Lost in Translation

Fellow Labourers-

When it comes to culture it seems the only one we will accept is the American culture. This is not only true in the church but even in business. All of a sudden almost everything we have believed must now be subsumed to what they say in America. Let us take tarrying as an example. They say we do not have to tarry anymore to receive the Holy Ghost. Agree! But is there something inherently wrong with tarrying? I think not. A lot of us got our gift whilst we were tarrying.

When those in the upper room were tarrying (waiting) I am sure they were doing something. So let us not too quickly throw out the baby with the bath water. Culture indeed is relevant but be contextual. It was only this morning that I read Paul's response to king Agrippa in Acts 26:9-18. The topic of my devotion for the day was What's Your Story? I wondered aloud when I saw that the voice spoke in the Hebrew language. Isn't this the language of the God who called the children of Israel? Isn't this the language of the Pharisees? Paul could not make the mistake to think the God who spoke to him was one of the gods of the Greeks who were now being converted to Christianity.

If there is ever a time that the church needs to speak with a clear voice it is now. The world is listening but they can't hear us. Sometimes I think they are not listening to our talk but looking at our walk.

Pax Vobiscum

Robert A. Stewart