Replies to post #32162 on Bible (Bible)

[excel]

This problem is more sociological than spiritual. Why is it that a good, Bible-believing church which faithfully carries out its ministry struggles to hold onto its young people, when down the street a contemporary ministry rents a store building and has four times more young people in a matter of months? Because the contemporary ministry relates to the young and their style of music. It caters to their desire for expression and participation.

If we fail to provide new wineskins, we will be ill-equipped to serve the "new wine"--the next generation of believers.

On the flip side.........

If the new wine skin contains altered word of God in order to relate that new wine skin is worth nothing.

[plugger]

The parable of the old cloth and the wine skin I thought was Jesus teaching that the old way of rules/rituals etc was changed/changing,,,the Gospel replaced the old way

Certainly each organized religon has difference in the way they run the show (so to speak)...but the Gospel can not change...IMHO God is the same at the beginning, God is the same today & God will be the same tomorrow. I have no problem with contemporary worship or any other style of worship as long as it brings folks to Christ, hoiwever, the contemporary services which I have attended always left me with the idea that the purpose was to make me feel good etc.....the gospel was not offered, I always thought the contemporary was more of a show than a worship service. Not trying to ruffle any feathers just saying I did not grasp the Gospel at these services....but then I am not the sharpest knofe in the drawer either

[plugger]

It just came to me...over in Mark 9:38-41...goes hand in hand with your post....

[mathew633]

LIMITING ANXIOUS FEELINGS
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on Him [God] because He cares for you

Let's assume you have sought God's will for a certain direction, and you believe that He has led you to make specific plans. The problem is you are still worried about whether your plans will come about as you have hoped. When I'm facing such situations, I try to follow the six steps described below to limit my anxious feelings.

First, state the problem . A problem well stated is half solved. In anxious states of mind, people can't see the forest for the trees. Put the problem in perspective. Will it matter for eternity? The danger at this juncture is to seek ungodly counsel. The world is glutted with magicians and sorcerers who will promise incredible results. Their appearance may be striking. Their personality may be charming. But they are bankrupt of character. Avoid them (Psalm 1:1).

Second, separate the facts from the assumptions . Since we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, we make assumptions, and we usually assume the worst. If the assumption is accepted as truth, it will drive your mind to its anxiety limits. Therefore, you must separate assumptions from facts.

Third, determine what you have the right or ability to control . You are responsible for that which you can control, and you are not responsible for that which you can't. Don't try to cast your responsibility onto Christ; He will throw it back.

Fourth, list everything you can do which is related to the situation that is under your responsibility . When people don't assume their responsibility, they turn to temporary cures for their anxiety, like eating, TV, sex or drugs.

Fifth, once you are sure you have fulfilled your responsibility, see if there is any way you can help others . Turning your attention away from your own self-absorption and onto helping people around you is not only the loving thing to do, but it also brings a special inner peace.

Sixth, the rest is God's responsibility , except for your prayer, according to Philippians 4:6-8. So assume your responsibility, but cast your anxiety on Christ.

Prayer: Lord, help me recognize the difference between today's responsibilities and anxieties, then put them in their proper places.

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/dailyinchrist