Your weekly guide to the Bible and prayer
Sunday, May 4, 2008
|
In New Testament times, notes David New (one of our contributors for this week), the Gentiles who were interested in Judaism were called "God-fearers." "They had a regard for God's power and holiness, but being Gentiles, they kept their distance."
What is the difference for us twenty-first-century Gentiles? "The New Testament tells us that 'though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ' (Ephesians 2:13). It is the distance that is abolished by God's love. He reaches out to us and pulls us close." But that doesn't altar the other part of the equation. "We retain a healthy regard—a 'fear,' if you want to call it that—of his power and righteousness."
This week is about retaining that balance in our worship.
Until next week,
Harry Genet, Men of Integrity managing editor
Your feedback is welcome at Men@ChristianityToday.com.
 Worship: On Whose Terms?
It goes well beyond a faith celebration.
 When God Shows Up
John Ortberg is a teaching pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. His teaching brings Scripture alive and invariably includes practical applications and warm humor. John has written several books. The latest is When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. He and his wife, Nancy, have three teenage children.
| Read what John has to say |
advertisement
 I Was a Vacation-Ruining Were-Dad
by Todd Wilson
Hey Dad,
Have you ever noticed that traveling often brings out the worst in dads, kind of like a werewolf when a full moon appears? Although were not on vacation, we have been able to see some cool things while weve been traveling around encouraging dads and moms.
More …
 Keeping Pets in Their Place
Why we can't afford to treat animals like they're humans.
by Charles Colson
Five years ago I warned in this space about an aggressive animal-rights movement that seeks to blur the distinction between animals and humans. Since then it has gained steam, even unwittingly drawing some Christians into its orbit.
| Finish this article |
 Walking with God
Share a year in the life of Wild at Heart author John Eldredge and discover what an intimate relationship with
God looks like—day to day. |
 Love & Respect
Without love from him, she reacts without respect. And
without respect from her, he reacts without love. Learn
to break this cycle and live together as God intended. |
 WOW Hits 1, CD
This up-to-the-minute, up-with-the-music compilation showcases an outstanding collection of today's top hits, including "East to West" (Casting Crowns), and many more! |
 Pardon Me, But Who's Chained to Whom?
Paul's perseverance encouraged other Christians to be bold.
by George Cladis
Paul was rotting away in a Roman prison—chained twenty-four hours a day to an imperial guard—when, apparently, a man named Epaphroditus arrived with a letter from the Christians in Philippi. The letter was lost long ago but textual clues in the book of Philippians suggest that these Christians inquired about Paul's well-being while under arrest.
| Finish this article |
The Men of Integrity Newsletter
Delivered free via e-mail to subscribers each week. We encourage you to distribute this newsletter freely and ask only that you not change its contents.
Copyright © Sunday, May 4, 2008 ChristianityToday.com, Christianity Today International
465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
All rights reserved.
|
Which of the following do you regularly encounter in corporate worship? - A church structure with pews and organ
- A theater-like space and seating
- A dual-use space with folding chairs
- Participants dressed down from weekday norm
- Participants dressed up in their "Sunday best"
- Silence and bowed heads before service begins
- Animated conversation before service begins
- Hymns sung from a hymnal
- Gospel songs sung from a worship folder
- Contemporary choruses sung from projected texts
- Pipe organ accompaniment to singing
- Piano or guitar accompaniment to singing
- Rock-band accompaniment to singing
- Established liturgical prayers and responses
- Prepared pastoral prayers
- Spontaneous prayers
- Kneeling for prayer
- Standing or remaining seated for prayer
- A service sequence following a printed bulletin
- A service sequence that is fluid and freeform
- A message delivered from behind a pulpit
- A message conveyed from a platform/stage
- A message that includes projected elements
- A message that incorporates drama
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'. |
How has your church related to people in your community from a different cultural background? It has…- Welcomed any who chose on their own to attend: 43%
- Co-sponsored community outreach events with them: 12%
- Visited them and actively solicited their attendance: 10%
- Created programs designed to cater to their needs: 9%
- Provided space for them to hold their own services: 7%
- Worked some of its people into leadership positions: 7%
- Integrated elements of their culture into its services: 5%
- Tolerated them but didn't encourage to remain: 2%
- Failed to extend a welcome to them: 1%
|
|
If this page is not displaying correctly, please click here. 
Give a Gift Subscription to Today's Christian Woman
