The River Of Life Flows Freely

Today's evidence that the river of life is flowing is seen in two new and distinct streams which are becoming more evident as the growth of these two groups of believers becomes more widely realized.
The first group is the Emerging Church Movement and the second is the New Apostolic Movement.
It appears at first glance that the Emerging Church is a new manifestation or has similarities to many of the older denominational and Evangelical streams of the River of God.
The New Apostolic Movement is a new manifestation of or seems similar to the Pentecostal, Charismatic stream of the River of God. I say this because when you examine the two groups there are qualities they display which match up with these groups. This is not to say that there is a direct historical or doctrinal connection, but only to observe that there is more of a supernatural focus to the New Apostolic group and a more liturgical and scripture alone character to the Emergent Church group. There are also similarities between these two groups which we will look at in future articles. The key elements which are seen from a quick glance at these groups are, a deep hunger for the values, relationships, teachings and demonstrations of God's power present among the original believers or followers of Jesus.

I saw a sign the other day advertising one church as being like the Ancient Church. My questions was 'how ancient?' Were they book of Acts ancient, 3rd century ancient, or middle ages ancient? The sign speaks to the real issue at hand for believers. In progressing into the postmodern and beyond have we lost what being followers of Jesus is all about? It is these elements which many believe to be lacking in the majority of churches today. It is also these very things which are listed among the reasons many have dropped out of Church or have become unhappy with their church. Is your church missing a fresh and authentic imprint of God's life? Are you happy with your Church? If you answer no to either of these, I want to challenge you to become part of the solution and become an authentic Christian. Start by submitting yourself to God.

Read again the Gospels and other New Testament writings and look for what you are missing. Once you find it pass it on! That is how the early church turned its world upside down! The new wine, it is available to every believer in every church, culture and generation. Why not start a renewal movement right were you are!