The church's task is to proclaim and wait, not to create. Do we really trust God? Or must we help him with promotion, professional entertainment, expert management, and worship designed to give the impression of great success? An attractive religion is religion but not faith. People may jump on the bandwagon of success but are they willing to identify with the crucified one? The proclamation of the church is not success through the Christian life but Christ crucified, the absolute judgment on all our personal and worldly desires, including those for self-fulfillment, success and self-preservation.
posted by bill rosser @ 11:07 AM
5 Comments:
Good words.
I wonder what you think about the phrase "making the gospel attractive". While I believe the motive and intention is pure for those whose mentality that is, I think it can be a slippery slope - primarily because the gospel itself has the power to save and is attractive (obviously) in and of itself. Romans 1:16-17
I guess there are different angles and varied emphases of the cross and Christ's work that can be proclaimed in order to make it "more attractive" to the lost.
All in all, we as Christians need to proclaim the message and let God do His work, not try to "help" it along.
I enjoy all your posts. keep them coming.
~CZ
I agree that the comment, "make the gospel attractive" is offensive. The cross is not attractive but will attract those in whom God is working: "and I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto myself." To make the gospel attractive by humans means is to appeal to what Paul called the flesh, which always seeks its own preservation and comfort, and even, perhaps, eternal life.
Very true - I had never thought of it like that - appealing to the flesh.. Interesting.. Thanks for the reply..
-CZ
I think perhaps that we need to bear in mind that not only does God work all to the greater good for those who love him, but these people spoken of in such a blase manner may well feel as much of a calling from God to be witnessing in that fashion as you yourself do via this blog. remember that it is not our job to judge others. I do however agree that institutionalised christendom is on a whole straying further and further away from the simplicity of christs message.
Also i find it very interesting that so many comments are left annonymously when we are to love eachother bearing in mind that we are all part of one body in christ and trying to be an effective witness will never be easier and more beneficial to all involved than when worn on the sleeve, dangerously foolowing the example of christ his prophets, followers and apostles!!
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