July 28, 2007
Could it be that we sometimes substitute the power of the Holy Spirit with technology, media, and all the gadgets that we all take for granted today when we think of what it takes to do church in America today? I would guess that the answer sadly is yes to that question.
As I just returned from our church in Santo Domingo, D.R this is an issue that has been quite strongly on my mind. Consider the following:
- You meet people that can’t read or write but they know more scripture compared to some people I know that have a formal bible education.
- All you have for worship is people singing and clapping, there is no worship leader, no band, choir, instruments, etc.
- In the middle of the service the power goes out and everything is pitch black. No worries there are candles around and the services does not miss a beat.
- Imagine that it is about 90 degrees and there is no airc onditioning, but no one seems to care.
- Seating is limited but many people do not mind standing for a long time.
- There are no screens, gifts for first time attenders…. the list goes on and on and on
What we today consider nessesary for doing church they don’t have, but what they do have is the Holy Spirit. The Bible says in in 2 Timothy 3:5 that there are people that have a form of Goldliness but denying its power. Paul writes in I Corinthians 2:4 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power”.
Do we sometimes substitute the power of the Holy Spirit with all the tools that we have availible today, again I do believe that we often do that.
- It is easier to copy what someone else has said but at the same time miss out on an opportunity for God to speak to you today.
- It is easier to rely on the tools that we have today and do church “creatively” the way that another churche does than to seek God for the unique direction he has.
- It is easy to “turn on the cruise control” and neglect prayer, fasting, etc.
For anyone that knows me you would know that technology and creativity is very important to me. The fact that we as a church utilize media, technology and creativity is not an after thought it is very important, but it is just some of the means that we use to communicate the timeless message that God has a plan for our lives, the fact that we are sinners and in need of a saviour and that we need the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Leadership, Personal, Uncategorized | 
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Posted by Mathias Grehn
July 26, 2007
What can I say, exhausted, excited, happy to be home and at the same time wishing that we would have had more time in the Dominican Republic. I am full of thoughts and thinking of how to put all of my impressions down in writing.
The team members that went on this trip got to see our missions statement not just on paper, but in reality. I am amazed at how far Iglesia Vision has gone in just one year. The new building is truly a huge blessing.
The Mission of Vision Church is:
One Church Preaching Hope
One Church Two Languages
One Church Many Locations
We brought a keyboard, clothes, toys, medicine and supplies. In addition to that, we were able to purchase cealing fans, one exhaust fan, and a backup electrical unit, that in spanish is called an “Inversor”.
I am so proud of the team members that went on this trip. Not just that they went, but how they carried themselves and how God used and stretched them. This Sunday, the entire team will share in both services and I can’t wait for the church to hear the stories of what God did during this trip.
I am also so proud of our church here is Miami that is following the dream that God has placed before us. To know that we are not just a church here in Miami, but that we also, are a church in Santo Domingo, D.R is mind blowing.
I will post some more thoughts tomorrow. Be sure to check out some of the pictures from the trip on the previous post.
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Posted by Mathias Grehn
July 14, 2007
I have been looking forward to this trip for quite a while now. We are taking a team of 9 people from our church here in Miami and are headed to Santo Domingo D.R for 8 days. Please pray for us that God will lead, protect, and open doors for us. As many of you know there is already one Vision Church over there and it is going to be a blast to hang out with Pastor Cesar and see the new church that they are in now.
On a personal note please pray for me. I still have a massive pain in my arm and shoulder area. I am not sure that I will be able to play guitar or keyboard so please pray and believe God for healing. I will post pictures and thoughts in 9 days. God bless!
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Posted by Mathias Grehn
July 12, 2007
For those that have not heard yet, Hillsong will be here in Miami this coming weekend at El Rey Jesus (Tamiami) this Sunday (July 15, 2007) at 6:30 pm. For more information click here.
Here is the address to El Rey Jesus
El Rey Jesus – Tamiami
14100 SW 144 Ave
Miami, Fl 33186
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Posted by Mathias Grehn
July 11, 2007
I live in Homestead, FL and I really thought that it was interesting to hear that this city is actually the fastest growing city of its kind in our nation. More than 7,000 homes have been constructed here in the past 3 years. Since I have had 2 of those new homes built, I had a very small part of that growth.
Now, nearly 15 years post Andrew, the Miami Herald reports that Homestead is experiencing a record breaking growth spurt. New Census data released Thursday shows that Homestead is the fastest growing community of its size in the country.
According to the numbers, nearly 53,800 people call Homestead home. That’s up 21-percent over last year, and is the first time the city has broken the 50-thousand mark for population size. If you are interested you can view the story here or you can read about it here.
I am so glad to know that God has planted some great churches here in Homestead. Travis at Life Pointe Church is doing a great job, and God is also opening some great doors for Christ Fellowship here in Homestead.
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Posted by Mathias Grehn
July 5, 2007
I am sure that I am a ”pain in the neck” at least if you ask Danielle. Truthfully, I have actually had a real pain in my neck and shoulder area for the last 2 weeks. The last 7 days the pain actually spread to my right arm and hand and I had to see a doctor. It seems as if a nerve is pinched in my neck and that has made me loose some feeling in my right hand and arm.
I appreciate the many prayers and thoughts. Please continue to pray for a complete healing. As I write this post there is almost no feeling in my right pointer finger and even though I take 2 medications there is still a fair amount of pain.
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Posted by Mathias Grehn
