March 2004

Dear Ones,

Here’s a brief Semi-regular newsletter:

Statement of Vision, Purpose, and Beliefs

            I visited a Lutheran congregation last Sunday. I survived; at least I think I survived. I will spare you any (some of) the detailed analysis in this letter. However, the place was packed with lots of my beloved brothers and sisters. We sang, prayed, listened to a pep-talk, and confessed the Apostles’ Creed.  Having been a former franchise director of one of these high places, these infrequent visits are always intense and leave me with mixed feelings.      

            I missed a “service” at our ministry house to do this. There was a gathering of some misfit, throw-away people, greatly loved by God who gathered around some scripture and prayer and teaching mixed with a huge dose of reality and life. Jesus said He is reality (truth) and He is life. He was at the franchise service too. I also missed a meeting at an inner-city fellowship led by a greatly loved lady Pastor who is working on a vision statement, and a statement of what they believe.

            While sharing with two of the leaders in our house I felt some stirring to put together a statement of vision, of purpose, and of belief for Crushed Grapes Ministry – whatever that is. Maybe such a statement will help define Crushed Grapes Ministry. Oh, oh. By defining something, you give it a name or literally “denominate” it. Can Crushed Grapes Ministry survive such a denominating? Who cares? J

STATEMENT OF VISION:

To see everything in heaven and earth come together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

To follow the specific directions of Jesus in every situation individually and corporately.

STATEMENT OF BELIEF:

Jesus Christ is Lord.

            What about ”Church” in relationship to these statements? What kind of church is Crushed Grapes about? - House church? - Small church? - Mega-church? Please see Doing Church God’s Way, or Ultimate Evangelism, the Church in the Harvest Age for a more complete covering of this subject. Suffice it here to say that the normal, typical, biblical pattern of church is the church of the city. In the mind of the Holy Spirit of Jesus, the Head and builder of His Church, His pattern for His Body is the Church of Omaha, Nebraska, the Church of Mankato, Minnesota, the Church of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Church of Tehachapi, California. All of the assorted gatherings in these city churches (houses, various sized religious buildings, huge commercial and industrial types of buildings, etc.) are merely expressions of the one church of the city. None of the expressions can stand alone or apart from the others, and none of them derives their validity or authority from doctrine, affiliations with organizations or movements, or anything other than Christ.

            This Church, the city one, is to be governed by Jesus through His Elders who shepherd and oversee the one flock in mutual submission to each other. See Acts 20:28, and 1 Peter 5:1, 2. Crushed Grapes desires to follow Jesus’ direction as He establishes His Church city by city. This means establishing or strengthening house churches as part of the city church, establishing or encouraging flocks of any size or shape as part of the city church. It also means resisting or dismantling anything that is contrary to His pattern and plan. My understanding is that any religious group that causes separation of His Church (one per city) is inherently evil in its structure and purpose even though it may be full of God’s people. Praying, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” includes praying against every movement and institution that hinders or thwarts His will and purpose of uniting all things in heaven and earth in Christ Jesus. Are we supporting “things” that are on the wrong side of this issue?

            Whatever the Master tells you, do it. Wherever He leads you, go there. Whenever Jesus says it’s time, don’t wait – the manna will spoil. It is time, beloved. It’s time. “What your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Eccle. 9:10. It’s time.

            Jesus Christ is Lord. Caesar is not Lord, and that fact caused many of our forefathers to lay down their lives. Security is not Lord. People are not Lord. Family is not Lord. Happiness is not Lord. Jobs are not Lord. Organizations are not Lord. Jesus Christ is Lord.

Travels. I believe the Lord has said I can spend half my time in California with Betty, and the other half in Omaha, and other travel times do not count in the fifty/fifty mix. I am elated, and God-willing will be returning to California just after Resurrection Day. Since leaving California the end of February, I spent several days in Auburn, Washington, and also some time in the Mankato, Minnesota area. The churches we encourage and work with in those areas are doing well.

Crushed Grapes Days are coming. Call for details and locations.

Southern California, April 24, 2004, 10 AM til 1 PM

Omaha, Nebraska, May 22, 2004, 10 AM til 12:30 PM