The worship of God should be of supreme urgency. Since there is none like Him and He calls His children to be holy, our worship should be of the utmost urgency. Many, who call themselves a "church", are presenting the entering into the Christian body as an act of joining a club. This should not be. Nor should the Church become a "how to" institution.

I remember when I came to the Lord. Had it not been for His Holy Word, the Bible, I would not have known what urgency was required. And let us not minimize the directing of the Holy Spirit in this formation of urgency. I had studied the Scriptures apart from the Church for a very long time. And it was God who led me to the body of Christ. Had it not been for this alienation from those who call themselves the "church", I might have become a mere member of a religious club. I thank God, then, for allowing the formation of understanding.

If you are a pastor of God's flock remember the severe judgment to come. Consider how you and your fellow elders might create an atmosphere of urgency regarding what is Holy. Though it is true that, "Whosoever will may come", He also leaves the door of His flock open to tares. He will not remove what is unholy from the presence of His people till that day when the Angels reap for Him. How then will you regain favor if you have been a planter of tares yourself?

I write this to remind those who tend and feed that they serve the Living God. His eyes are fixed on His people. And it is wise to remember the urgent and Holy calling. I had my shot and forgot such things. I have since paid the price for such laziness. There is no need to become a victim of social christianity. And let us not be overly innocent of a truth: There are many who call themselves pastors who have not become part of the Body of Christ themselves. The last word in this post is as urgent as the first: Renew.

By His Grace.

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Paul Horton

What urgency there should be for God, His holiness and everything pertaining to Him, seems to be obscured by entertainment, tv, sports, internet etc.

We do need to be renewed. If we were, the world would see, and God would be glorified.

God bless.

yes. What a frightful thought. Pondering what a total renewal might do. What if the Church did turn, as one body, to christ? What if the world was transformed by such a powerful event? Who would we blame then for our personal failings? Who would we point our crooked bony finger at? And would we close down missions? Hmmmm

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Paul Horton

Frightful. It is a word that can be used in many ways.

It's frightful that the churches are the way they are.

It's frightful that so many Christians love this world rather than God, (although, that is an oxy-moron).

It's frightful being renewed. The old dying, the new arriving.

It's frightful being responsible and having no one to blame for our personal failing.

But, there is yet more to fear.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, Hebrews 10v31.

Ain't words GREAT!!!!! Being in Christ can be amazingly fun. Thank you Lord, for such a marvelous privilage.

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Paul Horton

Could be me, but I haven't seen much urgency for God's glory as of late.

Doesn't seem to be much urgency for anything to do with God.

Just ego being paraded and Jesus being sidelined.

But, I guess it's just me.

This post has caused me a certain turmoil. I re-read it and consider what impact it may have on those who labor in the pastorate. The Lord knows the reluctance of such words from the mouths of His people. It was a harsh post. I remember how pressed I was to deliver food to a starving people. How very inept I felt as I witnessed the powerless struggle of so very many. And how I was attacked from every possible angle. And I remember how, in the end, I did not have the stamina to continue.

But I also remember how horrible it was to fail. I remember the 7 years of depravity following that failure. Is it too harsh to urge my brothers to "take heed. Lest you too taste defeat." My heart aches for those who read this post and feel the knife of conscience. But, for the Glory set before us, I cannot remove that knife. Nor would I want to.

I love you with the love of Christ, my brothers. I mean no harm. But having been one of those who laid his hand to the plow and turned to look back. I urge you to set your face like flint. God sees. He knows the struggle and pain. For the sake of the great multitude who watch, press forward and lean hard into the storm. You will not be disapointed.

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Paul Horton

Brother Buttermilk80,

Ewe, that seems so strange to type.

The problem is in the individual(s) and not neccesarily the collective whole.

Take heart and keep up the good words.

Some things i question.

Some things others question.

It's great to know that your sensitivity is not jaded.

We all fail in different ways, yet, when you know it is the Lord leading you, go, stand, and speak...
...or write if that is the thing told to be done.

We all have momentary lapses, which grow less and less growing into Him.

If a shoe does not fit, should one try to walk in it.

God Bless you and yours.
8^)