Christian Living

CHARISMATIC VERSES THE OLD TIME RELIGION

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
01/09/15
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We seem to be hearing a lot these days about this powerful little word " charismatic", as it pertains to Christianity. According to the dictionary,"char-is-matic" is an adjective defined as 1) exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in a leader, 2) of or relating to the charismatic movement in the Christian church, 3) an adherent of the charismatic movement, or 4) a person who claims divine inspiration.

Simply put, when you say a person is charismatic you are saying that they possess some 'charm'. That person need not be handsome or beautiful but there is a certain factor that makes him/her attractive. So I guess that's it. Are your Christian friends saying you look charming or have that certain 'x factor' in the facebook arena ?

Well, you may call me a dinosaur, if you may. However, to me, this idiom is just another word for the old cliché "old time religion".

I remember, hearing in my youth, that strong but simply evangelistic teaching of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). To that I shout "Amen". Additional, in support of this old gospel message, was our old fashion alter. Now, I realize the physical make up that old alter was no different than any other construction. Nonetheless, that old fashion alter was very special to me, for that old alter was where I was first introduced to the "Living God".

And I still believe in that "Old Time Religion" (1 Cor 15:1-4). I can't help but ponder those old "brush-arbor" revival meetings where the "Amen's" and the "Hallelujah's" echoed, as the spirit led. Where someone would start a spontaneous singing  that would go on for the entire worship, with no preaching at all.  Where "Holy Hands" would be lifted up to the Lord. Yes, and a little dancing sometimes, as well. My old preacher Daddy would often remark, "It's all right to jump for joy, just as long as you walked straight when you hit the floor". So, allow me to date myself, as an "Old Time Religion" enthuses. I just love true "Praise and Worship". Especially, the singing.

A study of more than 200,000 U.S. churches showed that while the nation has added 52 million people in 16 years, the church is virtually unchanged. What's wrong? What has evolved into our modern day corporate worship (Hebrews 10:24-25)? Could it be a lack of charisma, a lack of the "old time religion" or a little of both ?

Regardless of the church demographics, be it small or mega, we should never advance into such an aloof format, that we hinder the work of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 12:15). If only we had followed the example of the early church.

 ------- They received the word, were baptized and joined the church (Acts 2:41).
 ------- They were continually devoted to the pastors (apostles) teachings, the breaking of bread and to fellowship (Acts 2:42).
--------They all had a sense of awe, and observed many signs and wonders through the pastors (apostles) (Acts 2:43).
--------They all had all things in common (Acts 2:44).
--------They all shared their possessions with the needy (Acts 2:45).
--------They all were in one accord, as they worshiped daily in the church (temple) and took meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart (Acts 2:46).
--------They praised God and had favor with each other (Acts 2:47).

And guess what, the Lord added to the church daily, those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).

Yes, the first church was certainly "charismatic" . And yes, the first church started this "old time religion' concept. So, such was the early church, and such should the church be today (Philippians 1:21).

I am not saying that social and political correct activities are fundamentally wrong. Just that these type function should not take the place of the real purpose of the church, which is to share the Good News about Jesus to a lost world (Matthew 28:19-20), and to grow the saints (Christians) in true discipleship (Titus 2:1-8).

Yes, as in the early church, the Church is to come together to praise our Savior, to be taught from His Word (Psalm 119:11), and to assist each other in growing in Christ (Hebrews 13:17). We are to be fueled, so to speak, from His Word, and then share the Good News about Jesus to a lost world, not just in the building where we meet, but in the world where we live (1 Timothy 1:5). Amen !

PS- Do you have that "old time religion" ? I have experienced, on many a occasions, a fellow church member shaking my hand from off my arm and smiling from ear-to-ear in church (especially during the meet and greet segment), only to turn the other way when meeting out in public to keep from speaking.  I have a religious indignation word for this type of syndrome.  I call this " Market Place Religion" Your thoughts !

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