Greg Laurie: Reverence or Relevance?
Posted By Joe on March 14, 2009
The other day I shared a post from DefCon talking about Christian Fads.
I just ran across a post on Greg Laurie's blog called "Reverence or Relevance?" which I thought did a great job of further explaining what's been occurring in churches today. Naturally, I would expect no less of Pastor Greg.
An excerpt:
It seems to me that for some we have lost the “fear of the Lord,” even in the Church.
There was a time when things were perhaps too uptight, and one spoke in whispers in the Church, and laughter was rarely heard. But today, many churches, in their attempt to be thought of as “cool” or “contemporary,” they have lost their focus.
I am not suggesting we attempt to be irrelevant and uncool, but my question is “Have we traded reverence for relevance?”
He goes on to talk briefly about "the cussing preacher." He doesn't name names and I'm not going to either. The "cussing preacher"...isn't that a contradiction in terms? Seriously. Is this what it's come to? Greg explains that the early church had it right and then gives an explanation on "the fear of the Lord," something that I think has been noticeably lacking of late.
May He Increase!
About the author
joe, I think, maybe, cussing is cultural. What you have to say to get the message out may change from place to place, also I have heard Baptists say pee pee is a cuss word. I once defined baptists as those folk who said," Oh sh**, I stepped in the poo-poo." I am pretty sure Paul used the word DUNG. I hope and pray never to say a bad word in the pulpit myself.
Will,
One thing that I think has been lacking more and more in our world is culture! I hear what you're saying, but I think you'd agree with me that there is a big difference between "pee pee" and "f---." However, I have to admit, I've not heard this certain pastor who is being accused of this so I'm not exactly sure what words/language he's using. My thing with it is, what difference then, is the church from the rest of the insane world? I suppose it's one thing if you're in prison ministry or drug counseling where the shock value has some merit, but for "normal" Sunday services? Seems out of whack to me.
Have a great week!
Joe.
It seems the church has been taken over by an alien. This enemy has commandered the church to fulfill his own desires!
Who is this invading enemy? It is man! And he has brought into the church his lust for worldly satisfaction and pleasure. The church has become man-centered instead of God-centered, and the focus is on felt needs instead of God's glory. These problems are not peripheral things. The heart and nature of the church and the Gospel are at stake. The great need of the hour is revival and reform that produces true churches where God is the center, the glory of God is the focus, and the Bible is the authoritative and sufficient manual.
The evangelical church has lost its theological moorings. We must join together with countless men of God down through the ages who loved the Church and stood against the always encroaching man-centered doctrines which seek to turn the bride of Christ into a center for entertaining carnal men. As Charles Haddon Spurgeon once declared:
"The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the Church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with the view to winning them...providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the Church....The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt that it sets men aflame."
Ultimately all that matters is the glory of God (Psalm 57:5). And God has ordained that He will recieve most glory through His bride, the church (Ephesians 3:21). Restoring sound doctrine concerning the nature of conversion is foundational to being a church that brings God the glory He deserves!
"Jeff Noblit"
P.S. Do I get a free gift if I guess the "cussing preacher"? I don't name names either so I'll just leave his initials. Mark Driscoll...........oops.
Ike,
Greg Laurie didn't mention the name but you and I know exactly who he was talking about.
Thanks for the Spurgeon quote!
Joe.
Driscoll was on national TV recently and in front of millions of people he called the Lord a "really big dude". I'm sorry but this is beyond a "cuss" word!!
http://bloodtippedears.blogspot.com/2009/03/christ-is-sovereign-lord-of-universe.html
Ike,
I agree. I only know of Driscoll what I've read on line so far. I've seen shirts that say the same thing: "Jesus is my homeboy." It is what I think Greg Laurie was really trying to say. We've lost our basic reverence for Almighty God, Creator of the Universe! You can't just boil Him down into a funny tagline.
Hi. I just skimmed this page and wanted to share.
I am majorly influenced by Pastor Greg, Chuck Smith and anything Calvary, because it's straight up God's Truth. That isn't going to change.
During this past almost 2 years, I have also taken in countless lessons from Mark Driscoll and some other pastors in his church.
This may not be popular to others...that I am speaking positively about Mark and Mars Hill here, for various reasons...let the list begin...I'm sure, to some.
Yet, I have found Mark to be oftentimes refreshing and a true blessing to my growth in the Lord. I probably take in more of Greg and Chuck and all the hischannel.com ministries, but still...I love Mark and appreciate the challenges he must be facing in Seattle to form that bridge to the lost.
Not condoning poor judgment and I think John MacArthur has even had some words to or for Mark. Nevertheless, I just wanted to share that he has been a blessing to me and I do enjoy his ministry. I have some clips on my site, under lessons, if anyone cares to take them in.
Jesus reigns. Let's pray for each other and our teachers that God has raised up. I am not saying to stop speaking out on issues that are a questionable and troublesome...I'm basically just saying praise the Lord and isn't it exciting that Jesus will be here soon! See you in the air!
jz, thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. Welcome!
I, too, have been heavily influenced by Calvary pastors. Most of my favorite Bible teachers are all Calvary pastors. I don't really have an opinion of Driscoll at this point. In terms of the questionable stuff, my only sources on this are other parties. I haven't heard any of it directly. I shared that blog post back then because I agreed with what Greg Laurie had to say. Greg didn't name names, but it was a safe assumption who he was talking about.
Again, thanks for stopping by and hopefully you'll bless us again with your insights!
In Christ,
Joe.