My jaw dropped when I saw this. Yours probably will, too.
For your consideration, I submit . . . the story of the Cave Church. The first video is approximately 9 minutes, the second is less than five minutes.
Part 1
Part 2
Learn more at www.cavechurch.com, especially via the links on this page.
I found this story both impressive and disturbing.
Impressive:
Missionary zeal
Visionary leadership
Showing mercy to the poor
Practical evangelistic outreach
The people point to Jesus
They testify of repentance and having their sins forgiven
All of this happening in an Arab country
Charismatic element
Disturbing:
Coptic Orthodox theology and traditions
Possible "personality cult" tendency
Charismatic element
So, what do you think?
Impressive:
Missionary zeal
Visionary leadership
Showing mercy to the poor
Practical evangelistic outreach
The people point to Jesus
They testify of repentance and having their sins forgiven
All of this happening in an Arab country
Charismatic element
Disturbing:
Coptic Orthodox theology and traditions
Possible "personality cult" tendency
Charismatic element
So, what do you think?
Pretty fascinating. It brought tears to my eyes to see the compassion and love given to these people. I am inspired to continue to trust in God's voice as He speaks to me personally and seeing that the wife of Father Samaan sought God for 6 months to hear personally that He was calling them to this place. Timely inspiration for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Coptic Orthodox theology or traditions...what is your concern with that? It is definitely a different tradition than what I'm accustomed. There seems to be a genuine transformation and freedom in Christ.
What is your take on the spiritual gifts for today and on the healing they showed? Just curious..
April,
ReplyDeleteI agree, this story is very inspiring. There does seem to be a good emphasis in this church, at least as far as one can tell from 15 minutes of video.
It's hard to explain the significant theological issues separating Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy (of which the Coptic church is a distinct variety). I'll be posting a short video about the Coptic Church later today, which you might find interesting. In short, though, I disagree with Coptic sacramentalism, relics, praying to the saints, and the synergistic view of salvation that is prevalent in Eastern Orthodox theology - among other things.
Along with the video, I'll offer some balancing comments about not being judgmental toward other groups that are essentially orthodox (small "o" orthodox, i.e., groups that follow the major early church creeds and councils).
As for spiritual gifts - I do believe spiritual gifts are possible and even desirable for the Church today. I am charismatic in the sense that I look for the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in God's people. I'm not charismatic in the sense that I find most of what is called "charismatic" in the North American church nauseating and often downright evil. A good, balanced charismatic group similar to my own convictions is Sovereign Grace Ministries (led by C.J. Mahaney). Here, every apparent charismatic phenomenon is strictly evaluated in light of God's Word, which holds infinitely greater authority and weight than any modern day prophecy or spiritual gifting, per the principle of Sola Scriptura.
Thanks for commenting, and I'm glad the video touched you. It left me in shock and almost speechless. All in all, I like it and thought it well worth sharing. I also wanted to hear thoughts from readers like you! BTW, I have enjoyed visiting your blog as well.
Blessings,
Derek