When Wisdom Speaks

The following is from Alex Kurz, my associate at Shorewood Bible Church, in answer to an inquiry about planned outreachs in December. One of our folks suggested we do some neighborhood caroling. Two weeks ago we asked those interested to meet after the morning service. A large group eagerly responded and will being doing this three weekends during December. We also have a Lady's Tea scheduled for the second weekend in December.

BUT: since Christmas is one of the religious holidays that we do not celebrate as an assembly, someone emailed Alex about why we were doing such a seemingly puzzling things. His answer is a classic response of both gentleness and insight—expressing the very heart of what our ministry is all about.

When I got the copy, I thought others should read it too. I think you’ll be happy you did:

Good questions to ask.

I don't believe we are
celebrating Christmas. Our goal is not to celebrate for 3
Sunday's. Rather, it as an opportunity to challenge people that are at
a more heightened level of interest. I am sure that the Ladies Fellowship
has no intention of celebrating Christmas but inviting lost women to hear the
gospel.

We as an assembly are not caroling for or to
the church, nor are we celebrating the birth of Christ in
the assembly.We have no decorations, trees, or other religious plant
life setup in or around our building.

I do not believe that
what we seek to do for 3 Sundays on the streets of Rolling Meadows constitutes
the "observance of days" or "the esteeming of days." Paul is talking
about "yoke" type membership in the religious system for the purpose of
acceptance and sanctification with God. I don't believe anyone in our group
going out into the streets caroling does so for that purpose. We are not
trying to score points with God but to reach souls for
Him.

Personally, I do not believe the mark of true godliness or
faithfulness to the doctrine is measured by some sort of day observance or
lack thereof. Rather, as Paul teaches when referring to these
issues in the books of Romans and Galatians, love is the
core characteristic. A selfless, sacrificial charity toward one
another at the expense of one's own rights, liberties, feelings, and
possessions. In short, the mind of Christ.

Just my perspective. I
welcome any further thoughts.

Alex

Maranatha!