Revolution

It’s that time when we make New Year resolutions. Not just the one, but a few, or even several. We need to change and we know it. We could do better, and we know it. We should be a nicer person, and we know it. A simple question: If we already know where we need to change for the better, why wait until now?

New Year is the time of new beginnings we tell ourselves, and we believe that when we make these life improving gestures now, they will mean more. In fact, we might even complete some of them? But for how long??

It doesn’t have the new year ring about it, but why don’t we do something about our shortcomings when we see them during the year, and not wait until there are a few at the end? Do we think they won’t be as meaningful? Hmm.. I’m not sure about that logic. After all, how often have you heard the words, “I’m making a few resolutions, but I know I won’t keep them”. We need something more than a wish to do things better.

Since God is the source of all creation, that must include us! So, next time you need some resolution wisdom, don’t look in the Christmas cracker, or the Chinese fortune cookie. Check out God’s Word and what He says about doing and being better, because it all begins with His wisdom, and it’s there for the asking. That, my friend, is a revolution and not just a resolution! How about this for a New Year starter then?

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James1:5NIV

Churchianity

You heard the true message, the Good News about the way God saves you. When you heard that Good News, you believed in Christ. And in Christ, God put his special mark on you by giving you the Holy Spirit that he promised. Ephesians 1:13

Ok, I know I take my faith seriously, but although my head may be in heaven, I hope my feet stay firmly rooted on the ground! If you take a browse round some online posts on theology, even from friends, I begin to hear and recognise my Mum’s words ringing in my ears as she said, “Heavenly minded, but no earthly good” and she meant. Let me explain. My Mum and Dad were basic, good, kind, and Godly examples in word and deed, but never strayed into the ‘big words’ arena. They were not educated to a great degree in the eyes of this world, but I would challenge you to find a better example of the Godly life in action.

It’s not that I don’t know some of these big theological words, or even what some mean, but are they really necessary when speaking outside the college classroom or lecture hall? Is it possibly a way to show how clever and well educated they are? Maybe to show their reading and Theology training? Does it act as an attraction to the unchurched, or the unsaved? Would big words bring conviction, and salvation? Somehow I doubt it, but it still goes on with those who have a ‘need’ to use them. Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were saved by the ‘Good News’ of the Gospel, and this was the only reason for early church growth. It was simple enough for the ordinary man and woman then, and still is today!

Of course, I have to recognise that it is also possible I am jealous and in awe of their superior education and knowledge, and perhaps I need to bring my own failings to the Lord and ask for forgiveness for my own simple and sinful pride.

The Main Thing?

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

It’s good to know context and background when a preacher explains a passage of Scripture, but these should not take over from the Gospel message. A bit of sociology, or psychology can be good in their place, but these should not overshadow the reason for the good news of the Gospel. In fact if pushed to make a choice, I would side every time with the Gospel message over any other background information or ‘-ology’ used.

Let’s keep the main thing the main thing. No second place, no doubts and nothing to please or ease the mind of any who may need, and be looking for truth and salvation. It is the Word of God that saves. Nothing else, and certainly no other philosophy of life.

The church in general is slowly becoming less relevant to society with declining attendance, and this could be because we have diluted the message to make it palatable and not so likely to offend or cause embarrassment. After all, we have redefined sin to the point that it is not the same thing we are warned to shun in the Bible. The in word is ‘unity’ and if we are not seen as uniform with other views we show ourselves as being out of step. The preaching of the cross is, and always has been, madness to the unchurched, disinterested, or unsaved, but to those of us who are constantly being saved, and enjoy our salvation, it is the power of God. That is power to change a life from the inside out. Power to make others see God at work. Power to heal physically, emotionally and spirituality. With all that power at our disposal, why should it matter that the rest of the world sees the cross as outdated? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is needed now, more than ever before, and it shouldn’t be diluted to taste!