and presence. It backed-up and validated the message they were bringing. They had no problem with the issue of death for a Savior that lived in them every second, because they had already died to what they wanted and what they thought. He was their thoughts, and He was what they wanted. My question is, do you have a problem dying for Him if that is what He would want? That in itself is a sobering question.

The one focal point in every century from then until now is the same. It was and is not how to do church, but the total focal was on a person - JESUS CHRIST. We get lost in the discussions and books and new ideas, but we need to rediscover that lost pearl, the only one who is worth discussing and talking about, Christ Himself. I love to read where the disciples would experience things with the savior, and He told them to keep their mouths shut because they had nothing worth talking about yet. Not until they came into the full oneness of that relationship did they not start speaking, and have something worthwhile to talk about. I feel that Jesus would say the same thing to many who preach but really do not have much to say.

I cannot think of anything so boring and less fulfilling than Christianity without Christ. Christianity to the disciples was the person Christ. Everyday was a new experience because they were available. Jesus never said we could live the Christian life. As a matter of fact, He said in John 15 that without Him we can do NOTHING. But we are to rest in Him, and just say thank you and let Him be through us what He wants to be. Being filled with the spirit is simply saying yes when He says go, and when and where He says. But that is too simple, isn't it. But isn't that the best part. Simple and authentic. John 17 is so special. He prayed that we would be one with each other as He was with the Father. Now you cannot get any closer that that. For those who are hurting, He is there wanting to hurt with you and partake in those life moments. Oh let Him.

So what way are we to do church in this age we live in? Maybe the question is mute. Maybe the question is what way can we and must we rediscover Christ. How can we pull in close to Him and rest in Him. Then the church will be another book of Acts in progress. What better rush than to experience life with the creator of the universe. Wow. Everything seems pale in comparison.

James Moore

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