The Church
Church Services On-line…just like being there

In this morning’s Centre Daily Times, there was an article with a by-line of Joseph Maldonado, York Daily Record. It concerned downloading church services to the World Wide Web. A good use of technology…yes!? This allows people to enjoy church without having to be there. You know, church at your convenience. Oops…what about the fact that Jesus was attended church [Luke 4:16] or that we are commanded not to forsake the gathering together of the saints for worship [Heb. 10:25]? Just another example of what happens when the church gets caught up in technology to the detriment of the Word.

The Zion Lutheran Church has a technology committee that ensures that the services get on-line and that they are “glitch free before the first word is spoken”. Sounds like a production not a worship service. This is indicative of the entertainment aspect of contemporary services. It’s the packaged product, not the substance that is important. And, just think of the time and money that goes into the continual changes in technology to be ahead of the curve.

In regard to money, Zion also has a better idea…giving electronically. To quote the article:

Rather than deal with checks, envelopes and collection plates, a preset amount of money will be withdrawn from a parishioner’s account and deposited into the church’s account.

Just like paying your other bills and dues to social clubs, you automatically give to the church every week. But doesn’t Scripture say God loves a cheerful giver:

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [2 Cor. 9:7]

Somehow I do not believe Paul had in mind a payroll giving plan for God.

However, I have an idea for the parishioners at Zion. Why not divert 10% of all monies deposited into their accounts to the church as what is owed to God. Then, each week the parishioner can decide what he/she will give to the work of the Lord over and above their tithe. There is a mechanical standard from God and with the opportunity for each man/woman to weekly be a “cheerful giver.” Anyone have the Zion Lutheran’s address…I’m sure its on the web.
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Sir Elton John

In a Sunday interview in London, Elton John was quoted as follows:

I think religion has always tried to turn hatred towards gay people. From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organised religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate. The world is near escalating to World War Three and where are the leaders of each religion? Why aren't they having a conclave? Why aren't they coming together? I said this after 9/11 and people thought I was nuts. Instead of more violence why isn't there a meeting of religious leaders? It's like the peace movement in the Sixties. Musicians got through to people by getting out there and doing peace concerts but we don't seem to do them anymore. If John Lennon were alive today, he'd be leading it with a vengeance.

Of course John is a homosexual who had his “partnership” sealed with a “civil partnership” in December of 2005. By organized religion, he obviously means the church. And, there is a lot of what he espouses in non-Biblical main line Protestant denominations…coming together in support of the homosexual agenda. You can also see the cultural elite’s next move…entertainment and concerts for homosexual rights.

It would indeed be easier for “same sex” marriage and other such issues to be accepted without any religious impulse against it. As we see more and more argument about genetics and/or socialization with respect to homosexual behavior, the church will be an important cultural bulwark. For, where else can it be argued that God’s revelation condemns homosexuality as sinful behavior and not an alternative lifestyle. Now we must speak the truth in love but above all we need to point homosexuals to the truth that will set them free from their genes or their choices. Without the supernatural message of a Savior from sin, it is all about biology. And, that is where Sir Elton and his kind want it.