In The Darkness, God’s Light Shines!
Feb 22
Ever since I’ve learned the positions taken at my former church, I’ve wrestled between worry and hope.
On the one hand, I worry for those who will receive what is taught to them, because it just sounds good. Further, I worry about this type of “Christianity” gaining a foothold not in just one local church, but across the country as well. My eyes have been opened to how pervasive this ideology is. (I’ve promised that I would get into the ideology, and I will!) Jesus talks about how as time goes on, even the elect’s love for Him will grow cold. I worry that this is happening.
On the other hand, I’ve also had a sense of belief that truth wins out. While a lie can be compelling, there is something compelling about the truth as well. Yes, I know that people are drawn to what they would like to hear. The serpent did that quite easily with Adam and Eve. But the lie leaves you feeling empty. It doesn’t make good on its promises–except perhaps in the short-term.
I have come to see the awesome power of the gospel. It’s not just theology for me. I really can see it. It blows me away. Every time I hear it, it is like spiritual food. I want to hear more. I think this is partly due to the fact of not hearing it for so many years, and so it feels so fresh to hear it. Hence, the title to this blog post.
I didn’t make up that title. It comes from a song that is quickly becoming my favorite song. Here’s a link to it. While I could care less for the concert-feel, the message of the song is exactly everything I want to shout out! I could write a blog post about each and every phrase in this song. Take a few minutes to soak in all the simple, yet profound, truths in it!
So check it out, already!
I also worry about those who hear the “watered down” or “feel good” gospel that I heard for 2 1/2 years. People need to hear how great God is, how loving He is,but also need to hear about the consequences of disobediance and disbelief in Jesus. That is why we have a fear of God, becuase he is so great and we are nothing without Jesus. I am meditating on the scripture Matthew 5:3 and what it really means to be “poor in spirit”. It has put in perspective just how holy and righteous God really is and how weak and miniscule I am. I need Him to guide me through His Word and Spirit every single day; every minute.
Back to the blog….I want you to picture this literally. NO Matter how dark it is, the smallest glimmer of light can be seen. We did this experiment with the kids at church where we turned out all the lights and tried to make it as dark as we could but we could still see some sort of light. (This might be something Audra may want to do with Naomi and Rachel.) Truth will prevail! If not on earth, on judgement day when every knee shall bow and every tounge confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Melena, that’s an awesome suggestion & I can’t wait to try it with the kids!
Also, the “poor in spirit” Bible verse has been in my heart as well. It’s one of my favorite verses ever since I was told it can be translated as “those who know they have great spiritual need.” So much lately seems to be telling us that we can do things on our own, etc., or all we hear is the “feel good” message you referred to. This verse reminds me that it’s important to be in great spiritual need. I am on a journey and I’m not perfect and I’m seeking truth…and I have great spiritual need of Jesus!