Monday, February 2, 2009

No, Really ... part 2

What are we doing with the spirit of the message? Are we proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ for all the world to hear or are we proclaiming a different gospel? What are we doing with our witness to the world? A friend pointed out the posters in the church basement that explained where offerings were going to "missions" outside the local church. Probably half of the groups that were given funds were not even Christian groups. The picture is a bulletin board showing what PW is doing. While service has its place in the church and in the life of the believer (James 2:14-26), we should make the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel. Also, the works most often talked about in Scripture refer to helping brothers - fellow believers in Christ. Why should we squander our resources for social justice or service or anti-poverty by choosing to withhold the most precious gift of all - salvation in Christ Jesus? We are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others. What are we telling people if we preach the gospel of social justice or of prosperity rather than preach the good news of Christ's life, death and resurrection for all humanity? My qualm isn't with social justice or social services or doing good works. The problem is when we seek justice or service above our call to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them all that the Lord commands. Are we providing service without speaking the Gospel? If so, we may be making their time here less miserable, but their souls remain condemned to Hell.

By supporting service groups that are not Christian-based, especially as a church, we are saying that meeting physical/mental/emotional needs is more important than Christ meeting spiritual needs. If we are not proclaiming the truth and salvation that are found in Christ alone, we are like salt that has lost its saltiness (Matt. 5:13). Look again to the Great Commission; if the Church is using its resources to do something apart from making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them, why? We must proclaim Christ's gospel, not our own. It seems that the purpose of mission committees should be to support the work of advancing the Gospel. Why then are they supporting completely secular humanitarian programs? Why do they support social concerns more than they support evangelistic efforts?

It's our fault that the world doesn't know the truth and can't hear it. By our actions we're saying that however you choose to live your life is fine by us. We're happy with what we have, and we want you to be happy with what you have. Let's try not to offend anyone by proselytizing. We just need peace and understanding. Poverty is a terrible injustice from which we must save our fellow human. That is not the truth for which God incarnate suffered, died and rose again! Sin separates us from God, and salvation from the eternal consequence of that sin is found in Christ Jesus alone. It's time to stop promoting our own agendas. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

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