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Originally Posted by OBW
How often do we hear speaking on the same passage that is not even presenting some novel new way of looking at it and we suddenly have an "aha" moment with realization of something we never saw before. When you reach your 60s and have heard virtually every passage in the Bible preached on multiple times, how is it that we still find something new in even the most "common" of passages? Is it really because the preacher said something different this time? Sometimes it surely is. But always? Does the Spirit not often speak to us when He does in the way he does despite the content of the sermon, book, blog, or even small Bible study?
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Great point. For me the clincher is the anointing. Is not the Spirit of the Christ defined by the anointing? Structure then is insignificant if the Lord anoints the word. But for me, if there is no need for church ministers to struggle to find something fresh from the Lord each meeting, as the Apostles were want to regularly do, then how real can it be. Sure there are risks, but if we want the safety of a fixed liturgy, then perhaps Judaism is an option.
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The place that I meet is sort of caught in a "form" warp between Presbyterian and Baptist. Some want more modern praise and worship songs — the more upbeat the better — while others want just hymns. But neither is the answer. There is good and bad in both. Just as there is good and bad in liturgies, and in Pentecostal free church formats. And everything in between.
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I too think the answer is both. Many churches have separate services, having both traditional and contemporary music and messages. Great idea because it meets the needs of God's children. And isn't that is really the point of being bishops, overseers, shepherds, etc. How could one predetermined liturgy meet the need of all peoples, of all times, of all ages, of all cultures, of all languages, etc.?
One time I was visiting family near Camp Lejuene, N.C. and churched there. The town is a mix of older residents and transient marines. We arrived right after the early traditional service and watched them cover up the pipe organ with curtains and set up the band. I commend the pastor and leadership team there for putting their people first and not shoe-horning one segment. I truly believe God also loves this.
Christians are equally divided 50-50% between "pro-tongues" and "anti-tongues." Actually both camps could learn much from the other. Glad to see the wall coming down in your church.