Last night Pastor Brad shared with us about why applying a sermon thought or idea to your life is boring. Many times we are so interested in what we need to do with the message that we miss the most important part, the gospel. This is the good news. This is what Christ has done. Ultimately it is what Christ has done that is the most important thing, not what we do about what Christ has done. Unfortunately this a very common trend in churches today. You will often hear people comment about how much they like a church because it "helps them" or they "learned how to do x,y,z..." Is that what preaching is about? Helping people become better people? Or is it about sharing the gospel with people who really can't help themselves at all? Does the gospel message have added benefits that make our lives better? Yes, of course. But our "better lives" are not the purpose of preaching or the church. Our better lives are the by-product of what Jesus has already done! They are the begin of our faith, not the end or goal. Let us together, focus on the fact that our transformation in Christ, is at the beginning of our faith and ultimately accomplished when Christ returns. In the meantime, we have to share the gospel with everyone so they can experience God's grace and receive eternal life, not just become better people.Jeff
Setlist
Here For You - Chris Tomlin
Hosanna - Paul Baloche
Glorified - Jared Anderson
How Great Is The Love - Paul Baloche
Stronger - Hillsong
A great message! It reminds me of the auto industry term, "don't work hard. Work smart" (use the right tool and technique). Its easy to get stressed about being a certain kind of person, by using our own strength. Knowing the gospel and being transformed in Christ is the smart way.
ReplyDeleteI think the underlying importance of this message is vital. The gospel is the water source from which our obedience must flow... every time, all the time. Any other alternative leaves us with rules or directions that aren't birthed by responsiveness to God's heart... which is to say, anything else is lifeless legalism. It's so important for 'application' be raised up from how we apply the gospel to our hearts, fantastic take home.
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