08-01-21

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
August 1, 2021
Scripture: Colossians 1:5b-6
You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God.

Thought for the Day: I am going to make a rather strong statement that some might find offensive, but why not? It is based on my observations, though antidotal. It is also based on some of the reading I have done in the last few weeks. Here it goes: In general, Christians do not know the Gospel. That’s right! I said it and I sort of believe it. Many can rattle off a classic definition or quote part of a creed, but too few can speak to the life and message of Jesus. The blame falls less upon Christians in general, and more on the clergy who have fallen into every trap put before them. For some clergy, it is the new evangelism program broken into five easy steps that can be purchased for only $99.99 or the new style of worship music that all the young people like or the feel good prosperity message that attaches God’s love to your money-making capacity. Now please understand, I am not necessarily pointing fingers. I am guilty of attending the conferences and trying to figure out how best to repackage someone else’s success story. Strangely, very little of this has anything to do with Jesus and what Paul calls the Gospel that should be bearing fruit among us. Ministers across traditions and denominations are sending out messengers who are not very clear about the message. And because they are not rooted in the message of God’s limitless love made real in Jesus, the fruit being produced is neither satisfying or soul-inspiring. In fact, it is often pointing in the opposite direction of Jesus. As I have been studying and reflecting on Faith Formation within the larger church, I am realizing how important it is to return to the basics. Even for those who have a strong sense and witness for the Gospel, a return to the basics is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it might just ignite a congregation in revival.

Prayer: Who is Jesus? It is a question that the greatest saints asked and re-asked throughout their lives. Today, I come to you, Gracious God, and ask you to reintroduce me to Jesus, the one who comforted the troubled and troubled the comfortable… and maybe, I am one in need of some troubling as a way of meeting your gift anew. Amen.

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