Connection Fellowship
May 17, 2009
Living in Freedom
Galatians 1:1-10
Introduction
Today, we begin a new series of messages in the NT book of Galatians. As we begin, it may be helpful for us to understand a bit of its context. This region, settled by immigrants from France (Gaul), was conquered by Rome around 189 B.C. It is now modern Turkey.
Its divinely inspired author, the Apostle Paul, started multiple churches here on his 1st missionary journey [Acts 13-14]. Written about 50 A.D. to multiple churches, it refutes the religious bondage being taught by Jewish teachers who were to mixing faith and grace, (in the Gospel), with the works religion that Judaism had become.
Warren Wiersbe writes, “This is a very dangerous book.” Why? Because, “It exposes the most popular substitute for spiritual living that we have in our churches today – legalism.” I was vividly reminded of this at lunch on Tuesday after my grandfather’s funeral.
A man I loved growing up said he asked his wayward daughter to go to church with him. She told him that she did not have a dress. He responded, “Then you won’t be going with me.” At one time, I would have kept his mouth shut. But studying this text, I responded, “She could come to our church, I have even preached in shorts.”
Does the Bible teach an absolute freedom to do whatever we want? Nothing could be the further from the truth. [Galatians 5:13] Look around you. That philosophy (or religion) leads to a whole different type of bondage. So how are we supposed to Live in Freedom? Let’s read together.
TEXT [Galatians 1:1-10]
1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
How does being a ‘bondservant’ allow you to live in freedom? That does not sound very liberating? But look at what he says.
Understanding
Paul begins by emphasizing that his calling, or commission in life was not through a human agency, but rather by the living Creator of the Universe. One of the most difficult circumstances in life is trying to please multiple people. One of the greatest difficulties in my former career in human resources is that I reported to multiple people who each had their own agenda. Ministry can be the same way, especially in the church. But Paul knew he was called and sent by God.
God normally calls us to serve Him in the context of an organization (a business, a church, a family). Paul often modeled this for us. But the way we can experience incredible freedom on our journey is a humble confidence in the fact that our identity and commission actually comes from God.
In verses 3–5, Paul describes the basis for our freedom in God: Grace and Peace. “Grace is the source of salvation and peace is the result of salvation. Grace is positional and peace is practical. The law offered no grace and no peace.” [MacArthur] Paul was careful to make sure that he clarified that this grace and peace came solely through the gift from God, which is the heart of the Gospel…that Jesus died for our sins. [1 Cor. 15:3-4]
It amazed Paul, (v. 6-7) that people who were dramatically impacted by God through believing the Gospel message could so soon and quickly turn away from Christ to an alteration to the message that had changed their lives.
But this is the most used tool of Satan to render believers impotent… distraction. If he can get believers, or a church, to focus on keeping some human standard instead of pursuing a holy God, he has succeeded. But before we get too critical of the Galatians, I would remind us that throughout history there have been many such slides that have caused courageous men of God to stand up and help us refocus on the truth that is The Gospel.
But look what Paul says in verse 7: “this is not really another” Gospel. You can tell it because instead of experiencing peace, you are experiencing agitation. In the world, there have been and are many religions. Even among those who call themselves Christian, with our many labels, Paul reminds us there is true freedom in only one Gospel - faith in Christ alone.
His introduction to Galatians ends with a speech so passionate that he says of himself, if I ever teach something different…I should receive a curse of eternal destruction. It sounds a bit as if he is angry. But that is not true. As we will discover next week, Paul vividly remembers the bondage of trying to keep a religious standard. So desperate is his desire for these beloved people to live in the freedom that is found in Christ that he is willing to risk offending them. Just like Christ, he loves them too much to leave them where they are - living ineffectively for Christ in religious bondage.
CONCLUSION
We live in a culture that emphasizes personal freedom. Whether abortion, homosexual marriage, or the over 70% of South Carolina high school seniors who are having sex before marriage, people generally accept your personal standards, as long as you do not impose them on others. But the truth is that the freedom our culture promotes leads to spiritual bondage…bondage of internal emptiness and agitation…with chains of frustration and guilt…and NO PEACE.
The opposite is often promoted in many religions and churches. Some call it legalism. It is just as much bondage…with frustration and guilt in our failure to maintain the given standard…with NO GRACE.
Both keep us from living in the freedom Christ came to bring. It is spiritual liberty that comes from being forgiven from the debt and guilt of sin, combined with the supernatural ability to live in that same grace and freedom each day as we surrender as a servant of Christ.
I know that this surrender does not make sense to most people. But its logic is not found in a people concept…it is a God concept. It also makes no ‘people sense’ that the God of all the Universe would come in human flesh and die (personally) to pay the sin debt and rescue His rebellious creation from an eternity of separation in Hell.
Living in freedom is the reality found by knowing God and in experiencing His grace personally, everyday of your journey.
RESPONSE
I want to leave you with two questions:
(1) What is one area of your life where you are demanding or insisting
on your personal rights? Surrender it! [Mine = ___________]
(2) What is one expectation that you place on yourself or others that is
outside the context of the Gospel? Surrender it! [Mine = ____]
If you are not yet a follower of Christ, the typical answer to Question #1: It’s my life! But remember who gives you life. The typical answers to question #2 are either: I’m not good enough! or “I’m as good as other Christians! Remember, it’s not a standard that any human can meet. That’s why Christ died…to bring us grace and peace…so that you can live in freedom. But real freedom takes surrender.
Why not surrender today?
With God, there is incredible freedom in surrender.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thoughts Before the Funeral
It is a difficult day as I prepare to travel to Ohio for my grandfather's funeral. He was the last of my grandparents...so I guess I cannot pretend to be young any longer. The difficulty arises on many fronts. He is my mother's dad...and she (along with her 4 sibblings) loves her dad. But perhaps the most difficult is that he spent the majority of his life (the part that we all knew him) without any interest in a relationship with God.
For you who may read this and begin thinking about emoting something about 'the sovereignty of God'...I get it. It is not up to me to pass judgment. Thank God it is not up to me. But it seems a bit strange. Though (of my grandparents) he was by far the least engaged in my life through the years...it seems as though I am experiencing the greatest sadness and sorrow in my heart.
I know that God could call me today...whether I believe I am young or old. But the overwhelming thought that has dominated my mind over the past 2 days are the simple words of a song recorded by Karen Wheaton some years ago (the words of a parent to their child concerning eternity in heaven with God)... "JUST BE THERE".
For you who may read this and begin thinking about emoting something about 'the sovereignty of God'...I get it. It is not up to me to pass judgment. Thank God it is not up to me. But it seems a bit strange. Though (of my grandparents) he was by far the least engaged in my life through the years...it seems as though I am experiencing the greatest sadness and sorrow in my heart.
I know that God could call me today...whether I believe I am young or old. But the overwhelming thought that has dominated my mind over the past 2 days are the simple words of a song recorded by Karen Wheaton some years ago (the words of a parent to their child concerning eternity in heaven with God)... "JUST BE THERE".
A Proverbs 31 Mama
Connection Fellowship
May 10, 2009
10:00 a.m.
A Proverbs 31 Mama
Proverbs 31:1-31
Introduction
A recent study revealed that if moms were paid by the hour, the average annual salary would exceed $131,000. Just when I think that I get my arms around all that my wife does…and begin to get a little confident in stupid ideas like, “It’s not that tough,” I generally experience some unique revelation that reminds me why dads are not moms.
Recently, I learned a great truth from God’s Word while working with single or widowed moms and dads. Here it is: No matter what anyone ways, there’s no way to be both ‘mom and dad’…and God doesn’t expect you to try. Just be the best you can be, and leave the rest to God.
Just for the record, I think my wife is the best wife and mom on the planet. My only regret so far is that I don’t tell it to her enough by the words that I say and the way that I treat her. A wise man told me that there are two things that your wife needs. #1 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. And #2 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. For those of us who fail at multi-tasking, just try to get #1 right.
If you are of the male species, let me encourage you to not shut your hearing off right now. If you are single…let me exhort you to listen and begin to develop a picture of God’s ideal wife for you. If you are married, let me beg you to listen so that you can encourage (not criticize) your wife as she strives to be a Proverbs 31 Mama. If you are a child, let me encourage you to listen and learn to appreciate the godly qualities that your mom has.
Although I believe my wife is the hottest babe and the most incredible woman on the planet, there has been another woman (not Miss America) that…for 3,000 years… has been the frustration to every woman who strives for God’s ideal. And that is the Proverbs 31 Mama. Lest you think I believe myself adequate to explain that ideal to you, I will join the writer of Proverbs 31, King Lemuel, by not interjecting many words. But, as verse 1 tells us, he shares the insight and wisdom of his own mother for us.
Understanding
1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
Verse two (2) tells us that Lemuel was a mama’s boy, but also that she had made a vow to dedicate him to God. But this vow took action. She takes time to invest in teaching her son. She does not just teach him negative lists of don’ts, but also the positives…the do’s. She taught him not to give himself to chasing women or to lose his sense of judgment through drinking.
She also taught him also to plead the case of the unfortunate and the helpless. The Bible tells the church that this is one of our functions as well. One reason we do not see more people helping others is because they were not taught…by word or by example. But look at his mother’s example -v.10.
10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
This is not saying that this is impossible, but rare…more rare than the jewelry you got for Mother’s Day.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She is submissive, supportive, and never subverts his endeavors. She understands as her husband prospers, so does the family does, and proves it.
13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
This mama works hard. She seeks out the best for her family. She sacrifices, not just for her family, but also for those who invest in her family. Sure, she is wealthy. But in our context, there are those who invest in our family, like teachers. [Illustration – Teacher appreciation / volunteering]
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This is not a woman who is afraid to get the oil changed because some guy might talk her into $1,000 of repairs. She can deal in business.
17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
She takes care of herself, physically. Not a weakling, but strong. And she has confidence in herself. Let me tell you this, mama who is a bit insecure in your physical appearance. Your husband realizes that he out married himself. He can’t believe that you love him and that you would wake up next to him each morning. He does, however, like it when you exude a bit of confidence in who God made you to be.
As was reported on James Dobson’s broadcast a few weeks ago, he is not attracted so much by the beauty of that blonde on TV. But what draws his attention is the confident look in her eye…the one that tells him (although erroneously) that she is interested in him. He longs to see it in your eyes.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not just generous, but engages personally with those in need.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
The Proverbs 31 mama thinks ahead. She has a plan for the good days and the bad.
22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
And unlike most mamas who only think about their kids wearing the best acceptable clothes, she is keeping herself up in fashion. “What Not to Wear” would never accept her…not because she is extravagant, but regal.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
When we have children, most moms become known as ___’s mom. They lose their identity. But for a Proverbs 31 mama, her husband is known as ________’s husband.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
This kind of concludes the physical and activity picture. But then the text changes to the more important qualities.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
Character…inwardly and vision for the future of her family. Let me ask a question: Mom’s, do you have a vision for what God wants your marriage, your children, and your family to be like? Unless you do, you will never achieve it. It does not just happen. But it starts with God building His character in your personal life. Let me encourage you to begin with what God wants your life to be like. When you do, this next verse happens:
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Every child goes through some level of rebellious attitude. It starts when they are born. But they will eventually see God’s wisdom that you give them. But remember, that in the same sentence here is ‘kindness’. What amazes me most about my wife is her patience and love even when our kids seem not to listen to sound advice or instruction. I lose way before her.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31 women do need to take a vacation to renew and refresh. But they are always intentionally striving for the good of their family.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”
Moms, let me just tell you that this will probably not always happen when you are in need of encouragement. But it will happen if you stick to it.
And this is where the rest of us come in. If we want to encourage our wives and mothers to strive for this ideal, we need to bless them as they make progress…not when they arrive.
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
But remember this moms. You are not striving for your husbands approval or your children’s love. That is settling way too short of the best. You will do best when you strive for God’s approval. He is the rewarder.
31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
But let me encourage you dads and kids…let mom enjoy the fruit of her labor. Don’t take the last chocolate cookie. Offer it to her first…at least today. It is Mother’s Day for heaven’s sakes.
If you are frustrated by this 3,000 year old ideal, please don’t be. But allow that holy discontent to help you strive first for God Himself…then that will lead you on the foundational steps to being a Proverbs 31 Mama.
The question is: Where are you today on your journey? The first step is your relationship with God. Start there.
Dad, the best gift you could give your wife this morning is to follow Christ…because you will never love her the way God intends without Him loving her through you. And you cannot do that unless you experience Him in your life personally.
May 10, 2009
10:00 a.m.
A Proverbs 31 Mama
Proverbs 31:1-31
Introduction
A recent study revealed that if moms were paid by the hour, the average annual salary would exceed $131,000. Just when I think that I get my arms around all that my wife does…and begin to get a little confident in stupid ideas like, “It’s not that tough,” I generally experience some unique revelation that reminds me why dads are not moms.
Recently, I learned a great truth from God’s Word while working with single or widowed moms and dads. Here it is: No matter what anyone ways, there’s no way to be both ‘mom and dad’…and God doesn’t expect you to try. Just be the best you can be, and leave the rest to God.
Just for the record, I think my wife is the best wife and mom on the planet. My only regret so far is that I don’t tell it to her enough by the words that I say and the way that I treat her. A wise man told me that there are two things that your wife needs. #1 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. And #2 – She is the most important person on the planet to you. For those of us who fail at multi-tasking, just try to get #1 right.
If you are of the male species, let me encourage you to not shut your hearing off right now. If you are single…let me exhort you to listen and begin to develop a picture of God’s ideal wife for you. If you are married, let me beg you to listen so that you can encourage (not criticize) your wife as she strives to be a Proverbs 31 Mama. If you are a child, let me encourage you to listen and learn to appreciate the godly qualities that your mom has.
Although I believe my wife is the hottest babe and the most incredible woman on the planet, there has been another woman (not Miss America) that…for 3,000 years… has been the frustration to every woman who strives for God’s ideal. And that is the Proverbs 31 Mama. Lest you think I believe myself adequate to explain that ideal to you, I will join the writer of Proverbs 31, King Lemuel, by not interjecting many words. But, as verse 1 tells us, he shares the insight and wisdom of his own mother for us.
Understanding
1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
Verse two (2) tells us that Lemuel was a mama’s boy, but also that she had made a vow to dedicate him to God. But this vow took action. She takes time to invest in teaching her son. She does not just teach him negative lists of don’ts, but also the positives…the do’s. She taught him not to give himself to chasing women or to lose his sense of judgment through drinking.
She also taught him also to plead the case of the unfortunate and the helpless. The Bible tells the church that this is one of our functions as well. One reason we do not see more people helping others is because they were not taught…by word or by example. But look at his mother’s example -v.10.
10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
This is not saying that this is impossible, but rare…more rare than the jewelry you got for Mother’s Day.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
She is submissive, supportive, and never subverts his endeavors. She understands as her husband prospers, so does the family does, and proves it.
13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household And portions to her maidens.
This mama works hard. She seeks out the best for her family. She sacrifices, not just for her family, but also for those who invest in her family. Sure, she is wealthy. But in our context, there are those who invest in our family, like teachers. [Illustration – Teacher appreciation / volunteering]
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
This is not a woman who is afraid to get the oil changed because some guy might talk her into $1,000 of repairs. She can deal in business.
17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.
She takes care of herself, physically. Not a weakling, but strong. And she has confidence in herself. Let me tell you this, mama who is a bit insecure in your physical appearance. Your husband realizes that he out married himself. He can’t believe that you love him and that you would wake up next to him each morning. He does, however, like it when you exude a bit of confidence in who God made you to be.
As was reported on James Dobson’s broadcast a few weeks ago, he is not attracted so much by the beauty of that blonde on TV. But what draws his attention is the confident look in her eye…the one that tells him (although erroneously) that she is interested in him. He longs to see it in your eyes.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not just generous, but engages personally with those in need.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
The Proverbs 31 mama thinks ahead. She has a plan for the good days and the bad.
22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
And unlike most mamas who only think about their kids wearing the best acceptable clothes, she is keeping herself up in fashion. “What Not to Wear” would never accept her…not because she is extravagant, but regal.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
When we have children, most moms become known as ___’s mom. They lose their identity. But for a Proverbs 31 mama, her husband is known as ________’s husband.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
This kind of concludes the physical and activity picture. But then the text changes to the more important qualities.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.
Character…inwardly and vision for the future of her family. Let me ask a question: Mom’s, do you have a vision for what God wants your marriage, your children, and your family to be like? Unless you do, you will never achieve it. It does not just happen. But it starts with God building His character in your personal life. Let me encourage you to begin with what God wants your life to be like. When you do, this next verse happens:
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Every child goes through some level of rebellious attitude. It starts when they are born. But they will eventually see God’s wisdom that you give them. But remember, that in the same sentence here is ‘kindness’. What amazes me most about my wife is her patience and love even when our kids seem not to listen to sound advice or instruction. I lose way before her.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31 women do need to take a vacation to renew and refresh. But they are always intentionally striving for the good of their family.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.”
Moms, let me just tell you that this will probably not always happen when you are in need of encouragement. But it will happen if you stick to it.
And this is where the rest of us come in. If we want to encourage our wives and mothers to strive for this ideal, we need to bless them as they make progress…not when they arrive.
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
But remember this moms. You are not striving for your husbands approval or your children’s love. That is settling way too short of the best. You will do best when you strive for God’s approval. He is the rewarder.
31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.
But let me encourage you dads and kids…let mom enjoy the fruit of her labor. Don’t take the last chocolate cookie. Offer it to her first…at least today. It is Mother’s Day for heaven’s sakes.
If you are frustrated by this 3,000 year old ideal, please don’t be. But allow that holy discontent to help you strive first for God Himself…then that will lead you on the foundational steps to being a Proverbs 31 Mama.
The question is: Where are you today on your journey? The first step is your relationship with God. Start there.
Dad, the best gift you could give your wife this morning is to follow Christ…because you will never love her the way God intends without Him loving her through you. And you cannot do that unless you experience Him in your life personally.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Convenient Faith
What is 'convenient faith'? It is a faith that shows up or comes up in conversation only when it is convenient for accomplishing the agenda of the day. In the past few weeks, I have noticed a few notables in our culture who seemed to throw their faith around when it is beneficial. One covered up a symbol of Jesus and then proceeded to quote Jesus in his own speech. Another threw out his Southern Baptist heritage and his belief in death bed conversions in a response to a prominent politician changing political parties very late in his career.
Lest anyone think this is a political message, they just happened to illustrate the point on the national news. I also heard a homeless person in our city throw out multiple religious / Bible phrases in an attempt to relieve someone of some money. Then I heard a pastor throw around some 'out of context' scripture phrases to justify his position. The reality it, culture gets their prompting to use a 'convenient faith' mostly from the church.
However, what put me over the edge...and prompted me to write this...was a sign in our community. It is one of those new digital billboards (which I think is pretty cool). One of the messages on it this week has been a partial Bible verse: "All things work together for good...Rom. 8:28" What an encouraging and positive quote for those who drive by.
However, it stopped without saying the rest, "...for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." It is a pretty convenient faith that believes the first part (from the billboard) without the truth of the rest. I'm not saying that the person who put the words up on the screen lives a convenient faith. However, we are pressing toward avoiding anything expression of faith and truth that would potentially cause a conflict.
Believing in God, having faith in God, and loving God inherantly entails accepting the truth that this God is and proclaims...all of it. It is a convenient faith that believe only the parts that help our cause or helps us to gain favor with others. What does convenient faith lead to? I believe it leads eventually to having no allowable expression of real faith and truth.
As I look at the Bible, it is full of people who could not afford to have convenient faith. Like many around the planet today, their faith was grounds for persecution and possibly death. They could not afford a passive phrase choice in the middle of a speech or conversation.
This past weekend I had the privilege of hanging out with some of my heroes...missionaries. Many of them cannot afford to possess a 'convenient faith'. As I watch what is happening in the world today...and even in our own country...I am wondering how long it will be before 'convenient faith' even dissappears because its concequences? And when that happens, how many people will be left who have the courage to express true faith?
Lest anyone think this is a political message, they just happened to illustrate the point on the national news. I also heard a homeless person in our city throw out multiple religious / Bible phrases in an attempt to relieve someone of some money. Then I heard a pastor throw around some 'out of context' scripture phrases to justify his position. The reality it, culture gets their prompting to use a 'convenient faith' mostly from the church.
However, what put me over the edge...and prompted me to write this...was a sign in our community. It is one of those new digital billboards (which I think is pretty cool). One of the messages on it this week has been a partial Bible verse: "All things work together for good...Rom. 8:28" What an encouraging and positive quote for those who drive by.
However, it stopped without saying the rest, "...for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." It is a pretty convenient faith that believes the first part (from the billboard) without the truth of the rest. I'm not saying that the person who put the words up on the screen lives a convenient faith. However, we are pressing toward avoiding anything expression of faith and truth that would potentially cause a conflict.
Believing in God, having faith in God, and loving God inherantly entails accepting the truth that this God is and proclaims...all of it. It is a convenient faith that believe only the parts that help our cause or helps us to gain favor with others. What does convenient faith lead to? I believe it leads eventually to having no allowable expression of real faith and truth.
As I look at the Bible, it is full of people who could not afford to have convenient faith. Like many around the planet today, their faith was grounds for persecution and possibly death. They could not afford a passive phrase choice in the middle of a speech or conversation.
This past weekend I had the privilege of hanging out with some of my heroes...missionaries. Many of them cannot afford to possess a 'convenient faith'. As I watch what is happening in the world today...and even in our own country...I am wondering how long it will be before 'convenient faith' even dissappears because its concequences? And when that happens, how many people will be left who have the courage to express true faith?
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