Christianity is Not a Place
GodWords Newsletter #58
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Like most people, we modern Christians tend to divide many things into two groups. For example: we think of people as saved, or not saved. We think of others as having been baptized, or not yet baptized. Mature or immature. Knowledgeable or ignorant. Confident or doubtful.
These distinctions aren’t all bad, of course. For example, Paul told people in Corinth to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” Seems wise.
Sometimes, though, our tendency to divide things into two groups can cause confusion. You may have met someone whose faith is a lot like a location: they’re THERE. Saved. You know, as opposed to not being there… unsaved. For many, being saved is like being in a room, as opposed to being outside the room. For them, being a Christian is a thing you do. A destination at which they have finally arrived.
However: Christianity isn’t always like that, is it? Yes, we’re either born again or we’re not… but what then? What happens after we “come to faith?” Don’t we tend to act as if we’ve arrived… like we’ve reached our destination? After all, we’re IN. Right?
Think about Jesus, and the men He called to follow Him. None of those guys were mature the day after deciding to leave their old lives behind… and they needed to mature, didn’t they? How many times did Jesus say something about their lack of faith, or how they still didn’t understand what He was saying? Being a disciple isn’t a destination, it’s a journey.
Now think about you and me. Our goal has never been to simply start following Jesus. Our goal is to learn what He taught, and to learn to do what He taught. Our goal is to grow into loving God with our heart, mind, soul, and strength… and to grow into loving our neighbors as ourselves. You know, to be more and more like Jesus over time.
It’s true that everyone is either born again or not born again, but let’s not think of salvation as a destination… the end of a journey toward faith. Let’s think of deciding to follow Jesus as the beginning of our journey with faith.
It’s a wonderful journey. It’s what we were created for. I’m happy to travel that road with you, my friends!
I love you all.
❤️
Seeking Wisdom Without Training Wheels
An Exhortation to Christian Graduates, this is a commencement speech worthy of your time. I like commencement speeches, as they distill some of our best advice.
Zealous Polemicists
A polemic, from the Greek ‘warlike’ or ‘hostile,’ is a contentious argument. Social media can be good, but it can also turn the kindest people into hostile polemicists. David Powlison reminds us that followers of Jesus have a much higher priority than winning an argument.
The Actual Divisive Ones
When we take a stand about anything, we create division. Christians today are often criticized as divisive, and we often deserve it. It’s important, though, to keep in mind that being unified in apostasy or falsehood serves no one.
Are the Stories of Jesus Borrowed from Pagan Myths?
Internet skeptics rarely do their homework, and the idea that Jesus was copied from pagan myths is one example. The details matter. Don’t be swayed by the ignorant. (YouTube: 5:14)
Should we Hate the Sin but Love the Sinner?
“Hate the sin, but love the sinner.” These words aren’t found in the Bible, but that doesn’t mean they’re not biblical. They are, of course. However: that doesn’t mean they’re always useful.
The art of love is largely the art of persistence.
- Albert Ellis
… please don't make me die for you
I've gotta make you see
That there's a part of me I never want to lose
But if I have to die for you
Somehow let me see
That you're more than words
I need a glimpse of you
If I Have to Die by Amy Grant
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