Comments on: Revolutionizing the Church (Part 2)

By: Brett Glover

Brett Glover — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:58:05 +0000

I think it goes way deeper than you have talked about; the sin of idolatry is the root cause, people give their hearts to a lie, The OT prophets were rejected because they challenged the lies of false worship. Jesus criticized the Pharisees and the teachers of the law for hunting for praise in the Mishnah laws(extra add on laws ie traditions of men), the add on laws to protect the Torah. They hunted for praise in Prayer, Giving, Oaths, Fasting, Wealth, see Matthew’s Gospel chapters 5 & 6. Today hunting praise from our peers is a major form of this sin in and out of the church. I have written about this in my book Grace v Self-esteem see chapter 7 see how hunting praise was responsible for the Pharisees legalism not the law it’s self.

By: cherilans

cherilans — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:11:50 +0000

Wow, Brad! What an interesting and challenging post! Like the Scripture references. What you’re asking should be challenging to all of us. Like many others, I grew up committed to a form of faith, religion, rather than the life changing reality of faith. I followed their traditions and went to church (the structure), sometimes just out of duty and not out of joy or desire as I do now at NRC. I didn’t know there was a “Great Commission” (didn’t read the Bible), only that I should be kind and good to others and love the Lord. What I’m trying to say is that, looking back, I really did not hear or discern His Knock on the door – what that meant or how to live His life-changing reality of faith after opening the door. I didn’t hear Him calling me to read His Word, to get to know Him personally, until the Holy Spirit led me to do it through difficult circumstances. Just like you pointed out while on the Israel trip – many who embrace religion in America know about the Lord, all the words about Him and act “godly”, but we don’t live Him, His Power, like many in Israel who put God as their main focus and His Ways are intertwined in their daily lives. I think many would open the door to a personal relationship with Jesus if they could discern the knock – in my case, hearing/reading His life-changing Word and understanding how it applies to the very core nature of my life – I know the door would be flung open, off it’s hinges, to welcome in our Beloved Lord into their lives. Yes, more would be able to dine with Him if the Church as we know it would revolutionize or replace their routines with Jesus and His Truth. Also, many “off track” insiders, like myself at one time, would find their way to or back to the “Way, Truth and the Life”.
Thanks so much Brad! Keep up God’s great work at NRC, this blog, your teaching and books, etc. Many are hearing His Knock and flinging the door wide open because of NRC.!!! As you usually say when you see His Glory, “Yea, God!”

By: bob burnside

bob burnside — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:15:48 +0000

Pastor,I believe our church doors are wide open.I’m curious, what would you suggest to other churches that want to experience this revolution that has taken place at NorthRidge?I’m also wondering if your satisfied with everything happening around NRC and if not, what would you like us to do or change?

By: Jerry

Jerry — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:52:38 +0000

Thanks…this is insightful and really frightening when you consider the consequences.