Church--Ekklesia: (1) those called out (2) those assembled together
(The original Greek word ekklesia is composed of two words: ek, meaning "out of" or "out from," and kalleo, meaning "I call." Accordingly, the original word means "I call out from.”
When Jesus said, I will build my Church," He was saying, "I will call my people together out of the world. It’s a people, God’s people. )
Actually, it has two meanings: that of being called out, and that of being assembled together. We cannot experience church until we come together. You and every other believer in your city constitute the church even when you are not assembled. But we cannot receive the benefits and blessings of church until we come together.
Jesus prayed in John 17:21 “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
We can assemble together and gather together in a building, or in houses, in a hut in Africa, in a school building or in a field at the LifeLight Festival! I am looking forward to seeing you there. If you are a Christian, then you are the Church! And your mission and mine is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ! To be salt and light.
Be the Church!
Alan
Follow me on Twitter @LifeLightAlan
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Parable of the Fishless Fisherman
A good thought for the day. This parable was first shared by John Drescher. Where can we see ourselves, the church, in this parable?
The Fishless Fisherman
Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo there were many fish in the waters all around where they lived. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry.
Week after week, month after month, and year after year, those who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is, always to be a primary task of fishermen.
Continually they searched for new and better methods of fishing and for new and better definitions of fishing. Further they said, "The fishing industry exists by fishing as fire exists by burning." They loved slogans such as, "'Fishing is the task of every fisherman," "Every fisherman is a fisher," and "A fisherman's outpost for every fisherman's club." They sponsored special meetings called "Fishermen's Campaigns" and "The month for fishermen to fish." They sponsored costly nationwide and worldwide congresses to discuss fishing and to promote fishing and hear about all the ways of fishing such as the new fishing equipment, fish calls. And whether any new bait was discovered.
These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings called "Fishing Headquarters." The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn't do, however, they didn't fish.
In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. All the fishermen seemed to agree that what was needed was a board which could challenge fishermen to be faithful in fishing. The board was formed by those who had the great vision and courage to speak about fishing, to define fishing, and to promote the idea of fishing in faraway streams and lakes where many other fish of different color lived.
Also the board hired staff and appointed committees and held many meetings to define fishing, and to decide what new streams should be thought about. But the staff and committee members did not fish.
Large, elaborate and expensive training centers were built whose original and primary purpose was to teach fishermen how to fish. Over the years courses were offered on the needs of fish, the nature of fish, where to find fish, the psychological reactions to fish, and how to approach and feed fish. Those who taught had doctorates in fishology. But the teachers did not fish. They only taught fishing.
Year after year, after tedious training, many were graduated and were given fishing licenses. They were sent to do full-time fishing, some to distant waters which were filled with fish. Some spent much on study and travel to learn the history of fishing and to see faraway places where the founding fathers did great fishing in the centuries past. They lauded the faithful fishermen of years before who handed down the idea of fishing. Further, the fishermen built large printing houses to publish fishing guides. Presses were kept busy day and night to produce materials solely devoted to fishing methods, equipment and programs to arrange and to encourage meetings to talk about fishing. A speakers' bureau was also provided to schedule special speakers on the subject of fishing.
Many who felt the call to be fishermen responded. They were commissioned and sent to fish. But like the fishermen back home, they never fished. Like the fishermen back home, they engaged in all kinds of other occupations. They built power plants to pump water for fish and tractors to plow new waterways. They made all kinds of equipment to travel here and there to look at fish hatcheries. Some also said that they wanted to be a part of the fishing party, but they felt called to furnish fishing equipment. Others felt their job was to relate to the fish in a good way so the fish would know the difference between good and bad fishermen. Others felt that simply letting the fish know they were nice, land-loving neighbors and how loving and kind they were was enough.
After one stirring meeting on "The Necessity for Fishing," one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch and scheduled to visit all the big meetings possible to tell how he did it. So he quit his fishing in order to have time to tell about the experience to the other fishermen. He was also placed on the Fishermen's Central Board as a person having considerable experience.
Now it is true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish everyday. They received the ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen's clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen, yet never fished. They wondered about those who felt it was of little use to attend the weekly meetings to talk about fishing. After all, they were not following the Master who said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men?"
Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who didn't catch fish were really not fishermen, no matter how much they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct.
Is a person a fisherman if, year after year, he never catches a fish? Is one following if he isn't fishing?
The Fishless Fisherman
Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo there were many fish in the waters all around where they lived. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry.
Week after week, month after month, and year after year, those who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is, always to be a primary task of fishermen.
Continually they searched for new and better methods of fishing and for new and better definitions of fishing. Further they said, "The fishing industry exists by fishing as fire exists by burning." They loved slogans such as, "'Fishing is the task of every fisherman," "Every fisherman is a fisher," and "A fisherman's outpost for every fisherman's club." They sponsored special meetings called "Fishermen's Campaigns" and "The month for fishermen to fish." They sponsored costly nationwide and worldwide congresses to discuss fishing and to promote fishing and hear about all the ways of fishing such as the new fishing equipment, fish calls. And whether any new bait was discovered.
These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings called "Fishing Headquarters." The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn't do, however, they didn't fish.
In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. All the fishermen seemed to agree that what was needed was a board which could challenge fishermen to be faithful in fishing. The board was formed by those who had the great vision and courage to speak about fishing, to define fishing, and to promote the idea of fishing in faraway streams and lakes where many other fish of different color lived.
Also the board hired staff and appointed committees and held many meetings to define fishing, and to decide what new streams should be thought about. But the staff and committee members did not fish.
Large, elaborate and expensive training centers were built whose original and primary purpose was to teach fishermen how to fish. Over the years courses were offered on the needs of fish, the nature of fish, where to find fish, the psychological reactions to fish, and how to approach and feed fish. Those who taught had doctorates in fishology. But the teachers did not fish. They only taught fishing.
Year after year, after tedious training, many were graduated and were given fishing licenses. They were sent to do full-time fishing, some to distant waters which were filled with fish. Some spent much on study and travel to learn the history of fishing and to see faraway places where the founding fathers did great fishing in the centuries past. They lauded the faithful fishermen of years before who handed down the idea of fishing. Further, the fishermen built large printing houses to publish fishing guides. Presses were kept busy day and night to produce materials solely devoted to fishing methods, equipment and programs to arrange and to encourage meetings to talk about fishing. A speakers' bureau was also provided to schedule special speakers on the subject of fishing.
Many who felt the call to be fishermen responded. They were commissioned and sent to fish. But like the fishermen back home, they never fished. Like the fishermen back home, they engaged in all kinds of other occupations. They built power plants to pump water for fish and tractors to plow new waterways. They made all kinds of equipment to travel here and there to look at fish hatcheries. Some also said that they wanted to be a part of the fishing party, but they felt called to furnish fishing equipment. Others felt their job was to relate to the fish in a good way so the fish would know the difference between good and bad fishermen. Others felt that simply letting the fish know they were nice, land-loving neighbors and how loving and kind they were was enough.
After one stirring meeting on "The Necessity for Fishing," one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch and scheduled to visit all the big meetings possible to tell how he did it. So he quit his fishing in order to have time to tell about the experience to the other fishermen. He was also placed on the Fishermen's Central Board as a person having considerable experience.
Now it is true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish everyday. They received the ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen's clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen, yet never fished. They wondered about those who felt it was of little use to attend the weekly meetings to talk about fishing. After all, they were not following the Master who said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men?"
Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who didn't catch fish were really not fishermen, no matter how much they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct.
Is a person a fisherman if, year after year, he never catches a fish? Is one following if he isn't fishing?
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Mission of the Church
If we are taking the Church outside the walls, what is the mission of the church?
What is our purpose? There are multiple purposes; worship, fellowship, shepherding etc., but what is the #1 mission of the church?
I submit that the #1 mission or the call of the church is to proclaim the gospel throughout the world and make disciples.
Mark 16:15 says “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
Matthew 28:19 “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
These were Jesus' final words to His disciples and to us (before He ascended to Heaven): in Mark's gospel "Go preach the gospel to the world," and in Matthew, "Go and make disciples of all nations."
The mission of the church is an extension of Christ's earthly ministry (John 14:12). Jesus viewed redeeming people’s souls as His whole purpose for coming to the earth.
"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost" Matthew 18:11. Jesus says, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" Matthew 4:19.
It is the purpose of every believer, not only pastors and evangelists, to bring souls to Jesus Christ.
Will you join with us as we prepare for the harvest of souls at the LifeLight Festival?
Alan Greene
Founder/CEO
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
What is our purpose? There are multiple purposes; worship, fellowship, shepherding etc., but what is the #1 mission of the church?
I submit that the #1 mission or the call of the church is to proclaim the gospel throughout the world and make disciples.
Mark 16:15 says “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."
Matthew 28:19 “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
These were Jesus' final words to His disciples and to us (before He ascended to Heaven): in Mark's gospel "Go preach the gospel to the world," and in Matthew, "Go and make disciples of all nations."
The mission of the church is an extension of Christ's earthly ministry (John 14:12). Jesus viewed redeeming people’s souls as His whole purpose for coming to the earth.
"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost" Matthew 18:11. Jesus says, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" Matthew 4:19.
It is the purpose of every believer, not only pastors and evangelists, to bring souls to Jesus Christ.
Will you join with us as we prepare for the harvest of souls at the LifeLight Festival?
Alan Greene
Founder/CEO
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
Our mission statement at LifeLight is “Taking the Church outside the walls, bringing Light into the darkness with the life-changing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Years ago God got a hold of mine and my wife’s hearts and we became driven and passionate about spreading the Gospel. Many others have joined in. This mission and call of “Taking the Church outside the walls,” having a festival and launching a ministry came about after a missions' trip to Mexico. As we heard God’s voice and calling, a festival was then born and has since grown into a year-round ministry. It has been awesome to watch what God has done and is doing. Partnering together to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Did you know that 75% or more of people are not in church?
Jesus said in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
As we partner together in unity “Taking the Church outside the walls, bringing Light into the darkness with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ,” God through His spirit reaches people and changes lives. Will you join us in the command to take the Good News to the ends of the earth?
Alan Greene
Founder/CEO
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
Years ago God got a hold of mine and my wife’s hearts and we became driven and passionate about spreading the Gospel. Many others have joined in. This mission and call of “Taking the Church outside the walls,” having a festival and launching a ministry came about after a missions' trip to Mexico. As we heard God’s voice and calling, a festival was then born and has since grown into a year-round ministry. It has been awesome to watch what God has done and is doing. Partnering together to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Did you know that 75% or more of people are not in church?
Jesus said in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
As we partner together in unity “Taking the Church outside the walls, bringing Light into the darkness with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ,” God through His spirit reaches people and changes lives. Will you join us in the command to take the Good News to the ends of the earth?
Alan Greene
Founder/CEO
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Campaign '09
We have 52 days to go before the largest free Christian music festival in the nation begins. Over the years many thousands have been reached with the Good News of Jesus Christ, some as a result of many of you joining in the challenge and supporting the ministry of LifeLight.
As an extension of the church we seek to “take the Church outside the walls with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.” We are on a campaign, a campaign to reach one million people with the gospel. We reach them through the festival and all of the year-round ministry areas of LifeLight. As the message is proclaimed from stage God through His spirit reaches and rescues people one at a time. The #1 mission, the call of the church is to proclaim the gospel throughout the world and to make disciples.
That’s what we do at LifeLight. On this campaign we know that souls are at stake and we want to reach as many as possible. We need to fund the festival and keep it free so that all may come and hear how to be saved.
We will be providing regular updates on our website. Visit us at www.LifeLight.org. Will you join us in God’s work to reach people with the greatest news of all time?
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
May God richly bless you as you seek and serve Him,
Alan Greene
Founder/CEO
P.S. Want to experience thousands surrendering their lives to Christ? Watch the video titled "2008 LifeLight Festival Celebration" in the upper right hand corner of this blog, or click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA0gm2m6HMM
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
As an extension of the church we seek to “take the Church outside the walls with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.” We are on a campaign, a campaign to reach one million people with the gospel. We reach them through the festival and all of the year-round ministry areas of LifeLight. As the message is proclaimed from stage God through His spirit reaches and rescues people one at a time. The #1 mission, the call of the church is to proclaim the gospel throughout the world and to make disciples.
That’s what we do at LifeLight. On this campaign we know that souls are at stake and we want to reach as many as possible. We need to fund the festival and keep it free so that all may come and hear how to be saved.
We will be providing regular updates on our website. Visit us at www.LifeLight.org. Will you join us in God’s work to reach people with the greatest news of all time?
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
May God richly bless you as you seek and serve Him,
Alan Greene
Founder/CEO
P.S. Want to experience thousands surrendering their lives to Christ? Watch the video titled "2008 LifeLight Festival Celebration" in the upper right hand corner of this blog, or click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA0gm2m6HMM
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Lift-off!
3, 2, 1... lift-off! Here it is, our first ever blog. As we dig deeper into social media and the optimal use of the internet and all that entails, you will see that your level of interaction with LifeLight is going to increase dramatically. Take a look at our updated website for example, front and center you will see all the links to the social media sites where LifeLight can be found...Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, shoutlife, tangle and now Blogger!
So here we are. But what's the point? Good question. The point is to make you the viewer, the "follower" become more involved, more educated, more aware but most importantly more a part of our family. We want you to interact with us! That is why we have named our blog "Backstage Pass." We are giving you the inside view of the goings on of LifeLight and the ministry that is constantly taking place. Follow us and see! There are many testimonies and stories to share.
Your Backstage Pass will be multi-dimensional. We will not only post stories, but testimonies, devotions, photos, and more! You will also have multiple authors. Everyone on staff at LifeLight will post their thoughts and experiences here.
So come along side and join us! To God be the Glory!
Carol Hayzlett
Executive Assistant
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
So here we are. But what's the point? Good question. The point is to make you the viewer, the "follower" become more involved, more educated, more aware but most importantly more a part of our family. We want you to interact with us! That is why we have named our blog "Backstage Pass." We are giving you the inside view of the goings on of LifeLight and the ministry that is constantly taking place. Follow us and see! There are many testimonies and stories to share.
Your Backstage Pass will be multi-dimensional. We will not only post stories, but testimonies, devotions, photos, and more! You will also have multiple authors. Everyone on staff at LifeLight will post their thoughts and experiences here.
So come along side and join us! To God be the Glory!
Carol Hayzlett
Executive Assistant
"Taking the Church outside the walls"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
