God is the All-Sufficient and Self-Sufficient one who He needs the help of no man.
He enjoys working through us, but does not really need us.
Let me make my case.
It is one thing for the church creatively express itself; it’s another to use that creativity for numbers or notoriety. When we point someone to Jesus and the truth of His Word, we tend to leave off the not-so-glamorous parts like being mocked, misunderstood, and often times the member of a lonely minority group. We fail to mention the fact that God is unfathomable and mysterious with a rationale very different from our own, hence answers (if any at all) and outcomes very different from what we expected or imagined. We minimize the fact that salvation does not make one exempt from life’s problems and does not give one a free ticket out of humanity’s brokenness.
Or we use scare tactics (another blog for another day).
One way or the other, we tend to falsely advertise.
I am not out to scathingly criticize the church.
I love the church.
Zeal for His house consumes me.
Yet, I have asked myself as of late why don’t we introduce people to His cross and then tell them about their own cross(es) they will have to bear?
When did I/we become Jesus’ well-intentioned, but unrequested, unnecessary PR department?
A person comes to true repentance upon recognizing their miserable and helpless estate compared to His infinite beauty and worth. They experience the superior greatness and fullness of God in Jesus. They are convinced that Jesus is who He says He is. This is the rock upon which to build a lasting faith.
Repenting of one’s sins for any other reason will prove disappointing and possibly disastrous.
Jesus told his followers to count the costs.
He told his followers to die.
He told a rich kid to give up all of His wealth.
He spoke of martyrdom.
He chose unlearned fishermen as His disciples.
He called salvation a narrow road that only a few would find.
He gave His followers open doors to leave.
Horrible marketing.
But here we are.
Here I am.
New.
Redeemed.
Sanctified.
Filled.
Healed.
Delivered.
Free.
Hopeful.
Hope-filled.
Faithful.
Faith-filled.
Loved.
Love-filled.
Not by the might of psychology nor by the power of suggestion, but by His Spirit.
Jesus is God’s best.
Jesus is God.
God is good.
A man must taste (and even perhaps see) this for himself.
The glory of God in Jesus.
No packaging.
No additives.
No preservatives.
Sons are born.
Birth isn't attractive...but it is at the same time.
Evangelism brings about disciples and sons.
The church is where sons are born and wounded soldiers receive healing.
The church is where a valiant King gives loving direction to His loyal subjects.
The church is where a holy God is adored and manifests Himself in a special way.
God doesn't need a cool house.
He wants a clean house.
He doesn't want fans.
He wants sons.
And that speaks for itself.
As I read your blog, I think of the book title that says"Just Give Me Jesus". Jesus came to save us and give us grace. He made us right with God. He shows us how to live, and to live in Him. As long as the church is going out into the world as Jesus "with skin"and with the heart of God, the marketing will God-approved;) Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Elijah!
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