Nirup Alphonse

The Church_Evolve?

The world is continually changing; if we don’t evolve with it we will inevitably become like the guy wearing “Hammer” pants and a John Deere trucker hat, trying to sell his REO Speedwagon cassette tapes at his annual garage sale.  Everyone knows that guy! We stare at him in bewilderment, wondering if his “Flux Capacitor” is broken resulting in his now being stuck in a time period he was not made for. “1.21 GIGAWATTS!!!” 

Think about your life for a moment. Fifteen years ago the ability to even read this blog (now through you high powered wi-fi) would have been unimaginable. Things that were once seen as vital to our experiences are now becoming obsolete. Technology is at its peak, but like the mighty Himalayas, the peak increases with each sunrise. Our intellectual capacity and understanding of philosophy continues to spawn the trend of this post modern era. We are constantly seeking to evolve so we don’t get lost in the continual changes. Every industry from professional sports to baby apparel invest exponential amounts of resources to maintain their positions as CULTURAL INFLUENCERS in the trends they themselves create. They must evolve!  

So Here Is The Question: Has The Church Evolved? I fear that as the trends of the modern era continue to progress, “The Church” (if is hasn’t already) is positioning itself to be influenced by the culture rather than the influencer. In an effort to maintain its popularity, “Church” has evolved to become the advocate for religious entertainment seasoned with moral regulation, rather than the agent for hope, love and change. Obedience and sacrifice are too much to ask for, so  we offer a convenient product, evolved with all the trappings to beg you for an hour of your time and a tenth of your....I mean “God’s” money. We have replaced living through faith with fiscal responsibility. I am not saying that the use of technology to advance the Gospel is wrong, nor am I advocating a return to the days of Charles Ingalls doing the morning announcements in Church - where the same building was used as a school....grades one through twelve...not fun I imagine to be taking a calculus test while the kid next to you is reciting, “A...for apple.” 

A few days ago I was watching television and I was struck by an interesting commercial. The ad was for the company Gatorade. It was a series of scenes capturing the evolution of the wonderful product known more for its use as a post game bath for Super Bowl winning coaches than its ability to regenerate the bodies of highly trained athletes. However, underneath the brilliant filming was a song that seemed to carry the entire theme for the ad. Sung deeply and with sultry soul, the vocalist recited these words over and over again - “If you want a revolution, the only solution...evolve...evolve.” No sooner did I hear the words when I grabbed the first thing I could write on to jot it down. Those words hit me hard and I began to ask myself a very simple question:

To Keep Up With The Growing Trends - Has The Revolution Of The Church Evolved? 

Over the course of the next week or so, I would like to take on the challenge of answering this question. Please know this; I claim to be no expert on “The Church” but I am simply a voice in my generation looking for answers. I will share with you from my heart and from my experience with the Church and I am not in the business of de-faming the Bride of Christ. I love the Church and believe wholeheartedly that it is God’s acting agent for change in this world, and I am merely asking questions to allow a conversation to continue on how the Church can follow her revolutionary leader - Jesus Christ!

POWER Thru 30: Day 7

Faith vs. Works. In all honesty, I had every intention of adding my thoughts to the argument but I fear my words would only seem all together rehearsed and copied. Do I believe that one can be justified and live through works alone? No! Do I believe on can be justified by faith and have no works which are produced through the Holy Spirit? No! So where does this leave us? It's quite simple really….God softens the dead heart to believe the in Christ Jesus. Then through the POWER and working of the Holy Spirit the believer is free to live by faith and moved to be a "doer of the word" through works, which again is only truly accomplished by the POWER of the Spirit. 

I admit I often throw myself into such theological discussions as this with all the vigor and energy my age represents. Tonight, however I find myself moved in a different direction. On a side note, it is a wonderful experience to read the Word of God and constantly be awakened to fresh new thoughts….it is truly remarkable.

Reading the book of James and Galatians I was struck by something that I have never truly recognized before. Consider these verses:

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27

"Only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do" Galatians 2:10

"So then as we have opportunity let us do good to everyone" Galatians 6:10

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him, it is sin" James 4:17

It is not merely a suggestion, but rather a Biblical COMMAND that we as believers fight, give and serve the poor, the fatherless and the broken! It is interesting that so often as believers we say we are moved or not moved to do certain things. Yet, if I may be so bold I would argue that it is IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE SPIRIT OF GOOD TO MOVE A BELIEVER IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN OF A BIBLICAL COMMAND!! 

In Galatians Paul speaks about being eager to remember the poor. This is not because Paul is an all around swell guy. He is not the popular kid at school who takes time to sit and the geek table while his high class socialite friends observe in curiosity. He is not trying to prove a point or somehow earn salvation, but instead he is motivated and eager because the Holy Spirit is alive and active inside his heart. The Spirit of the Living God enters the believer and directs them to live as Christ lived and love who Christ loved…..and Jesus loved the poor, the fatherless and the broken! If through the POWER and direction of the Holy Spirit, I know the right thing to do and I don't do it…then that is a sin. 

The magnitude of the four verses hit me to the core of who am I….because who I am is a wicked, arrogant and prideful man. As I read those verses, I began to talk to God in my heart, asking Him to change me even more. I want to be eager to love God and in turn love people more…to extend mercy and grace. For too long I have aimed to live by only the Biblical commands that I found to be easily accessible, and it is becoming evident to me of my mistakes. 

The Holy Spirit of God was so present in the life of Paul that it cause him to literally anguish over people. When was the last time I really anguished over someone? Maybe I can think of someone if I spent a few minutes completely downloading and doing a google search of my brain. But, when was the last time I ANGUISHED for the one who didn't deserve to be anguished over? When was the last time my heart was moved by the Holy Spirit to live out the Biblical commands, not because I wanted to earn my salvation, but because it was a natural reaction to the Spirit of Christ in me? 

My prayer is simple….that you and I would be so filled with the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, that it would cause us to anguish over those who are lost. But let us not be quick to rationalize and be so eager to live in our already comfortable lives, but rather continue to pray that we would have a new found EAGERNESS TO CARE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HELPLESS….let our prayer be to never stop doing good when we have the opportunity. 

POWER Thru 30: Day 6

If Twitter and Text Messaging was around in the time of Jesus, the Apostle Mark would have been the one who was all over it. I absolutely love the way Mark writes. While Matthew is so focused on detail of every situation, the Gospel of Mark is written in almost modern "thumb and thumb action" fashion. He strategically attacks with fast moving jabs and punches, and seems to dance around the ring with just enough swiftness to hit you in the mouth with devastating quick blows. He writes with a technique that is all together unique in that he has the ability to give you precise and accurate information. As I was reading today I envisioned him tweeting details of the day:

"Packed house..Paralyzed guy gets let in through the roof..Jesus heals him...so far AWESOME DAY"

The struggle sometimes when reading a book such as the Gospel of Mark, is that we may un-intentionally miss something. For me, I was reminded once again that for a period of 30 years, Jesus was seen as nothing more than ordinary. He was known, like most of us, for who His parents were, who His siblings were and what He did for a living. Yet, there is the epic moment when He is baptized and the Holy Spirit comes upon Him....and it seems as though that moment was the beginning of the physical manifestation of the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE MOVEMENT OF JESUS. Here is what caught my attention as I read today: Everywhere Jesus went, everywhere He moved and in every situation He was in, He did something amazing and awe inspiring. He healed the sick, made the lame walk, made the blind see....he withered trees and calmed the storms...he fed the hungry and awakened the dead. There was nowhere He go where ordinary regular folks weren't chasing Him down. 

Does that amaze...absolutely! But here is what drew my attention even more. The Pharisees...the most religious and educated people of the day....they demand signs from Jesus. Can you imagine? He goes around everyday performing feats that are nothing less that spectacular and these guys want a sign. 

"The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, 'Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.' "  8:11-12

The hearts of these men we so hardened and cold that they could not see God moving...they COULD NOT SEE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ACTION!! And then just as quickly as I had that thought, the next one devastated me....thats me...those men are me. How many times have I sat in a Church service, or in a youth group or during a worship time and have failed to see The Holy Spirit move because my heart was so hard and cynical? I have demanded to see a sign from God, and in doing so I have slowly closed my eyes to see His wonders. I was hit with a shot to the mouth that knocked me out of the ring!! My heart was convicted and moved to seek God for forgiveness....how long will I belong to this crooked generation asking for signs when the God of the universe is moving right in front of my face. I want my eyes to be open to see the Holy Spirit move...to SEE HIM IN ACTION. 

I wanted to know if I would ever see what I was praying for, and before I knew it I was comforted with the words of Jesus Himself,

"Therefor I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." 11:24

I have a new found confidence that my eyes are going to be continually opened to the POWER of the Holy Spirit. I am devastated that I am allowed to even approach a God who loves me more than I deserve. My plea to you, is that you too would ask and BELIEVE to see GOD moving....BELIEVE it and it will be yours!! My prayer is that our generation would be one that is fueled by the HOLY SPIRIT TO SEE AND BE THE LIGHT TO DARKNESS....ALL TO THE GLORY OF JESUS! 

PoWER Thru 30: Day 5

Roughly 15 years ago, the Chicago Bulls were at the peak of basketball immortality. Newspapers all over the country searched the depths of the earth to find the words that would be coined to describe the team that was nothing short of a dynasty. Many people who claimed to be Bulls fans have now vanished behind the shadow of dismal seasons and even worse expectations. But for a period of about 6 years, the Chicago Bulls captivated the people who followed them. Here is the resounding foundation that every Chicago Bulls fan lived on: The Bulls Will Win! It didn't matter if they were down by 20 or up by the same, because at the sound of the final buzzed...game winner was Chicago. We knew it...we believed it...and much more than that we EXPECTED IT!

Maybe in my life, in my reality I don't see signs and wonders and miracles of the cross because deep down I DON'T EXPECT IT! My heart has grown tired and cynical. I question everything that I see in front of me. My faith is not that of a child, but of a well trained sarcastic commentator. I finished the book of Acts today, and I realized that the disciples fully expected God to move. They knew it...the believed it and THEY EXPECTED HIM TO MOVE. 

I want to see the Holy Spirit move not only in my life but in the life of the Church and in the nations...but do I expect it? My hearts desire is to see God move, but my increasing prayer it to allow God to open my eyes and my heart to not only ask to see the Spirit move, but to fully EXPECT that HE WILL!! I want my life to count for something. I want to know that at the end of it all my life was about the Gospel. I read the words of Paul in Acts 20:24 and my heart burns to have this kind of passion!!

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Paul lives an epic life, because the Holy Spirit lives in him. He is constantly on the move and he never runs away from his opportunity to testify about who he was, and who he now is because of Jesus. I love the scene in Acts 26 when King Agrippa asks Paul if he is going to persuade him to be a Christian too. Paul's response is flat out inspiring. 

"And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” v 29

Yes I will testify to you...and not only you but to everyone who can hear me! The Holy Spirit is so active in his life, that even in chains he is actively following the direction of the POWER that is at work within him. Paul was so dependent on the Holy Spirit, and because of that he fully expected the Spirit to move. 

If I were to be honest I would have to say that for several years I have felt this overwhelming sense that there had to more than this....that something was missing...little did I know that the something was actually a someone. My intention is not to get into a theological discussion about when the Spirit comes or how He moves, but rather I simply propose this:

Do I Know...Do I Believe...And Do I EXPECT THAT HE WILL?? And I ask you to consider the same. ASK FOR THE PROMISED GIFT....AND FULLY EXPECT HIM TO MOVE!!

POWER Thru 30: Day 4

When does a believer get The Holy Spirit? Or does someone get The Holy Spirit before they become a believer? Does a believer get it when they are baptized? I wonder how many conversations have come to elevated vocal tones over these questions. I think about how many Churches have split because of differences in the views of this topic? I get upset thinking about how many Churches won't work together because they cannot agree on some of these much debates questions.

In Acts chapter 8, the mystery of the gospel is revealed and spoken to the people of Samaria. The people of Samaria heard the gospel, believed in Jesus and were baptized and yet Peter and John travel to see them so they could pray for them so that the people of Samaria

"might receive the Holy Spirit for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." v.15-16

After Peter and John lay hands on them the people receive the Holy Spirit. Later on in Acts 10 Peter gets a vision to go see a man named Cornelius. Peter goes to him and begins to teach all that the Holy Spirit was leading him to say,

"While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" v. 44-47

For me, the reality is I don't know when someone receives the Holy Spirit. I am also beginning to realize that for me it can become a fun debate of sorts but in the greater scope of things it almost doesn't matter. What truly matters is being able to tell if someone does or does not have it. It is quite amazing to me that Peter, through the Holy Spirit was able to decipher who did and did not have the Holy Spirit. I would argue that Peter and the disciples knew the Holy Spirit so intimately that they could recognize when it was not present in the lives of others. Let me try me absolute best to give you a metaphor that might explain my though slightly better. 

I love my wife Hannah. I would tell you with all honesty that I know her better than any other human being on this earth. Yes, I have barely scratched the surface of who she is, but I do know her deeply. I can tell you when she is in a room. Her voice is captivating and I can recognize it in a crowd without any hesitation. Consider how much I know my wife....now if I was in a room full of people and I began talking about my wife, it would be a matter of moments before I could point out with precision accuracy who in that group of people knows my wife and who doesn't. I know my wife so intimately that I recognize the people who do not know her. 

I want to know the Holy Spirit with a deep intimacy and dependance. The Holy Spirit was so active in prevalent in the lives of the people He inhabited that they witnessed signs and wonders everyday. Think about that...they saw signs and wonders! As I read those I began to ask myself when the last time I saw signs and wonders...not just once, but all the time. They saw them so much so that it almost seems as though it doesn't even amaze them, but on the contrary they are continually amazed. It makes me wonder the increasing wonders God did that methodically captured their hearts and souls. 

I want to see God move so badly in this generation! I so deeply believe that the Church is God's agent for change in this culture and in the global scale, and my desperation to see The Holy Spirit consume the Church is growing faster and faster. I await the day I too can see signs and wonders to the glory of praise of Jesus Christ!

POWER Thru 30: Day 3

I have what adults like to define as "Authority Issues". Here is how my mind works. If someone tells me I can't do something, as in I am not allowed to, my mind automatically wants to do that certain thing...even if I would never do it in the first place. As a kid pushing buttons was not only my favorite pastime it was my natural talent. Call it "disregard for authority, lack of maturity or just plain stupid" if you want, but my heart has always been inclined to stand in the face of authority. God is working on my heart...oh yes He is! Before I go any further, let me say that I never defied the kind of authorities that carried guns around their waist....even I have my limits! I saved my authority issues for the people that would send me to detention, give me pink slip to take home...or the worst, the kind that carried a ruler and hits you where the sun doesn't shine. 

Who gives someone authority? How do they earn it? Is there criteria for getting it? 

As I continued my reading today I felt an increased excitement in my heart and this is why. I believe with all my heart that Jesus is not ONLY my King, BUT THE KING OVER ALL AND EVERYONE! If a king here on this earth sent me with a message to be delivered and on that message he stamped his seal, I would be traveling with the protection and authority of my king. How much more than, am I protected and given POWER and authority because MY KING has sent me?

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and  of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus...the One with all authority is sending us out. But there is more to it than that. We are not going out alone. He promises us that The Holy Spirit will give us POWER!!! Here's what amazes me. The disciples know that The Spirit is coming, but they just don't sit around....they pray together and ask. They want it...they need it...they seek the Holy Spirit. They desperately want what Jesus has promised. As I read the words I was struck to my heart and asked myself, "Do I Want What Is Promised?" The people are gathered and praying and when the Spirit comes it rains like a force that demands attention. People are changed and they stand amazed. Peter stands up and preaches and 3000 people come to believe...3000! On a side note I wonder if they put them in small groups or organized a peer mentor-ship system...how in the world do you disciple 3000 people?? (If Peter was alive today I guarantee he would be speaking at every Church Conference in America...Main Session "How To Grow You Church In One Day", Speaker - Peter)

I love the authority and POWER that Peter speaks with. He is so intense that the leaders have to ask him in Acts 4:7 "By what Power or by what name do you do this?" I love that Peters response is not just his words, but the author says that he was filled with The Holy Spirit as he responded to them. I have read the book of Acts many times, but more than ever my eyes are opened to the boldness of the disciples. They CANNOT HELP TO SPEAK ABOUT WHAT THEY SEEN AND HEARD!!! The reality is we talk about the things we love...we cannot help it. Reading those words I was convicted and to repent before God that I have been quiet for too long. My words have not spoken about the things that God has done and what He is doing, and I was ashamed of myself. I wondered why I did not have the boldness I once had. My heart was searching for an answer. My mind was perplexed and confused. My answer was just a few short verses away...

""And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:29-31

I realized that I have failed to daily seek my God in prayer, and ask once again for The Holy Spirit to give me the boldness that I need. The disciples understood that prayer and asking for the Holy Spirit was not a once time event, but a daily occurrence that they desperately sought after. I was excited as I read their words, and saw the Holy Spirit come upon them again. I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace, knowing that The Holy Spirit is the daily source of strength and POWER. I am learning what it means to be constantly dependent on The Holy Spirit, and I am eager for each new morning that I am allowed the opportunity to seek Him. This challenge is captivating my intellect, energizing my heart and stirring my affection for Christ, and I am so much more aware of His grandeur. 

POWER Thru 30: Day 2

I am increasingly devastated by the magnitude of Jesus. If you spend 3 minutes in a church these days, you will inevitably cross paths with a young pastor who still thinks popping his collar is cool, and wears t-shirts way to small for him, quoting the brilliance of Paul, Peter or John. Of course every word of what those men said are true, but I fear for many of us we have categorically peered over the Gospels and put them in the "I Already Know That Story" section. As I continued to read through the book of Matthew I was drawn more and more to Him...to Jesus! I have spent the greatest years of my life singing praises to my King until my voice goes raw, and today I came face to face with the magnitude and the POWER of my King....my Jesus!

I was drawn closer to the man who was filled with Compassion and Mercy. Time and time again He gives all of Himself to those around Him...most of whom today we wouldn't give a second glance to. I see a homeless person and in my mind weigh his story and convince myself that he is product of his own choices, and he should do something about it. But Jesus loved and healed and He forgave....and left the person to choose if they would follow. 

There is an intensity to Jesus that compels me to move. He stirs my affection for Him through His Compassion and Mercy, and He challenges my intellect with His parables. But HE CUTS THROUGH TO MY VERY HEART because His message is definitive. HE HAS COME DIVIDE. Does that sound scary? I think it does. 

The reality is that the fruit of our lives is more than just a cliche for getting people to give their tithes and offerings without complaining, or show up on a saturday morning to serve in the latest ministry that needs people. Yes those things are important! But...a tree is judged not by the strength of its trunk, the depths of its roots or the beauty of its leaves...it is judged by the fruit! A tree can look healthy and strong...but if it has no fruit it has no functional use, other than perhaps being a source of firewood. Yes, giving to the Lord our resources IS IMPORTANT as is SERVING diligently. But FRUIT is the outpouring of The Holy Spirit within us, it is not the works by which we labor for labor sake. I must depend on The Holy Spirit to work in me and give me POWER so that in all things the name of Christ is elevated and ALL men are drawn to Him! 

Justice! Mercy! Faithfulness! Those are the words of Jesus! I am staring at His words face to face. Do I fight for justice? Do I extend mercy? Do I live by faith DAILY? I am looking into the depths of myself and struggling for answers. 

As I continually ask the The Holy Spirit to reveal His Word to me more and more, I am continually humbled by the words of Jesus and my desire to know Him more grows steadily. I am drawn to Jesus. I want Him to know me more than ever. This challenge is just beginning and I am smart enough to know I am too weak to do it without The Holy Spirit. 

Nirup 

POWER Thru 30: Day 2 Reading = Matthew 13 - 24:51

Power Thru 30: Day 1

This past Sunday we launched into a six week series called "Power: The Holy Spirit Unleashed". As we began thinking about the journey we would be taking through this series, I was challenged with the idea to read the entire New Testament in 30 days and too issue that same challenge to the Worship Team. I began today by reading the familiar words in the Book of Matthew. The genealogy can often find us drifting into thoughts of epic boredom, but this time was different. I was immediately struck by the characters that God used through out the course of history. If we spent time on many of the characters we would discover that more than a few could be put in the category of unfortunate band of misfits rather than Kingdom inspiring agents. The beauty of God is that He can use the weakest people in His great epic story.  

As I continued reading, I was drawn to the text more than ever before. Without being redundant, I have read the Book of Matthew several times, but today I was not just reading with my eyes but I felt the words moving through into my heart. For the first time I came face to face with the text as it spoke about the authority of Jesus. How was it that a simple man could live His life in an ordinary way for 30 years, and all of a sudden He is awed at and feared by those who both love Him and despise Him. 

I can only imagine the face of John the Baptist when Jesus comes to be baptized. I won't even go into the theological quandary my feeble mind went into over that. Jesus is baptized and the Holy Spirit fell on Him. As I continued to read, I found myself pouring over the words where Jesus talks about the Spirit of God. For the first time I read it and saw the authority that Jesus spoke with with and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew who He was....who sent Him...and with whose authority and POWER He spoke with and lived. Why is it that we see God the Father with a giant throne in heaven, Jesus with a smaller one...and well The Holy Spirit, He just gets to float around in the air like Casper the friendly ghost. 

It is clear that Jesus knew The Holy Spirit. As I continued to read, I was drawn to seek repentance for neglecting The Holy Spirit as some second rate God, rather the source of Power that Jesus speaks of. If we are love Jesus as He says in Chapter we MUST depend on the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions and attitudes.

I want to keep reading, but I'm afraid if I do my mind will absolutely explode from the intensity of just Day 1. I don't know if everyday will be like this, but I am excited to be on this journey!!

Nirup

The Night Sky...

I took this photograph during one of our last night in Chennai. The photograph is unedited. I love seeing the night sky here...