They are a Church, and a very interesting one at that.
I must say I had a fun time trying to find a Salvation Army "church" as many of the things one finds listed under the name "Salvation Army" are almost all donation or support centers. But I was able to sift through it all and found a very lovely church on the east side of the city. I also noticed that group actually refers to there place of worship as a temple (this is rooted in Jewish tradition) while still referring to themselves as a church. There is also no Cross at the front of this church, instead there is simply a wall decorated with the words of .....Psalm 96:6
One of the first things I noticed when I went to sit down in the main body of the church, was that this place has a uniform.....sort of. Roughly a quarter of the people in the church (men and women) were wearing a dark blue military style dress suit with the pointed lapels on the collar brandishing a large silver "S" on each side. This church had roughly 100 people (including all the members of the choir and brass band) This church appears to have a slight majority of women and a crazy amount of kids and even a few teenagers. The population here is mostly caucasian with a few visible minorities.
Surprisingly enough, despite the strict-looking uniforms and scattered use of military terms, this church is shockingly laid-back! The members are friendly, the church leaders have no issue cracking jokes throughout the sermon, or even having fun playing with the kids! This church appears to have two major focuses: one clearly being service, but one that my be slightly less known, is the evangelistic side. This church has a very strong "Christ Alone" message to it.
One thing I learned very quickly is that this church didn't have a problem getting people to quiet down for the service. Striking up the brass band seems to do a very good job at getting everyone's attention! Its also kind of a fun way to start a church service.
I watched as a large assortment of brass instruments that were laid out on a long table that sat before the speakers podium. Trumpets mostly, but the full collection also included trombones and tubas. Later in that service it was revealed that theses were instruments that the church had newly procured and were being designated for the purpose of worshipping the Lord.
"Make a Joyful Noise!"
The speaker took the time to give us some insight into just how significant song and music is in the Bible. He quoted Judges 5:3 NIV
"Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will praise the LORD, the God of Israel, in song!"
He then continued to quote a long list of other Bible passages related to singing in worship. Mostly from the Old Testament and one from the New. If I remember correctly it was Ephesians 5:19 NIV.
"speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,"
And if you have any further doubt about the importance of song and instruments in church, please see any and all the commands of King David on how to worship God. One of his major and most common decrees, was to literally designate large bands of skilled musicians with their instruments to service in the temple and worship of the Lord.
Side note: Today is Feb 14th! Happy Valentines day!
Who was Saint Valentine?
Following, there was children's time.
All the kids church and showed the rest of the congregation what they had been practicing. Which was how to recite John 3:16 all in hand movements and actions!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Daily Quote: " You can't talk about Jesus or God without talking about love!"
It was also acknowledged that today was the first Sunday of Lent. Lent being a time to give up a luxury in our lives, and focus on the death and suffering of Christ in preparation for Easter. We also received some fun facts. Did you know the original Lent was actually just 40 hours of fasting? Which was then changed to 6 days, and then eventually settled out at 40 days. The Church leader told the Congregational that she had decided to give up playing games on her phone for lent. She admitted to the fact that she had become slightly addicted to her games, and humorously said "I am getting the shakes from this!" .
Then I got lost.
The scripture reading that was supposed to relate to Valentines day was Genesis 1? How this relates to love I don't know. I think the church leader briefly explained why she believed that the two go together...But I don't recall what she said.
But anyhow we covered the three major points that are in relation to the creation of man.
#1. Humanity was made in God's Image and Likeness.
#2. Humanity has been given dominion over the earth.
I like the fact that she pointed out that we forfeited some of this right after the fall, and we, overall have done a terribly poor job of being God's stewards of the earth. We have destroyed much of it with pollution, put price tags on it, continue to take it for granted.
#3. Humanity is ordered to be fruitful and multiply.
Then speaker then declared that the interpretation that EVERYONE should be married and having kids is wrong. She pointed out, that neither Jesus, or the Apostle Paul ever got married or had children.
But wait....did they? and if no, then why not?....
Spoiler alert.
Two questions might shake the foundation of everything you have ever known.....
#1. Was Jesus Married? A Careful Look at the Real Evidence
#2. Was the Apostle Paul Gay?
But I don't think we are done with this... if we are going this far might as well throw in the conspiracy theories too!
Did you know that Jesus actually had 3 kids and his oldest son Josephus, hold the blood line (with the addition of the blood line of James the Just and his wife Anna) that is responsible for all of the Blue Blood Royal Families of the Western World????!!!!!!
READ ON IN WONDER!!!!!
The Blood line of Christ and Generation No.100
I have too much fun at this some days
:P
But over all a very good experience. I don't think this church is exactly what I am looking for, but I can see the appeal, and how other might definitely like it.
Salute, and Carry On!
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