12 Oct 05 112912676731340199
Some thoughts today from Think Like Jesus by George Barna:
We Americans live in the land of cheap grace; we gladly accept peace with God through Jesus’ death and resurrection, but we assume no responsibility for change because we argue that we did not agree to that requirement beforehand and would find alternative route to God’s palace anyway. So deep-rooted is our denial of reality — even among those of us who are blessed enough to know Jesus as a personal Savior — that we fail to recognize that His terrible death on that splintered wooden cross was not our gateway to Spiritual Easy Street.
If we are determined to live for God’s purposes and glory rather than our own we must experience personal brokenness over our history and inclination to sin. We must wholly abandon ourselves to God. In practical terms, that means giving up our agendas, our dreams, and our plans in order to listen for His quiet voice that leads us toward a very different and unworldly future.
It may not be a future of voluntary poverty like Mother Teresa or devotion to preaching the gospel ?° la Billy Graham. But that small voice that whispers so urgently to you in the clutter of the daily cacophony will lead you to transform every thought, word, and action in ways that would not otherwise be possible or plausible.
The outcome — greater godliness, more consistent holiness, ever-developing selflessness — is the result of someone who understands the ravages of sin, the burden of guilt, the freedom of God’s grace, the joy of peace with God, and the reformation of a renewed heart and mind.
Good stuff. Grace and peace be with you all, today.
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Conversion sans change is a great mystery in the 21st century Church.
And then there are those who struggle, slowly being transformed into the image of God by the work of the Spirit, if we just don’t discourage them too much.
Thanks for sharing the paragraphs. xqlcferl
The following quote from “George” really struck me today:
“We must wholly abandon ourselves to God. In practical terms, that means giving up our agendas, our dreams, and our plans in order to listen for His quiet voice that leads us toward a very different and unworldly future.”
I was thinking about how quickly (after returning from Zoe) I was dealing with complaints along the lines of “I don’t like ________.” (fill in the blank) As an elder I see a formidable task ahead for the leaders of any church. The task of trying to get brother and sisters in Christ to see that our existence, our walk isn’t about us! It’s about being individually “missional” when looking to see where God is at work and being willing to join Him in that work. Maybe I’m being naive but I think if each Christian can strive to attain this goal for their lives, perhaps we’ll hear less and less the statement, “I don’t like __________.”
The burden of guilt is the easiest for me to feel. Feeling the joy and grace sometimes isn’t as easy. I have to continue to remind me that He took the guilt with Him………
Incredibly appropos to College right now as well. Some of us are really struggling with this Discipleship study. We are coming to terms with how far we are truly willing to go and, I think, afraid that we might be called to give up things we don’t want to go without.
We are entering into a time of prayer for our elders. Thoughts like these are what we need to be meditating on during this time. Keep us in mind, as we do you.
I’ve never been to the College Church but knowing that you teach and preach there makes it a special place in my heart. May God bless your study and the future of the College Church.
Ouch!
Yes, that is “good stuff” but not so easy to read. Very convicting. I think I’ll try something lighter … something by Max!
Thanks for sharing it and reminding us.