“Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one.”
– A.J. Liebling
I have found very few of us humans who want to be offended, even more so, with the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. Commonly called the Good News, in American modern culture I see an abhorrence with truth and life; there is only scorn and contempt.
Relevance based churches at times, in my view, sadly have over reacted to the “truth squad” authoritarian based church regimes. From where I sit, personality cults are far to dominant in church culture. I know. I wrongly have place leaders on pedestals that scripture does not promulgate.
Relevance based churches are busting at the seams in attendance. There are some signs though, these types of “models” are showing stress.
Increasingly church policies are trying to mold their new converts into “their kind” of convert. What I hope; the teaching gift (s) released about the Kingdom of God, knowing God and His ways. Of course this is impossible by man/woman alone.
Here is the catch and this is where the offense comes.
Jesus in Lord, Holy Spirit is resident teacher. Most leaders won’t admit they don’t know, they think they know. Jesus always has to deal with the one who always knows. I know you know.
No question in my mind, that for decades churches have impossible thresholds for acceptance, love, mercy and compassion for a seeker of truth.
I know from personal experience my own self righteous, arrogant know it all attitude has sent many a seeker to turn and run away from the truth. But the truth is the truth even when I muck it up.
The “rub” of the Gospel, at its core is outrageously offensive to most ears. Either the Gospel is truth or its the biggest lie ever perpetrated on mankind. The claims of the Gospel are to outrageous to ignore.
How about this; “For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.”, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day”,”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Now here is a real offensive strangler, if you are not a believer. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.”. Even though I am a believer, I choke too at the truth of the Gospel, but I pray I not become offended.
This is the season and coming season of offense for believers. Many are being offended by truth and some by half truths and some by lies. Many are being betrayed in this season of refinement. Our hearts can only be strengthened by suffering, both from the just and the unjust. It is Gods ways and mean committee. And it is a mean committee.
If you can, get a copy (CD)of R.T. Kendall message on Forgiveness . I believe it is still available at Encounters Network. You can may need to call them. Also a message of hope by Bob Mumford, “Being a Father Pleaser”. I think Father Pleaser is a free download at this site. Real gems from the “ole timers” of the faith.
In closing, a prophetic parable for my State, Kentucky, happened on the first Saturday in May 2009. At the 3/4 pole of the 2009 Kentucky Derby, MIND THAT BIRD was dead last. At the end of the race, the horse was first place. The horse was a 50/1 shot, was bought for $9,500 and won the most prestigious race in the Nation. My job is to keep my MIND and heart on the prize, not the goal.
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