What Changes??? #2

When we talk about changes we need to understand that it is not a blanket that will fit every bed. One size will not fit all. what we should want to achieve is Church growth for all of the Lords churches. That is what it is all about, isnt it? If it will cause trouble in your Church do not attempt it. before any change can come the Pastor must sign on for the longhaul. He must be convicted by God that change is needed in His Church, and must be willing to learn from the scriptures what needs to be done. One thing that will work universaly is "relationship evangelism" Most Missionaries use this whether they call it by the same name or not. It consists of meeting new people, gaining their friendship and trust, then bring them to the saveing knoledge of Jesus christ. If you do it this way 95% of them will follow in Baptism. There is one thing you can count on, if there is not a friendly and loving atmosphere in the Church, and they do not feal comfortable they will not stay very long. We will address that in the next post. What do you think? Marlin Freeman

What Changes???

Every few days I am asked what changes do you propose?? Let us take a little survey. Is your building 50% or less full on Sunday morning? Is the majority of your attendance 55 years or more???? Has the last 20 or so additions been by Baptism??? Is the people you preach to really learning anything??? Does any one really care???? Brethren I will not try to answer these questions for you nor will I even venture to guess. you answer them for your self. Then ask your self, are We doing what our Lord wants us to do? God gave us a job to do. see Acts 1:7 We are to begin where we are and spread out from there. Each Church is responsible for what they do. Each Pastor is responcible for what he leads them to do. Do not ever fall into the trap of blameing the large Church down the street. do all you can in accordance with Gods Word. THINK, STUDY, PRAY.PRAY.PRAY. Then Go, Go, Go, That is what God told us to do. Marlin Freeman

Inside the Book #3

Good afternoon. It is cold and wet in East Tx. today, when we started out about 6-30 am it was 65 degrees it is now about 38 and a light rain is falling. It is a good day to get into the Book. When we talk about change it needs to be understood that it is not change just for the sake of change. The change I talk about is for the sake of being understood by people who do not know the "churchy" terms that we often use freely. Some hold to "traditions of men" that have been handed down from generation to generation. see Mark 7:6-9. Some times some of the old ways are good. but if they are hindering us from doing things to reach our generations of people now then they are wrong for our time. Let us all critically look at what we do. What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

Inside the BOOK #2

Some times when you mention change people get upset. Things are changeing around you every day, just stop and remember for a while. The Bible is a book that records chenges from the very begining. Just LOOK and see. there are things that God teaches us that should be ongoing untill He returns for us. Look at Your Town or County or City. the numbers of lost people are growing, now Barna, sez that has reached apx. 70%. We must reach to them, they will not come seeking us. Doesnt the Bible syy for us to go to them. The great commission extends to the world, and that includes where we live. Absolutely NEVER change the word of God. only the way you deliver it. Think of different ways to reach people where they are to get them to where God wants them. What do you think? Marlin Freeman.

Inside the Book #1

Good after noon Brethren, We have been inside the box and outsine the box for three times each and that is not all that I have to say abouy that, but for a few posts let us look inside the Book. There is some things about the Book{Bible} that sone appear to have never looked at... some people get all fired up when you mention change. The Bible is the Book of change. Just look at the book of Gen. try going through the book and see how many major changes took place. The rest of the Bible is filled with changes to get people to where God wanted them to be. I dare to say that God never stoped trying to get people to where they would be productive for Him. Let us look at a couple of scripture passages to further our thinking. In Matt. 22:37-40. read, the lord said "on these two Hang all the Law, and Commandments. Brother we had best learn to love all people no matter where they are in their life now,Nor what the color of their skin is and get them to the point that God can influence their decision makeing process. what do you think? Marlin Freeman.

Out side the box #3

Soooooo. It has been a few days, but here goes. out side the box , we are still on music. From the outcry on some other blogs you would think we insulted the holy grail, Well that was not our intent, but we as a whole need to get to the place to where we think and study Gods word before we try to quote it. like looking up the Greek word for Hymns and consult webster for common usage. When i I began this topic about music being deviceive, that was an understatement. Brethern let us not make rash statements that we cannot prove. I respect your opinion. But unless you offer some sound facts to prove your opinion I will only receieve it as such, your opinion. There is not one schred of proof that contemparie music will flood your Church with "undesireables" Just who are these folks that are "undesireable". If I read the scripture right the Lord teaches that we are to preach to ALL. and He by His grace will save those who believe, then He will change them. What do you think? Marlin Freeman