Modern concepts of “worship” combined with weekly “sermons” by a “senior pastor” at scripted “services” – along with mortgages, buildings called “sanctuaries” with spectator seating, and Old Testament tithing – were not part of the church in the New Testament.
Surprised? Search Scripture for yourself.
But they do seem to go hand-in-hand these days …
Because, after all, professionally produced staged shows that dependably attract weekly paying audiences don’t come cheap or easy.
What if your church gave up the show for Lent?
Fixating on sin while ignoring grace …
Perverts the Gospel.
As does a fixation on grace which ignores sin.
Although we can have doctrine without fully knowing Jesus …
We can’t fully know Jesus without doctrine.
Jesus: He’s more than a feeling.
God’s utter holiness:
Sinners who are lost and know it …
Get it.
Smug “Christians” …
Seldom do.
Feeling like your life is dull?
Try shining in some dark places.
God in His wisdom justifies repentant sinners …
Not sin.
No nation knows liberty …
Without embracing virtue, prudence and diligence as Divine obligations.
May God’s people stand in the gap once again.
Jesus:
Creator of all,
Came in humility,
Lived as teacher,
Died as redeemer,
Rose as King,
Returns as judge,
Reigns eternal.
In life, we will encounter situations we cannot fix or understand …
But God’s grace is sufficient, and they need not define or overcome us.
It does no good to flee the legalistic bear …
Only to be devoured by the existential lion.
It is shameful how some Christian leaders cozy up to power …
Rather than speak truth to power.
I have learned to be weary of those peddling “radical” Christianity with enticing terms like “deeper life,” “eternal purpose,” “insurgence” and the like.
They seldom seem to make their quackery work in their own lives or home towns.
Such enticements, nonetheless, quickly become distractions from a simple faith of simple virtue …
In simple fellowship with God and each other before a waiting world.
It’s really not so complicated.
Unfortunately, though, quackery and “radical” sells.
Our fallible interpretations never negate God’s infallible written Word.
Only fools say otherwise.
Be brave:
Examine your presumptions and traditions through the lens of Scripture as God’s authoritative written Word …
Rather than Scripture through the lens of your presumptions and traditions.
Embracing the Kingdom of God …
Requires nothing less.
Jesus wants to heal addictive personalities …
Not become their newest obsession.
God’s grace is amazing and unmerited.
But if it doesn’t lead to repentance and understanding …
You’re still a sinner and a fool.
There is no solution to sin …
Apart from righteous judgment or humble repentance.
Nor is there any middle way.
Yet by grace God lets us choose between the two.
One leads to death.
The other life.
Those who reject the justice of God’s wrath …
Will never grasp the mercy of His grace.
If you wait until you finally figure out what God’s up to …
He’s likely already moved on.
Fully confess, squarely ask God to forgive you, then humbly give Him the related guilt, condemnation and regrets your heart’s been carrying.
Do this …
And there’s no room to “forgive yourself.”
It’s settled, done, finished.
Victim or victor?
The past happened. We can’t change that.
We can, however, change its power over us by fully acknowledging and giving the ashes of our past – the burdens and regrets – to Christ.
When we do, He gives us beauty and wholeness in return …
But it’s always our choice.
It’s not enough to simply “believe.”
Even demons believe …
But disciples obey.
God created us to have common sense.
Although “faith,” at times, transcends common sense, if it leads to a persistent lack of common sense …
It’s not from God.
And that, my friend, is simply common sense.
Authentic faith speaks truth to power.
Which is why disciples with the right to vote and impact legislation …
Take it seriously.
Plumbline Faith 