CHURCHES NEED TO RECONNECT WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES

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Thousands of people flocked to the National Mall in Washington, DC on May 17 for a massive faith event organized by President Donald Trump’s administration. Dubbed “Rededicate 250: National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving,” the event was tied to the nation’s 250th birthday.

Commencing in 2004, many churches across Australia began celebrating the National Day of Thanksgiving, on the last Saturday in May. FamilyVoice over the years has encouraged the “attitude of gratitude” especially commending the National Day of Thanksgiving.

The first commemoration (2004) was launched by Governor-General Michael Jeffery, with the aim of restoring Christian values in society. At the launch, Prime Minister John Howard said the day “encourages Australians to recognise the values and people that sustain the nation.” Each commemoration follows soon after the 9th May anniversary of the opening of Australia’s first federal Parliament in 1901.

As one of the most peaceful, prosperous nations and one of the longest continuously democratic countries, we have much reason for thanksgiving! Certainly national confession and repentance is greatly needed – but thanksgiving also.

Churches need to connect more closely with the community – particularly all manner of civic authorities whom sadly we have largely abandoned and remind them of our rich Christian heritage. And as churches lead the culture in the expression of gratitude, we perhaps help to “prepare the ground” for crucially-needed confession and repentance.

It’s important to echo words that describe Australia’s rich Christian heritage as we connect to churches and schools.

Australians such as Alfred Deakin, he was a key architect of Australian federation and a three-time Prime Minister who shaped the nation’s early policies and institutions. Deakin composed the following prayer in 1898 as momentum built towards Federation:

“Father of Nations, receive our psalm of thanksgiving. Enable us to pursue the cause of unity in spite of the obstacles which at present appear to beset our path …. God preserve this people and grant its leaders unselfish fidelity and courage to face all trials for the sake of brotherhood. Thy blessing has rested upon us here yesterday and we pray that it may be the means of creating and fostering throughout all Australia a Christlike citizenship”.

What has happened to church parades, commissioning services, connections to Cubs, Scouts, Guides, St John’s Ambulance, and the military etc?

When I was a child in the mid 1900’s most children were sent to Sunday School even if their parents did not go to church. They understood that this is where their children would learn about right and wrong and about God and justice. Churches need to tell people what was lost when this practice ceased. Meaning and purpose in life was lost. Fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom was lost. No wonder children suicide rates have increased.

What has happened to the simple action of offering “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for kings and all those in authority” as a priority Paul urged: “First of all, then” (1 Timothy 2:1)?

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4

We are fast approaching the time of Jesus return to Earth to restore righteousness and not only rescue the nation God established for His purposes but to fulfil the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for Israel to be the lead nation of the world with their Messiah as king of the world – Jesus Millennial Kingdom. Go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net for more on what is next on God’s agenda for planet earth. Hence, with an urgency inspired by His soon coming, we need to get on with the job of bringing the Good News to our family, friends and neighbours.

CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS

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It is profoundly wrong that so many Christian institutions seem to be deliberately set up to insulate their leadership, from any private or public criticism, and designed to keep bad news from seeping out. It is past time for our institutions and our institutional leaders to act in ways that demonstrate they recognize and believe that our sinful nature applies to them as well to ordinary people.

Watchdog groups such as MinistryWatch and the Roys Report have extensively noted, many Christian ministries are run like family businesses. Ravi Zacharias’ ministry was a family affair: it was named after him, and his wife and several daughters were on the board or employed by the ministry at six-figure salaries. The same is true at Liberty University, where Jerry Falwell Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and his son is a vice president. I could name many other similar Christian celebrities. The reality is the Christian celebrity culture is toxic.

Ravi Zacharias was the head of an international, $40-million-a-year apologetics ministry devoted to explaining and justifying Christianity to a watching world. The position brought him international fame and fortune. When he died there was an outpouring of hagiographies of him from Christian circles.

But increasingly, evidence shows that Ravi Zacharias was guilty of significant levels of adultery and sexual abuse, and lying. Ravi lied about his academic credentials, claiming degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, along with a fake doctorate. Worse was his years long sexting scandal with a married woman that he repeatedly lied about and, more recently, the discovery that he was a part-owner of a number of “massage clinics” where he sexually abused women.

Zacharias and his ministry apparently spent years denying, obfuscating, and covering up piles of evidence of his misconduct. Finally, after Ravi’s death, the executive committee of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has admitted that there is credible evidence that he engaged in sexual misconduct for many years. In a statement clearly designed to claim a show of transparency, the board noted: “We are heartbroken at learning this but feel it necessary to be transparent and to inform our staff, donors, and supporters at this time, even while the investigation continues.”

In truth, the board seems to have been far from transparent. Only now, almost a year after Ravi’s death, and after years of obfuscation, has the board finally admitted that the stories about Ravi are true. To its credit, the board hired a law firm that has already investigated and authenticated many of the allegations and has engaged victim-advocate Rachael Denhollander as a consultant and a separate compliance firm to evaluate RZIM’s board. But frankly, for many, this comes far too late.

All about making disciples who in turn will make disciples

Thank goodness for the Francis Chan’s of this world who recognise that Jesus did not want an Institutional Church. He walked away from his church of 5000 to set up Home Churches without paid pastors or buildings. These churches are set up as the church is described in the Book of Acts. Look at the requirements Paul outlines for church leaders there. Also, the ante-Nicene churches were simple and free. They found their unity in wholehearted devotion to Christ, not in a systematic theology or set of doctrines.

The Last Reformation Movement initiated by Torben Sondergaard is a good example of what God is doing in these last days. Take a look at my recent post “Obedience and Listening to the Holy Spirit” and watch the video. It gives two great testimonies of the type of people God is using to complete the Great Commission before Jesus returns.