New Wine and Old Wineskins

The changes that are being forced on the church today are parts of a new reformation, a new rethinking of the nature of the church, and how it has used its authority. When the falsehoods are exposed, parts of the church dig in and hold fast to the old ways, and parts of the church listen and consider and change.

I read a statement by Anne Graham Lott, Billy Grahams daughter on enduring cruelty as she attempted to use her preaching gift. Being forced to speak from the floor and not behind the pulpit, having rows of men in the audience turn their backs on her as she began to speak. And these folks are convinced they speak for God and their view of how scripture allows them to do this.

Years ago I had a friend who was female, exeptionally gifted at planning and getting people organized and moving in unity. Her immature husband left her for a fling, and she continued to run her own business. She has remarried, worked in very responsible jobs, and I recently found out she was training for ministry in a denomination that encourages the gifts of women.

I am proud of her and kind of sad that her gifts were not allowed to blossom in the church with the older worldview. A Jesus molded and shaped spirituality would not have taken so long and hurt so many over truths set in place long ago in the radical message of Christ who broke down the walls of separation.