There are a lot of pastors, priests and evangelists out there who have bought into some super-Americanized version of the gospel. Americans are stuck in a “make me comfortable and make me happy” kind of place. No doubt corporations and their marketing people barrage us with promises to do just that! In many congregations the Church seems to have twisted the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that it makes a similar type of promise. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every New Testament writer, including every word from Jesus, teaches the opposite. We are told to “deny ourselves and carry our crosses” and that anyone who tries to keep his life will lose it. Friends, it’s not about our comfort… it’s about forgiveness; and although we do not earn our salvation with works of service, there is much to be done for our Lord after we are saved. Anyone who truly wants to know Jesus must give up their pursuit of comfort and of happiness and walk in His footsteps. In those footsteps you WILL find trouble. In the end, however, you will find the meaning God intended for your life.
“They [Paul and Barnabas] preached the good news in that city [Derbe] and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” Acts 14:21-22
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby
Jim@JamesKilby.com
Comentarios