The Church of the Living Dead

Somewhere in the past, the fundamental church learned that it was improper to show emotion. Probably, this was a response to our charismatic brethren. The unfortunate result was that the church became the church of the living dead. Over time however, we became aware that something was lacking. So we tried to regain emotion in worship in all the wrong ways.

One mistake is to assume that music and the musicians that play it will recover our joy. This rarely makes a long term difference. Another is to blame the preaching. There is probably more to this than the music reason. If the people are starving for God's Word, their joy will diminish. I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

What then can restore a church's joy? I think it begins with each individual in the church. As they seek to return to what they had when they first found Jesus, or better said, when Jesus first found them. When you were first redeemed you were in joy overload. You were keenly aware that a moment before you had been an unsaved sinner. Now a moment later Christ has redeemed you and God has adopted you; and joy filled your soul.

I must repeat what I have put in previous posts. Believers must bring to mind what they had when they first met Christ. If individual believers will remember that, repent of the sin of apathy, and return, the passion will flood the church and the church of the living dead will return to life.

-Mark