Pastor’s Blog 10.19.18

Luke 17:5-6
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. NKJV

What prompted the Apostles to ask for an increase in faith? The preceding verses deals with forgiving someone who sins against you seventy times seven! As I ponder the condition of the Nation, and even the Church in general, I would have to say that there is a lower faith level in our culture and church world than I’ve seen in my lifetime.

Social media has created the most isolated society in history. We have hundreds of Facebook and Instagram followers that we have never had a real conversation with. Apple’s newest software IOS update includes an app that monitors your “screen-time” and sends you a report every week on how much time you have spent looking at your phone. I have already heard people talking about how they couldn’t believe how much time they discovered they were on their device.

Most relationships on social media are fake. In the world of “fake news” countless fake products, scammers and the like, there is nothing as genuine as face to face communication. Researchers tell us upwards of 70% of communication is non-verbal. A skilled novelist may be able to articulate through words a clear communication but the average Joe- not-so-much.

The Church is about relationships, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers , sons, daughters and friends. We are called the assembly. Jesus chose the word Church to describe us which means, “those called from their home to an assembly”. I really regret the day we decided to stream our service online live. Our attendance immediately drooped 10-15%. If it wasn’t for the fact we have so many viewers online who are traveling for work, or have made us their Church home as they are in an area without a relevant local church, I would stop it. It just gives so many another reason to disconnect from real face to face time and sit in their homes in isolation. There is an undeniable, real, tangible presence of God that we experience as we gather. When I travel I so appreciate the online opportunity, but it is nothing being there!

It takes faith to assemble and even to get along once we do. So with the Apostles I have to pray “Lord increase the faith of your people!”

Hebrews 2:11-13
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 13 And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” NKJV

Be Blessed!