In my experience, many evangelical churches preach some mix of Fundamentalism Lite and cheap grace. The goal is to get to heaven, and Jesus gets you there - officially "by faith" although obedience brings blessings and in practice they might believe in mortal vs venial sins. But the bottom line is, Jesus is the means and Heaven (a place) is the end.
My options are limited because I live in a rural area, but I am also struggling to find Jesus in the church, and not just all the cultural trappings associated with Christianity. When my health permits, I am going to the church I attended in early childhood, not for the sermons, but for the fellowship: I have known the elder generation all my life and seen the good fruit of Jesus in their lives, but that older generation is dying out, and I am not sure about the succeeding generations.
As a measuring stick, I keep coming back to John, “Beloved, let us love one another”, echoing Jesus’ words. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples by the love you have for one another.”
Sunday churchianity wrapped in robes of different twisted gospels often boasts, “Ours and ours alone is the kingdom and the power and the glory.”
Where there is obvious love that pours out on others, there we see glimmers of the real Jesus.
The widow who gave all she had…
Mary Magdalene with her costly ointment, washing Jesus’ feet, and He didn’t judge her. He knew her heart.
Zaccheus repentant and loving Jesus more than his greedily amassed treasure, willing to pay restitution, and Jesus shares a meal with him.
This same Jesus stands at our heart’s door and knocks. Amazing grace and love!
In my experience, many evangelical churches preach some mix of Fundamentalism Lite and cheap grace. The goal is to get to heaven, and Jesus gets you there - officially "by faith" although obedience brings blessings and in practice they might believe in mortal vs venial sins. But the bottom line is, Jesus is the means and Heaven (a place) is the end.
My options are limited because I live in a rural area, but I am also struggling to find Jesus in the church, and not just all the cultural trappings associated with Christianity. When my health permits, I am going to the church I attended in early childhood, not for the sermons, but for the fellowship: I have known the elder generation all my life and seen the good fruit of Jesus in their lives, but that older generation is dying out, and I am not sure about the succeeding generations.
Vital conversation for the American church.
As a measuring stick, I keep coming back to John, “Beloved, let us love one another”, echoing Jesus’ words. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples by the love you have for one another.”
Sunday churchianity wrapped in robes of different twisted gospels often boasts, “Ours and ours alone is the kingdom and the power and the glory.”
Where there is obvious love that pours out on others, there we see glimmers of the real Jesus.
The widow who gave all she had…
Mary Magdalene with her costly ointment, washing Jesus’ feet, and He didn’t judge her. He knew her heart.
Zaccheus repentant and loving Jesus more than his greedily amassed treasure, willing to pay restitution, and Jesus shares a meal with him.
This same Jesus stands at our heart’s door and knocks. Amazing grace and love!
Absolutely and thanks for reading!
Amen and Amen!
Where is Jesus?
Do we want him or “ blessings” from him?