What a Real Prophet Might Look Like

I'm not sure I have ever met a real prophet, I may have and not known it. I do have some thoughts on what a real prophet would look like.

• A real prophet would speak by the Spirit and have no need of human dramatics.
  
• A real prophet would point people to Jesus and make Christ the center of attention.
• A real prophet would speak about real things, not just empty wish fulfillment.
• A real prophet would be hated by the world, because the world hates the one he speaks for.
• A real prophet would not be quick to speak in Jesus name, knowing he will have to give account for every word.
• A real prophet would not need to advertise, his reputation would precede him.
• A real prophet would not appeal for money, he knows who meets his needs.
• A real prophet would not manipulate or control people, we are all brothers and sisters in the Lord.
• A real prophet would accept feedback graciously, because the church has the right to judge prophecy.
• A real prophet would make mistakes, he is just a brother after all.
• A real prophet would admit he made mistakes, he knows there is only one perfect with all knowledge.

May the Lord give us prophets who speak the truth in love by the Spirit.

A New HC Blog in Town

I've been recently introduced to a HC blogger in the Portland area. His site is a good read. I like the title: "The Ekklesia in Southern Maine" It's exciting to read the adventures of a fellow traveler out here on the fringes of this thing we call church. I pray that the Father may direct Dan and company through the spirit of wisdom and knowledge in Christ.
Peace.

Storm Warning By Billy Graham

Billy Grahams update of his 1992 apocalyptic commentary, conveys a message of hope and warning. Using the metaphor of gathering storms, he presents a way out and a place of safety for those willing to embrace the truth. Billy artfully draws comparisons between the four horseman of John's revelation and current events. Generously sprinkled with insightful anecdotes from his many years in ministry, I found this book to be an overall compelling read. Billy Graham does one thing and he does it well; he relates the gospel to the times he is in. He pulls no punches when it comes to addressing the needs of the human heart.
I'm not usually a fan of doomsday books, but when I saw that this one was written by an elder statesman of the faith, I thought it would be worth a look. I would say that this was not really a commentary on the book of Revelation as much as a backdrop for the Gospel message that Billy has preached for so many years. A message I am convinced the world needs, more today than at any other time. I was touched and inspired by his stories, drawn from a life lived to the full.
The book did suffer from thematic inconsistency at times. I found the switching of metaphor's to be a bit tedious. It seemed to vacillate between a bible commentary and an evangelistic sermon, but I guess that's what Billy does best; preaching the gospel. I would recommend this book to anyone who is just starting to ask questions about the gospel.
I was provided a copy of this book for review from Thomas Nelson. If you have a blog and like to read/review books check out their program at http://booksneeze.com.

How Little we Know

How little we know the Holy Spirit. We know much about Him, but how little we know of walking daily in His power and presence. We understand His deity, we can catalog His works and we can site the many promises of His coming, yet for all of our study and striving, the reality of fellowship with the Holy Spirit remains for many illusive. For many God is in His heaven and we just plod along as best we can on earth. Yet the promise of the Master remains. "I will never leave you or forsake you". "I will give you another Comforter and He will remain with you forever".
My intention in this study is not to simply gather more facts about the Holy Spirit, but to deepen my communion with Him. Jesus has promised to provide this comforter and Paul spoke of the "fellowship of the Spirit". What adventure awaits those who explore the depths of fellowship with the Spirit. What would He say to us? What mysteries would He reveal? What sin expose? With humble trust in the graciousness of Christ, let us seek to walk in daily, intimate communion with the Spirit of the Living God. Lead on dear Jesus. Lead on.

Inspired by "The Spirit of Christ" by Andrew Murray

We gather as the church to follow the leading of the Spirit.

If Christ is the head of the church then should he not be present at each meeting? In many churches the service is more like a funeral memorial than a visit with Christ. Many believers today have an image of Jesus as being somehow disconnected from His church, as though he was too far away to meet with us. Did not Jesus say that where two or three are gathered in his name he would be there? I hear that verse quoted a lot but I wonder how many take it to heart. By the working of the Spirit we have the real presence of Jesus with us.
Oh Lord, that we may follow as sheep, the great shepherd of our souls.

House Church Central - Grandaddy of all HC sites.

If your looking for a House Church this site has an old and venerable directory. Definitely worth checking out. House Church Central

About Gatherings

We gather as the church as often as we feel the need. This may seem a bit presumptuous to some but consider what the Master said in regard to keeping the Sabbath day, "The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath." This must have blown the religious people of his day away! It would seem that Jesus wanted his people to not become subservient to a day. If the Jewish people under the law were not servants to the Sabbath, then why should we, children of grace, be servant to a standing meeting?

Rick Thompson visit

We are planning on having Rick Thompson visit with us this Sunday. He is one of those traveling folks who go around encouraging house churches. We met him at a conference in MA and asked him to come by for a visit.
You can check out his blog at: http://inthefootstepsoftychicus.blogspot.com/
He has worked with his own hands and has a good reputation among other churches.

Planting churches or making disciples?

An interesting article on the concept of discipleship. I found it to be challenging. I'm still looking for the verse that tells us to plant churches.

Discipling Viral Disciplers

I Used to Think

You Are

Before the sun's rays ever kissed the earth,
You were.

After the stars have lost their light,
You shall be.

No matter the darkness that surrounds us now,
You are.

Before life first sparked in me,
You were.

After the light has left my eyes,
You shall be.

No matter the darkness that surrounds me now,
You are.

Home Church Help

Added a new link.
Home Church Help / New Testament Church Life
I really liked the bullet points on the front page. It sums up my own experience quite nicely.

1. Home church is Biblical.

2. The essence of Christianity is easily accomplished in simple and uncomplicated settings.

3. Group participation with all people functioning should be the primary dynamic of any church meeting (1 Cor. Chapter 14), This is the backbone of the home church setting.

4. Connecting with others and developing meaningful relationships is easily accomplished in a home church atmosphere.

5. "Being the church" and sharing life together in community with others, instead of just attending a meeting, is the desire and purpose of most people who home church.