Ever met that person who re-invents themselves every other
month? They are convinced that this diet
is the one that is going to change their
health, but then next month you meet them eating junk food. They have found
just the right church, but a year later they are in another. Of particular concern to me are those who
claim to be ‘in Christ’ but who do not match their profession of discipleship
with a life of growing devotion, who get taken in by fads and personalities
over devotion to Jesus Himself.
Our faith must be more
than words! We can intelligently
debate the fine points about the prophetic timeline of the Second Coming; we can be able to dissect the various ideas
about the intersection of the sovereign will of God and human free will – yet,
have no saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul urges us to become rooted in
Christ and to enter into a transformative experience of His grace. “Those who have trusted in God (must) be
careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent
and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies
and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and
useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After
that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and
sinful; he is self-condemned." (Titus 3:8-12, NIV)
Are you just a great talker, friend? “Do
good!” the Word says. Paul reminds
us that endless debates about words and meanings, getting caught up in tertiary
issues of faith are divisive and useless!
In many instances, the 21st century evangelical
church has allowed herself to be diverted from the Gospel of Christ into political
activities that are obscuring the eternal message about the wonderful love of Jesus
Christ. That is not to say that there are not issues of social concern and
justice, that we should be without convictions about the implications of the
law of the land and our expression of faith.
In our time we are privileged with the power of the ballot and we ought
to use our vote in line with our deep convictions about what it means to live
the Christian life.
However, to focus all the energies of our faith, to use the
precious resources of our church, to further some political party’s ambitions
for power is a terrible diversion from our true mission which is to bring
others to peace with God. The Bible tells
us that "God was in Christ,
reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against
them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are
Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as
though Christ himself were here pleading with you, “Be reconciled to God!”
(2 Corinthians 5:19-20, NLT)
Questions will arise for each one of us about what certain
parts of the Word mean, about ethical convictions, about how the Church should
best do her work. God has blessed us with minds that need to be trained and
gifts of teaching that can be used to help us develop sound doctrine. The best
practice is to root that teaching in service. If we are actively worshiping,
generously investing our resources and time in some area of service, if we are
visiting the sick, showing hospitality, praying more than 30 second prayers –
somehow many of those questions will find their answers in time, while the
Kingdom of God is being established.
Let’s commit ourselves to loving Jesus and making that love visible by loving others
with a committed, constant, self-forgetful love. Here is a word from the
Word. "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
continue to live in him, rooted and built
up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with
thankfulness. See to it that no
one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on
human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in
bodily form, and you have been
given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:6-10, NIV)
Lord, bring us to profound faith expressed in our service
today. Amen.
________
Where can I run from Your presence
Where can I flee from You
Even if I hide on the highest mountain
You are there
Where can I run from Your presence
Where can I flee from You
Even if I lie in the lowest valley
You will find me there
Deeper than any ocean
Your love goes on and on and on and on
Higher than any mountain
Your love goes on and on and on and on
(Your love goes on and on and on and on and on)
And if I clothe myself in shadows
Would I fade away from You
No even if I fall to the deepest darkness
Love surrounds me still
No even if I fall to the deepest darkness
Your love surrounds me still
There is no ending to Your
Love that holds on won't let go
Love that won't leave me on my own
I am falling deeper into Your
Love that holds on won't let go
Love that won't leave me on my own
Your love goes on and on and on and on
Love don't let me go
Don't let go
Love don't let me go
Don't let go
There's nowhere I can run
There's nowhere I can hide
There's nowhere I can go that You won't find me Lord
Kirby Kaple | Mitch Parks | Rob Kaple
© 2015 Kaple Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)
Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI License # 810055
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