Once upon a time people around America and around the world got excited about the living, resurrected Jesus. I was one of them. We were often called Jesus Freaks and collectively were known as the Jesus Movement or the Jesus Revolution. (There is a recent movie about us.)
One day as an agnostic I walked into a Jesus-directed town meeting where Christians were testifying about how they had encountered the risen Jesus. Something indescribable happened inside of me that day and I’ve been thrilled about Jesus every day since then.
Now I experience Jesus working in me and around me every day and I’m continually in awe at what He does! Throughout the day He prompts me to say and do various things. He never lets me get bored. I highly recommend opening your heart to Jesus and gathering with other people for Jesus-directed town meetings.
A Christian event center (church) and a Jesus-directed town meeting (ekklesia) aren’t the same thing. A Christian event center presents religious programs. A Jesus-directed town meeting demonstrates the presence of the risen Christ.
A Christian event center creates spectators. A Jesus-directed town meeting empowers participants. A Christian event center is headed up by a pastor, but Christ is the Head of a Jesus-directed town meeting.
A Christian event center presents a one-man-controlled, lecture-based, systematized program. A Jesus-directed town meeting surrenders control to the living Jesus.
A Christian event center proudly features a single speaker, but a Jesus-directed town meeting allows Christ to prompt various members of His body to humbly take turns sharing what He puts on their heart.
Jesus wants to build and personally direct His town meeting. He doesn’t like to be made a passive observer at Christian event centers.
The Protestant Reformers taught “the priesthood of the believer” but set up church to avoid that important biblical truth. That’s sad because humble, heart-felt testimonies from ordinary people ignite the “dunamis” (the explosive power) of the Holy Spirit!
Jesus said His disciples will be His witnesses. If you’ve experienced His presence, you’re summoned to testify about what you’ve seen Him do.
A Christian event center on every corner doesn’t make a city Christian. Where do you assemble with Christ-followers as a Jesus-directed town meeting? (Hebrews 10:25.)
Free Gas for Your Think Tank -- Fill Your Mind and Your Heart With Hope 