Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
The machine in his analogy represents the methods a church or group is employing to carry out the mission. When these tools become obsolete (gospel marches, love feasts, tracts) then new methods need to be discovered.
Because of WN/WL influence, I used to believe that the mission was to build the church. I've since seen that the mission is, as most Christians believe, to disciple the nations. Churches should result and we should be involved in them. But the building of the church, by and large, is the Lord's work. Our work is to gain, disciple and build up believers. When we focus primarily on building the church, we become inwardly focused and neglect the world around us.
The same thing happens when we make being "transformed" or being spiritual our focus; we are constantly checking our spiritual temperature and have very little room or time to be concerned about others. But when we focus on others, and their need to be brought to the Lord and discipled, things start falling into place. Suddenly our spiritual condition is important for the sake of others, not for our "making the kingdom." Usually the result is we experience real growth.
So the real way to grow is to forget about yourself and start taking care of others. Lo and behold, that's the mission.
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Great stuff you brought out here
Igzy!
First things first..
I
liked the old methods used. 
Maybe I'm just nostalgic or something..whatever...but many of the 'new' methods have not worked so well. I think we could improve on the old methods ..bring them up to date..but that might ruffle some feathers...I don't know.
As for building the church...I still think there is something to it..but again, it needs tweeking...not throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
We can't build the church by our own strength..or our own power however. I think that is why so much of the LSM/LC has failed. They stopped letting GOD building the church. It became Lee's machine.
Yes..we are to disciple the nations..but too many people imho, are being brought to Christ and then left by the wayside to fend for themselves. That's where I have a problem with the healing and prosperity gospel.
A lot of emphasis is being placed on physical healing..and being financially prosperous through tithes and offerings. UGH!
I'm ALL FOR physical healings! I'm all for being financially prosperous. I'm often reminded of the scripture in Proverbs that tells us 'The wealth of the wicked is stored up for the RIGHTEOUS!' 
I think it's way overdue for the struggling saints to get their share of wealth to the GLORY OF GOD!
Back to topic.... I've often thought..so what if we are physically healed and then emotionally and spiritually bankrupt?
What good is our physical healing if we have no friends..no where to go..no one to be built up with in Christ..in fellowship? And if we're going to be financially wealthy...we need to learn to be wise stewards and not flaunt it or squander it!
As for transformation...yeah..we don't need to check ourselves. Don't you guys love it when someone you're talking to about anything will stop and notice there is something 'different' about you? And they're drawn to you because of the LORD beaming out of you? Shining and Glowing?
We don't need to focus on being transformed..all we need to focus is on JESUS being the LORD and KING of our lives. The more we Praise and Worship Him with Thanksgiving, our minds are renewed. We think differently..we become more intelligent..for we are getting the Mind of CHRIST..we have the RESURRECTION LIFE working in us. We can't help wanting to pray for one another..to encourage one another..to lift up one another..to share the GOOD NEWS of CHRIST's Salvation and deliverance by His BLOOD with the lost!
Ok...stepping off the pulpit now.