Friday, September 05, 2003

John 2

I was meditating today on John 2.




13It was time for the annual Passover celebration, and Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; and he saw money changers behind their counters. 15Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and oxen, scattered the money changers' coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, "Get these things out of here. Don't turn my Father's house into a marketplace!"


Marketplace.


M a r k e t p l a c e.


M  a  r  k  e  t  p  l  a  c  e  .


M   a   r   k   e   t   p   l   a   c   e   .


 


Father forgive us. Again.

7 comments:

  1. Marketplace? As in...



    A specific reference or just in general?

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  2. Sorry Linea,



    I spent the morning going through mail. "How to grow your church in (Fill in the blank) easy steps!!"



    Or using advertising in "Good" ways:

    http://www.doycave.com/blog/archives/000080.html



    It feels like we have sold the heart of the church, for numbers, size, and a perception of success.



    A few months ago I read of a company that would "Sell" the local churches the names of people who were "good prospects". People who had indicated an interest in church at some point.



    I've heard too many people communicate about the "Marketing of the church" lately. When I read Christ's use of the word Marketplace, It nailed me in a new way.



    I do think we need to address our church culture. We don't need to be offensive with our culture.



    But the cross is an offence, and will always be an offence to her enemies. We want to let the cross be offensive to humanity, not water down it's message with how we call people to that very cross.

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  3. What was it Paul said "some preach the Gospel for profit" (gospel according to Toni's memory again). That's a good stance you've taken.

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  4. The slick sell. We could fill up those empty pews...and do soooo much good with all the extra tithes that would be sure to come in! Just put on the show and I'm sure... Well anyways - I see what you mean. Actually I think some dental companies sell in the same way. Garanteed to increase your income by $........ The stuff goes where it belongs - in the garbage.

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  5. Course, were we not looking for some extra cash for the "Midlife Pastors Crisis Red Car Fund" a while ago???

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  6. You would really have to sell out to the marketplace to get a car that would satisfactorily treat the Midlife Pastors Crisis disease. You know now that if you ever get a red car we are all going to wonder about you - what you sold out to. Stick to orange.

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  7. I already have a red* car, Randall. Trust me on this - it makes not the least difference to my middle-aged crisis feelings.





















    * It's a Citroen AX diesel: effectively a mini, 8 years old, 90,000 miles and seriously down at heel. But it IS red.

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