My Choice vs God's Choice
I had a conversation with someone the other day and something really stuck out. "People just need to commit to the church and choose to follow Jesus." The conversation continued and the person was longing for a church that was only within their mind. Longing for more people to follow the message of Jesus Christ and the life that he has given to them. This person hoped and longed for more to gather with them.
The person had watched movies about what the church should be, important practices, along with studies that were published online by Biblical teachers that had their own TV show. These teachings, movies and voices, are loud within the society, the people who cling to it are willing to put money, energy and passion behind it.
As a church leader, I have heard a lot of this, it seems that this understanding of God and the church resonates well with the people. It makes sense, it is clear, and it explains a lot about this world. Yet I wonder, just because it makes sense, does that mean it is True? I mean the Bible does not deliver a message that makes sense but it does explain the world. The people within the Bible were not famous (except for the kings in the Old Testament and Jesus has grown in popularity) yet it does seem to be a growing trend that the church has to be cool, stylish and famous in order to reach others within the world.
However, much of what Jesus did within the world was not popular. In fact, much of what Jesus did was against what was popular or understood to be the thing to do. Jesus was a radical who wanted your heart, mind, and soul but that is something that you do not decide on. God is the one who does the calling. God calls your name and you answer.
"But that is something that I have to do. I have to answer back, I have to open the gift that God has given to me."
NO! The gift of Jesus Christ is full and complete. You do not need to add anything to it. You do not need to open it. You are suppose to share it. You are suppose to live it out. How do you do that? By living out your Baptismal promise.
What is your Baptismal Promise?
That you will come to church. You will live among God's faithful people. You will share the burdens, sorrows, joys, blessings and all that is within the life you share. You shall read the Holy Scriptures. You shall receive the Lord's Supper. You shall strive for justice and peace within the world.
"But can't you do both?"
Truthfully, no, for you deciding for Jesus Christ places within your life, a final obstacle that you must overcome. YOURSELF!! It is the greatest obstacle and hardest one to overcome. For within yourself you shall deny, defend and stand your ground because you think that you are right. Yet it is not your work that saves you but it is the work of Jesus Christ.
So when were you saved? Roughly two thousands years ago on a cross, God called, claimed, and made you new. You live that out every single day that you are breathing, loving and living. For Christ came to save you. To love you and so you can help those around you. If it was about your choice, then Christ would not have needed to die on the cross, conquer death, sin, or the devil, because you could have done that yourself. You would have simply needed the Law. But thanks be to God that we have Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation that comes through him. Amen.
The person had watched movies about what the church should be, important practices, along with studies that were published online by Biblical teachers that had their own TV show. These teachings, movies and voices, are loud within the society, the people who cling to it are willing to put money, energy and passion behind it.
As a church leader, I have heard a lot of this, it seems that this understanding of God and the church resonates well with the people. It makes sense, it is clear, and it explains a lot about this world. Yet I wonder, just because it makes sense, does that mean it is True? I mean the Bible does not deliver a message that makes sense but it does explain the world. The people within the Bible were not famous (except for the kings in the Old Testament and Jesus has grown in popularity) yet it does seem to be a growing trend that the church has to be cool, stylish and famous in order to reach others within the world.
However, much of what Jesus did within the world was not popular. In fact, much of what Jesus did was against what was popular or understood to be the thing to do. Jesus was a radical who wanted your heart, mind, and soul but that is something that you do not decide on. God is the one who does the calling. God calls your name and you answer.
"But that is something that I have to do. I have to answer back, I have to open the gift that God has given to me."
NO! The gift of Jesus Christ is full and complete. You do not need to add anything to it. You do not need to open it. You are suppose to share it. You are suppose to live it out. How do you do that? By living out your Baptismal promise.
What is your Baptismal Promise?
That you will come to church. You will live among God's faithful people. You will share the burdens, sorrows, joys, blessings and all that is within the life you share. You shall read the Holy Scriptures. You shall receive the Lord's Supper. You shall strive for justice and peace within the world.
"But can't you do both?"
Truthfully, no, for you deciding for Jesus Christ places within your life, a final obstacle that you must overcome. YOURSELF!! It is the greatest obstacle and hardest one to overcome. For within yourself you shall deny, defend and stand your ground because you think that you are right. Yet it is not your work that saves you but it is the work of Jesus Christ.
So when were you saved? Roughly two thousands years ago on a cross, God called, claimed, and made you new. You live that out every single day that you are breathing, loving and living. For Christ came to save you. To love you and so you can help those around you. If it was about your choice, then Christ would not have needed to die on the cross, conquer death, sin, or the devil, because you could have done that yourself. You would have simply needed the Law. But thanks be to God that we have Jesus Christ and the eternal salvation that comes through him. Amen.
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