Have you ever wondered why many church services resemble a seemingly endless funeral service? I’m talking about church services that are cold, lifeless, boring, emotionless, powerless, predictable, … Need I go on? You know exactly what I am talking about because you’ve endured those services. I’m talking about services that have become so formalized and formulaic that their very life has disappeared. And, secondly, have you ever wondered why so many Jesus-loving believers walk through life with a grimacing look plastered across their faces? It’s painful to be around them!
As I write this post, we are just a few weeks away from an event that is 180 degrees opposite from the church services and horrid demeanors I just described. The event I am referring to is Oktoberfest. If you have ever attended any of the festivals, you know that you will find hundreds of people enjoying the carnival rides and games, and of course, the native German schnitzel, pastries, beverages, music, and dances. Who can deny that an afternoon or evening of watching many dancing to the Beer Barrel Polka after enjoying way too many mugs of cold German beer makes for a time that won’t soon be forgotten.
The reason for this week’s blog subject is to challenge some sacred cows. I am convinced (are you ready for this?) that God LOVES an Oktoberfest-type of church and believer. I know that this might seem radical. This is far from what we are all experiencing today. After ascertaining what is seen today, we all know that the church is supposed to be a place to be endured, and believers are to have sour, dour looks plastered across their faces, right? You know exactly what I am describing. But that’s not the New Testament Church. Nor is it the look of a Christian.
Before you roll your eyes and mutter a “how dare you”, take a few minutes to reread Acts 2. Look again at the Oktoberfest-like atmosphere on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers. You’ll have to agree that while there was definitely no Beer Barrel Polka music playing in the background, those exiting the upper room were care-free, joy-filled, and, from all appearances, drunk as a result of being filled with the Spirit. In fact, bystanders witnessed the 120 Oktoberfest-type believers exiting an amazing “happy hour” party.
Here are my two questions for you. When was the last time that you enjoyed a free-flowing, Oktoberfest-type move of the Holy Spirit in your church? And, to get even more direct, when was the last time that you personally enjoyed an “I’ll have another round” time with the Holy Spirit? Lest you question what I am saying, allow me to echo what my friend Mark Hankins teaches — you will never find a sad or depressed Holy Ghost. The Bible explains that there is “joy in the Holy Ghost”. (Romans 14:17). When He is present, get ready for “joy unspeakable and full of glory”. (1 Peter 1:8).
I’ve written this blog to let you know that it is “happy hour”. If anyone asks if you’ve lost your mind, agree with them and say, “Yes, I have, and I don’t want it back!” It’s time to party and run, dance, shout, and clap your hands. Shuck the “what will people think” restraints. It’s happy hour – the Holy Ghost is here!
