ENCOUNTERS Weekend - Da Aftermath

It is Sunday night and I am back home in Seattle.  I had a great day with my wife today and have been reflecting on this past weekend at Southern.

I must say that this was an interesting weekend.  I have received an overwhelming amount of emails and a few calls from various people reflecting on their experience with the ENCOUNTERS Weekend.  Not to fail to mention the numerous conversations that I had with people after each message.  That being said I want to clarify a few things:

1) There is a difference between METHODOLOGY and THEOLOGY - I believe that Jesus was THEOLOGICALLY “CONSERVATIVE” and METHODOLOGICALLY “LIBERAL”.  What I mean by this is that Jesus loved the Bible and was well versed in it (after all He is the WORD).  He used it regularly to make His points.  Conversely His methodology was out-of-the-box!  A Rabbi would never even look at a woman in public, much less talk to her, ALONE! (John 4) And she was a Samaritan!  Jesus was not bothered by cultural or traditional values, rather He was all about KINGDOM VALUES.  Scholars even tell us that He used the street language of His day.  Koine’, or New Testament Greek, was the common language of the hellenistic world. 

What is the point of this?  Simply to say that while my approach may be “liberal” my theology is “conservative” (like I believe Jesus was).  I know not everyone in the audience was comfortable with the methodology of how things were done this past weekend, and that is okay; so long as the bigger picture received was Jesus!  One of the worst things that I can hear from someone after a sermon is “you’re funny.” If that is all you got and didn’t hear the message then I failed as a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  If, however, God was able to use the gift of laughter (and ADHD) to keep your attention and communicate His goodness to you, then GOD BE PRAISED! 

2) Many of the people that I have heard from are troubled by sin in their lives.  Porn, sex, drugs, masturbation, etc.  I praise God for the opportunity to address such things from the pulpit because all too often preachers are not scratching where people are itching.  I believe that we have a huge problem in our church with the average age being 58.  The issues that Young Adults are facing are not being addressed.  Many are turning their backs on the church and in some cases God.  We must wake up and smell the Postum.

3) In closing I just want to share with you something that I find so powerful out of scripture.  In John 21 after Jesus forgave and empowered one of His closest peeps, Peter finds out how he is going to die and then asks Jesus, “Well what about him?” referring to John (:21).  Jesus reply’s, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow me!” (:22) This is such a huge point that Jesus makes.  In the bigger picture, Jesus tells the restored disciple, don’t put your eyes on anyone else, you stay focused on Me!  This my friends is so key. 

Blessings to you Southern!  I am praying that revival continue to take place in the lives of the students there, and in my life as well.

Courage,

mwg

Posted by pastor matthew on March 16, 2008 at 09:21 PM
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