Over the last little while I have read numerous blogs,articles concerning what the Church main task should be in this world. While it is true , some have emphasized a social gospel over the cross and preaching Christ to confusing good works as the primary force , I don't get the struggle.
Perhaps its because I do not have the mental capacity to think this through but the tension between keeping the gospel the main thing , discipleship inside the Church and at the same time calling them to do good works ,share what they have . love one another , love your neighbor is not something that seems that hard to do. The two do not function against each other but one is powered by the other.
The call of the gospel and proclaiming Jesus Christ , His life ,death and resurrection must be of the first order. The urgency to call sinners to repent and be saved from the wrath of God to come has to be the first order message of any true Church. The next step is the matter of preaching the word and feeding the flock so that they move unto to maturity and holiness . To grow in doctrine and be firm in the faith.
That is what gives the engine steam to move to the second stage as I see it.Not just playing lip service but actual works. It could be very simple things from helping someone carrying groceries , shoveling , to donating to a food bank , sponsoring a child , giving time to a friend or neighbor in need , loving your family etc. If one has means what is the mandate of scripture to hoard it , to buy bigger better and take it to your grave . No , one will be hard pressed to read scripture and not be hammered over the head about giving , sharing and helping. Yes its true , one must and should work , keep oneself from being idle and seek not to be a burden but in this fallen , sinful broken world sometimes things happen and people need more than just empty prayers.
The truth is if one calls oneself a Christian and has no works to validate that claim , then you are speaking empty words. For if one truly knows Jesus and the gospel , it cannot help but change you . If your heart is not prone to giving , to sharing , to loving , to forgiving the take a close look in the mirror.
So why all the confusion . The Church needs to about making disciples and being a light on the hill to a world that is consumed with self and greed .
1 comment:
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 ESV)
The key to all of this is "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works..."
Why? "To give glory to your Father who is in Heaven."
Once God has called you out of the sin and death bondage, that you are under, without His grace. It is for God's glory that you show your thankfulness by your works. If you read James 2, as well, it becomes very clear.
God's saving grace comes first and your works are an outward manifestation of this grace. Because if it was just by works, I know I'd boast. But, it would also mean keeping the Law perfectly. Only Christ was able to do that.
So, good blog, Babe. Thanks for going back to the classic format on your blog. Did not like the other one. Too confusing. Love you, Mrs Reg
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