INTERPRET or MANIPULATE
“He has to sell his interpretation of a song that a lot of people know, and don’t want messed with.” Jon Bon Jovi
As I listened to Bon Jovi’s statement, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. So clear, so simple, so too the point. Much of the division of today’s church body is not really about theology, is it? Or is it about familiarity and comfort. Honestly people just don’t want IT messed with.
But what is IT? God’s word? Who and what Christ did? Atonement? Lets be honest with ourselves, people in general just don’t want things messed with. Why? Because we are comfortable as it is. Just like that recliner that fits me perfectly. I worked hard sitting there all those years breaking the cushions in just right. It’s all about my comfort.
When Blake Lewis sang his interpretation of one of Bon Jovi’s internationally known songs, everyone that knew the original knew he was singing “You give love a bad name”. They didn’t need to be told what the song was or who wrote it, they just knew. Why? Just like many of the post-modern churches, Blake kept the foundation and authenticity, while making it personal and meaningful for himself. There was no bait-n-switch or twisting of words. Just an invigorating breath of new life (Blake) sharing (interpreting).
This reminds me of Ezekiel 37, starting in verse 1, The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. 3 Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.”
4 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! 6 I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
7 So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. 8 Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them.
9 Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’”
10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.
See it in verse 7, “So I spoke this message, just as he told me”. He obediently spoke the words he was instructed to speak and the bodies came to life. No walls, carpet, paint, certificates, stages or attire. Just God’s word!
The church body today is much like a pool of standing water. Over time the water becomes stagnate (deadly) and eventually evaporates. Leaving only the remnants of their existence (their dried bones). The good news God can and will breath life back into the church. That is, if it submits to His authority alone.
For clarification, I am not saying anything goes and I am not going to beat a dead horse. So, enough said.
After the song Simon makes the statement, “Half will absolutely hate it and half will love it”. Why? Humm…. Even Christ in His own words said in Luke 12:52-53, “From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against. Why again? Humm….
53 ‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law’.” Humm…. Talk about stepping out in faith. It’s not a different message, just fresh energy sharing it.
It is not a popularity contest we are in. (Big Breathe) But a life long journey seeking to authentically live out our life in such a way that it brings praise and glory to the Father.
I will take the leap of faith!
I will put myself out there for what my savior has already done!
How about you?
Definitions for the record.
Interpret: to give or provide the meaning of; explain; explicate; elucidate: to interpret the hidden meaning of a parable.; to bring out the meaning of
Manipulate: to manage or influence skillfully, esp. in an unfair manner; to adapt or change (accounts, figures, etc.) to suit one’s purpose or advantage
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
This is a very touchy subject for me. I just don’t get why “the body” of Christ wants to divide and draw lines between itself saying things like, “you are either with us or against us”, “this side or that”. Why people?
We are to be a body of one. And every body part has it’s own distinction (which is great). Meaning that we are all different, we are not all going to think the same, talk the same or act the same. So why would we all worship the same.
“Different strokes for different folks”, old statement, but so true. If it’s all based on the same foundation, then why does the world (churches) get into a hissy when others teach differently. What are they afraid of? Change. I think we need to get over ourselves, swallow our pride, and love our neighbor.
God bless
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
Man, it’s only been a couple of days since you’ve posted last, yet feels like eternity. Great to have you back on-line. Love the thought and the challenge.
I am going to leap further, longer and higher.
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
I like how you used the video to illustrate your point. Very creative thought process. I too would like to take a very real leap of faith but can’t find the strength to totally let go. please pray for me. I know I need to, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Especially when you have deep rooted history within the church building.
I can and will cling to the promise of grace regardless. He knows my heart.
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
I saw that performance and it was amazing. How you have used it as an illustration, WOW. I love how you put emphasis with the Humm… Thanks again
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
Jimmy Mac your ignorance or innocence is showing, no offense. It’s not about just about getting along. Did you see what happened to Rodney King? It’s about truth, right standing and unity of the true body. Those that belong know who they are. You can’t just do whatever and call it Christianity. In Religion anything goes, but in Christianity it’s not so simple. There must be direction, focus and submission. Where is the fruit of your work? Is it God you worship or something other? Maybe its worship itself that you worship? It must be about God and His word. We have not been given the right to manipulate, twist or change. As it always has, so it always will be. God is never changing.
It is much better to be in a pool of standing water than a flowing stream of waste. At least as a child of God (standing water) He can and will resurrect my broken body. And the waste, well lets just say we know it’s direction of flow. I don’t see how the Ezekiel story ties in neither.
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
Ricky L,
Is it ignorance on my part, no. Is it (child like) innocence, maybe (but that’s a good thing according to the bible).
I try to live my life by God’s words: “love your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself”. There is no manipulation in that.
Where’s the love that you extend?
God bless
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
Ricky Ticky, if your standing in a pool of still water (as you have openly admitted) where does your sewage go? Relax, let me answer the question for you, your standing neck deep in it.
The humming you hear is coming from my light saber.
Wednesday, 26. March 2008
Humm…. everyone humm…. along with me
What is the idol of worship? Could it be man, denominational control, religious practice. I am at a loss of words, which happens rarely.
To all, it is really wonderful to be back and to converse with you also.
Ricky L, I really don’t understand your thought process. If you disagree why come? Do you travel the WWW in search of those that you disagree so that you may attack from the safety of your keyboard. Does your ambiguous name and generic email address give you the immunity you cling to for safety.
I am just a broken man and try to stand transparently for what I believe. I long for an engaging conversation that stimulates growth for all of us. It’s not about being right, but growing toward the one and only God. Working daily through this thing we call faith.
Do I have a problem with organized religion? No, I have a problem with people blindly binding others to non-essential practices. Then manipulating, guilting or shaming them to follow. If you want to be bound I respect that. But don’t tell others that they too must be bound (non-essentials) as you are.
Larry Diehl
A Friend of Christ
Thursday, 27. March 2008
The story of Ezekiel mentioned, illustrates God’s promise to restore and rebuild Israel. It has nothing to do with your point. Twisting and turning words, changing meanings?
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Henrietta,
I have been coming to this site now for over a month and everytime I read your responce it is alway negitive can you find nothing good about a man of GOD who is trying to help people grow in the Lord. I have lived most of my life with anger and once I found GOD alot changed in me my Anger no longer controled me. You claim to be a christian but are always so anger can you tell me how you can find no joy in your lord. I will be praying for you and Pastor keep up the great work.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Anne, Henrietta is correct about what the story is really about. Larry has tried to make it fit his wants.
We should as Larry says, SIMPLY, keep God’s word true and intact. Why do we need to make it form to us. We are to conform to God’s word.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Some of you are ridiculous (no names needed), we are to transform not conform. The law does not save us and if we are to live by the law we are dead. I wonder where I’ve heard this before. Humm…. very cute and subtle
Larry, I enjoy your brutally honest take. As I read in someone’s comment, “Keep on Keeping on”.
God bless
… and as Larry has said (no spin needed), keep it real.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Anne, Hi it’s been awhile. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Under Grace, I couldn’t have said it better.
Ricky and Friends,
I would like you to consider Galatians 2:17-21.
17″But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be!
18″For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor.
19″For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.
20″I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
21″I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
I look forward to seeing how you weave these Godly words into your thoughts.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Larry, I love this illistration you have made here. It reminds me of the old covenant VS. the new. The old covenant worked, but the new brings new hope, emotion, feeling and excitement. (Like an old hymm with a new beat excites the younger generation, so be it, we are praising the Lord!)
2Cr 3:11 So if the old covenant, which has been set aside, was full of glory, then the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory.
Hbr 9:1 Now in that first covenant between God and Israel, there were regulations for worship and a sacred tent here on earth.
Hbr 9:13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ritual defilement.
Hbr 9:14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our hearts from deeds that lead to death so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Hbr 9:15 That is why he is the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, so that all who are invited can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.
So, follow the spirit of the Lord in worship, in the way you treat others (even other Christians), and the way you live. Exude the light of Christ by creating a new song of love with your life that others can see and get excited about.
Thursday, 27. March 2008
Gregory the 3rd: I know how you feel, it was very difficult for me also, after 40 some years of holding tight to what I was brought up to believe was the one and only way. But once I was open to hearing another way of teaching i found there was so much more to learn. I have learned so much and my Joy in the Lord and His word is so much deeper now. I too believe “as long as He knows your heart…”I will pray for you and please believe that just because you let go of what you are holding so tightly to doesnt mean you will fall. He has a firm hold on you. Trust Him and let go. Even if its just 1 finger at a time.
Friday, 28. March 2008
Jimmy Mac, you have so much to learn. Love is what I am doing. You as must think love is a happy moment. You and others define love as Valentines day, hugs, hearts, kisses and tenderness. You may even extend that to include acts of kindness, but I tell you this love is broad and deep. It is all those things mentioned but love can hurt and even kill.
We disciple our children, spanking, scolding and grounding them all in the name of love. Just because I do not come across as your best buddy, I do still doesn’t mean I do not love you. Jesus showed that love can even be death. So don’t say I don’t love because I am correcting someone in error.
Larry has talked numerously about the body and how it needs to come together, he is the one that is dividing. I am a part of of the body and our church is associated with hundreds of others within the body.
The body knows when it has a foreign object in it and will do all that it can to remove it.
Friday, 28. March 2008
Ricky and Henrietta…
If Heaven includes either of you, there is no way I want to be there. You two are the most judgmental people I have ever met. You ridicule and condemn. I hope someoe comes along and takes their frustration out on you in a physical way… which I’m more than willing to do. You both make me utterly sick.
this is a good church for you two…
http://www.godhatesfags.com
they follow the “I’m better than all of you” philosophy…..
Friday, 28. March 2008
Oh and I meant “someone” not “someoe”…
and will you PLEASE both go to elementary school and learn how to freaking spell…. I have to focus intently on reading your posts because it’s like a retarded monkey wrote it….
Friday, 28. March 2008
Ricky L,
“I have much to learn”, do you say this because you have great wisdom and feel that you are the ultimate teacher. Let me play devil’s advocate, “You sir are a narrow minded Neanderthal, and should be put out to pasture.”, “But no offense though.”
Love is not one moment telling someone that there thoughts and views are ridiculous and the next saying follow me “I know the way”. Love is patient, open minded, understanding, and most of all, full of grace (merciful). Yes, God disciplines His children to help them along there path. But who are “we” to discipline God’s children. God’s love is not all hugs and kisses, as you put, but His love doesn’t kick you when your down either (as you would seem the type). Also, Jesus didn’t mean that He loves us so much that He would kill us, He meant that He loves us so much that He would die for us.
You say that you are merely correcting another believer. Maybe you should look up Galatians 6:1-3, it talks about correcting others gently and humbly (something your cold heart may find hard to grasp).
Last point, you said, “I am a part of of the body and our church is associated with hundreds of others within the body.” Correct me if I’m wrong (I know you will), but aren’t we, as individuals, the church and so aren’t all that give their lives and live for the Lord part of the body, of which you claim to be? The only people that are dividing it are those that separate from others and denounce those that worship differently then they do. Do you feel that only members of your church or denominations will make it to heaven?
I know this may come off harsh, but just like you said, Jesus knew when to be blunt to get the attention of those He was addressing.
Looking forward to your response.
God bless
Friday, 28. March 2008
Ricky,
With all due respect to the most ‘loving’ person on this blog, none of your comments had anything to do with Larry’s post. You merely came to lay your version of a smack down on Jimmy Mac (did he give you a swirly in high school or something? Do you even know him, or his heart?). Larry and Jimmy Mac are both amazing men after God’s own heart, and your unloving atemps to try and show them the ‘true way’ to worship isn’t going to fly with anyone who has authentic faith or feelings more that matter. Are you bringing praise and glory to the Father by your words?
Just curious, what did you think of Blake’s performance? Did you love it, or hate it?
Friday, 28. March 2008
Singer, very very cool observation. I would also like to know how they felt about Blakes performance. Im sure this will have a grave impact.
BRAVO
Ricky, the world awaits your response. For the record your no Simon (American Idol). Even he has a lighter and brighter side.
Friday, 28. March 2008
Singer
“We promise, by His grace, to love and obey Him in all things, to avoid all appearance of evil, to abstain from all sinful amusements and unholy conformity to the world”.
This is the base line of My Covenant, what’s yours?
None of this is about music. It is about right standing before God and His church. If you take God’s word and wrap it in filth what do you have? It is biblical to admonish the erring. Larry as much as he denies it, he manipulates God’s word. Just open your eyes to what he says on this blog. He is a nice guy and is probably approachable and likable. (This does not make you a man of God, just popular) He dilutes the word so it is digestible to everyone to accept.
We don’t need emerging churches, we need merging churches.
What I have posted does deal with many of the points he has tried to make.
Steve, threats that is such a mature manly thing. You must also be one of Larry’s boys. Why doesn’t he speak for himself? Is it that his mouth has been shut by the power of the Lord? All that is left is idol threats and insults from the likes of you.
Friday, 28. March 2008
HEY RICKY!!!!!!!!
I’m not one of “Larry’s boys.” I’m not even a Christian. I stumbled upon the website then on to this blog. I was reading what people were saying and I can’t imagine how a jerk like you can be a christian. I thought christians were supposed to love each other. If you have a problem with Larry, why don’t you talk to him privately? I thought you all worshipped Jesus… you and Henrietta have put a very sour taste in my mouth. I mean, I would never want to follow someone (Jesus) if you represent him. I’m not sure I can follow a religion that has produced the likes of you two. I feel bad for everybody else because you two have made the whole christian thing look terrible.
Friday, 28. March 2008
WELCOME BOYS AND GIRLS,
To Ricky L’s
“Better Simple Point of View”
Use your opera voices to sing along,
“me, me, me, me, me, me, me, meee”
great job! keep up the good work.
Friday, 28. March 2008
Ricky
You need HELP you need to find GOD and find out what being a Christian is all about!
And just so you know Larry doesn’t care about popularity and he sure as heck doesn’t feel that way all the time!!!
And TRUST me his mouth has not been shut by GOD. He has a family and people of his church And of this world that need him so believe YOU ME when he has a second to stop taking care of not only the saved, family, friends, but the LOST too he’ll have something to say!
But he won’t be filled with hate he wont lash out. Cause unlike You he wants us all together. Why do you come here cause it’s not for God as you claim it’s for yourself and your selfish heart! You never do anything to lift any of the people up here all you do is tear down a already torn down man..
Whatever I’m done with you I leave it to GOD cause that’s all I can do for you. GOD forgive me my anger and you to Ricky L.
Friday, 28. March 2008
I am not surprised by the actions of some of you on this blog. I have much to say about the issues brought to light by our new found friend Steve. Even though he may not profess to be a Christian (I respect his decision), we can openly engage in meaningful conversations. Remember this one point. All of you (ALL) came to my “Simple Point of View” without cohesion. YOUR free will brought you here.
Do I have an agenda, sure everyone does. My goal, (deep breathe) is to reach out to the world and allow them to see that Christianity is a life long process in which an individual develops a relationship with God because they realize what Christ did for them. It is not about religion. Matter of fact, Jesus came and rebuked religion because man had corrupted it (power and control). I only stressed these points to reduce the obvious attack comments and emails.
I don’t have to be right, just saved. Remember I too have grace.
So until my next follow up article, God Bless and exercise your faith, I sure do.
Saturday, 29. March 2008
Ricky my comment was not about if she was correct with the story it is about how nagative she always seems to be. There seems to be no joy in her life and she is always finding falt with Pastor. I just question how deep her relation ship is with the Lord when all she can do is put down a man of GOD. We all should have a right to have our own oppinions that is what helps us grow by hearing and sharing but she only wants her views to be the right one and not grow from coming to this site.
Monday, 31. March 2008
“the” or “a”, which do you have?
Do we Christians, as individuals, feel as though we have “the” way or do we have “a” way to God and heaven?
Just a reflective thought.
God bless
Monday, 31. March 2008
I guess I am not sure why any of you give these blasphemers the time of day. If we are truly communicating with each other only to Glorify the Lord by learning from each other let God take care of those who continue to act self righteous. Continue to speak to only those who truly want to learn from each other. Do not even respond to those who continually bash other brothers and sisters they are not here for the right reasons. They only anger you, and you give them justification for their hatred. I am sure there are other blogs out there that will argue with them or agree with their teachings. Use your time to teach and learn, not justify negativity.
Monday, 31. March 2008
Terri Jo you are sooooo right! Turn a deaf ear and soon the noise shall cease! WE the true believers and followers need to be aware that Steve may not be the only one reading this blog either out of curiosity or truly looking for answers. And what are we showing them? Obviously not something pure of heart or something to learn from. I used to feel the same way about “Christians” because i lumped everyone that wasnt a Baptist,Mormon,Catholic etc. in to the “Christian” category. HOW WRONG I WAS!!!!!!!!! Thats why i dont use the word to describe myself. Thank You Steve for being brave enough to admit your stance on this blog and,hopefully opening some eyes in the process. I hope you will continue to meet with us.
Monday, 19. May 2008
Very cool on so many different levels.