Apologetic Approaches…Evil or God’s Way?

Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV)

Motivated!

Motivating Monday! I am motivated! After hearing the message I did Saturday night in Flower Mound, Texas- I am pumped! This pastor made clear to the entire church there would be no confusion on what they believed. In 2011 this church had grown fast to 11,000 members and 190 programs, they made a point to simplify. Standing strong on God’s Word, they did lose 1,000 people from their congregation- my guess near 10% who did not want to believe God’s Word is Sovereign. After his disclaimer reinstating mission statement, there were no apologies for The Bible. Have you noticed younger pastors or those trying to fit in with political correctness- they always seem apologetic with God’s Word? Is this a wave of an evil spirit over America during last eight years?

Apologetic

I for one am tired of hearing an apologetic approach to preaching God’s Word. All lives matter- yes, they do! However, each individual has a choice and what they decide will determine if they live for Jesus or by default- choose satan. Oh! They most certainly do not choose satan- what is the alternative when a person ignores The Holy Spirit’s promptings and God’s guidance? As most of the Christian community in confusion- God’s Word is dismissed to accept the world’s definition. The statement I loved hearing from this sermon was…make no mistake, no ideologies can ever join Jesus. And…this was all in the disclaimer! The message was this- God calls His children salt and light. A message about becoming a mature Christian.

Maturing

Have you ever had someone who really no longer knows you- family or friends? Yet, they make such statements like- Oh- she’s gotten too good for our family or he’s thinks he so high and mighty…list can go on. Truth is that these individuals have stayed stagnate in their thinking. Years can go by- and they stay bitter and angry. While those who seek Jesus, will grow and mature out of any old undesirable traits. Trust me, we all have undesirable traits we need to mature out of- taking on more likeness of Christ. This was the point of sermon- God gives us names- it may take years like for Abraham, Father of many nations or Peter, the Rock, for names to become a reality- through maturing in Christ.

Comfort?

When we dismiss being apologetic- we no longer need to appease and make comfortable the church. This is what satan does…entices individuals with ideals of comfort when it really goes against what is good for a person. I understand there is an issue of removing pews from my home church- why do people think this makes a difference? When did God or Jesus ever set the example, they had to be cool for people to accept them? We were part of a church that did this and now attendance has dramatically dropped. The chairs made zero difference. Furniture does not save people- it’s God’s Word that saves- this Word has to come through you and me, in order for people to see the hand and feet of Jesus. Friends, we have to stop being apologetic.

Be encouraged!