Comfortable Christianity

Some of what follows has been discussed here before, but I believe needs to be said.

Paul told the Corinthian Church to follow him, even as he follows Christ.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

and then Philippians 2:12 says to “….work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

I’m not asking anyone to take my word for anything.  I hope that the messages posted here and this Blog for that matter encourage you to dig, to study to prove or disprove.  To have a revelation of your own and not to be satisfied with anything less.

The Journey
For years, I lived a life, my Christian Life anyway, that was pretty bland, comfortable.  As a man, I’ve done some pretty cool, or maybe exciting things would be a better way to put it, but as a Christian, I’ve always played it safe.  I’ve never pushed the boundaries or really gotten too far out of “The Box” in my thinking.  Taking peoples word for what the scripture “means” even when I didn’t understand it that way or necessarily agree with them.  I tried really hard not to rock the boat, make waves or cause confusion.  It was very important to me not to be labeled as a rebel as well.
One of the worst things, in my opinion, that I’ve ever been told was that I was very politically correct.  I was and am very offended by that, not that someone said it, but that it was true.  I believe the whole Political Correctness Movement and whatever they are calling it now is a ploy to shame the church into silence.

A little less than a year ago I had an epiphany (in the “illuminating discovery” sense of the word).  I saw the blah, vague, useless creature that I was, in the light of God’s Word.  My Christian walk had become little more than a title that I hung on to like a security blanket.  Carrying it around like a birthright of peace and comfort.  Never really considering the cost of True Christianity and only calling on the Savior to bail me out of pits that I’d gotten myself into. Not caring or looking to the needs of others, outside of my little circle.  Once I saw me in God’s Light I fell on my face before Him and begged for forgiveness.
God was gracious, and not only forgave but began to restore. He began to build upon the foundation of what was left of my initial experience, as that was about all that was left.  The structure that began to take shape doesn’t look exactly like the old one.  He changed things about me that I didn’t realize were broken. He made me a completely new creature on the inside, my likes are different, my interests are different, my compassion is different, my walk is much different, much more intense and alive.
God is NOT different. He is the Same! His Word is the same, forever settled.
I have confidence in Him that I didn’t know I needed.  I felt compelled to take a Literal approach to the Word of God.  Measuring every aspect of Christianity by the Literal Word of God.  We will be judged by His Word, so it is very important that we understand it.  If the Bible is the Literal Word of God, which I believe it is, then shouldn’t we take it literally?

I’m still a little nervous about being labeled a rebel or a radical, but I also know without a doubt the direction that God is calling me in.  He directed me to start this blog, but as it has progressed, I’ve fallen into a rut of not wanting to rock the boat, not wanting to upset anyone, very cautious not to offend.

This morning, as I went about my morning devotion walk, I felt the reassuring presence of God telling me that He didn’t call me to be normal, to fit in, or to replay Sunday and Wednesday messages. He called me to bridge gaps, to shake things up, to help wake the Giant!  He called me to speak to His Church, whoever that is and regardless of my ideas of who that is.  I am his servant, first and foremost, and want to please Him above all others.
I am simply a minister, a servant of God, and my message is to the Church, to the Pastors, to the Saints, and to the Sinners.  I’m not lifted up above anyone, just speaking to the body, from the body, as the Spirit leads.

Comfortable!
Christianity is not a cake walk, it’s not going to easy.  God never promised that it would be.
They Killed the One it was founded on and that it is Named for.
Eleven of the original twelve members died violent deaths as a direct result of their association with Jesus.
One at his own hand after he betrayed Jesus and ten were tortured and executed for following Him and refusing to deny Him or stop preaching His Message.
Number twelve on that list was John the Beloved, he was tortured, boiled in oil, he just wouldn’t die, but he still suffered greatly and was exiled to Patmos for Name of Jesus.
Many, many more, Millions even, have suffered and died as a result of their relationship with Jesus.
Christianity is Not for the faint of Heart!

Jesus said, “……If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23
Deny Yourself, Take up your cross. Nothing pleasant in either of those requirements to join up.

Christianity that cost nothing is not Christianity, but a social club.

Until you are willing to die for Jesus can you really say you have lived for Him?

Danger is also part of the experience.  The growth of the Church throughout history has been much greater during times of persecution and trouble, Trials and tribulations.
Also, going into the Highways and Hedges is in many cases, to put oneself in harm’s way, yet we are called to do it.

Regardless of the Price, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. There is a Peace that passes understanding.  There is Joy, which is our Strength. There is Hope. There is Strength.  There is even Comfort.  But most of All there is Love, Love that compels You to stand, Love that strengthens you for the battles, Love that excites and encourages when there is no sensible reason for either.  Love that may cost you everything, BUT will reward you far more than you can ask or think.  And after all this, Heaven awaits the faithful.

It’s when the Church gets comfortable that it loses its edge.  When we are satisfied with the normal three services in a week, our daily personal devotions and then go about the rest of the week living like the world, without reaching into the gutter for a soul or seeking God to lead us to revival.

I don’t believe we have scratched the surface of what God wants for us or from us.  I know I’m not at my full potential for Him.  I also believe the Church is poised for great things, but what will be the catalyst that brings that change? What will be the cost? I do not yet know, but it will be worth whatever the price.
My daily prayer is that God gives me a revelation of Him, a revelation of his people, and gives me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to help me have a clear vision of what is Important. And when it’s over, to hear Him say “Well Done.”

God Bless You
Greg