Ragamuffin Disciple

I have been reading through the last few epistles in the New Testament and I’m finishing up 2 Peter and towards the end of chapter 3, Peter starts talking about God’s Patience.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.

I’m taking a group of high school student to a conference this summer who’s theme is “Ones- we were never meant to be alone”. And one of the promotional posters they sent asked the question, “What if numbers are all that matters?” I think they are right. Our utmost responsibility is to follow Jesus’ example to seek and save the lost (not that we do the saving of course).

Some where along the way big churches began to get bashed, probably started and maintained by jealous people (another rant for another day). And not that all big churches are good or making Godly disciples, but a lot are. And if we are not happy with big churches then are we starting more churches to help carry the load of people God is waiting to return so that they can be saved? I wonder if there is another side to God’s patience, one that is against us? The ones that fight and bicker, and do nothing to reach people He created in His own image from being destroyed when He returns.

I pray that God is patient with me as I shape my future by tearing away my past and focus on lost people and I thank Him for His patience shown to the lost that we have time to make disciples out of them.

What about you what do you think?

I am realizing just how unbiblical churches and Christians can be and I’m tired of it. I tired of the games, the politics, the complaining and laziness the run rampant in most churches today. Part of me is tired of people that run from it too. People tired of the “institutional church” that leave to start house churches or simple churches. Why not stand up and fight? Why let the bride of Christ be run through by people who only want it there way?

I’ve really begun to dig and understand what Jesus was talking about when he said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Back in the day and Rabbi (teacher) was known for his yoke, his teaching. Jesus goes on in His ministry to say that His yoke has two rule (why it is easy and light in contrast to the 613 or so rules of the Pharisees): love God and love others. That is so easy and that’s why I’m so frustrated about the state of the church. Is what I’m doing pleasing God according to His word? Love God. Is what I’m doing putting others before myself? Love People. I know there are those zealous people who think that what they are doing is pleasing God but they are delusional and need someone to speak truth into their life and let them know they are not. I know I’m ranting but I’m trying to get a lot off my chest before I start a series of posts on being Biblical communities of faith, hope and love (stole that nugget from Mosaic, cause it is so good).

Join me in striping off all that is unbiblical in our lives and live and be the church that God has called us to. Share your stores of frustration or success in rebuilding communities to the Biblical bride of Christ we are called to be.

Now I know that the post title is a little deceptive but I am talking abouts passion in a desires sense and fruit in a fruits you grow as a growing disciple. Long explanation for something I could have clarified.

I’ve been reading through 1 Peter for a second time and in the middle of chapter 1 through the beginning of chapter 2 Peter is talking about holy living. “Think clearly and exercise self-control.” “Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires.” “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.”

But how…
“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.”