There were two "testimonies" to start the morning. Both men testified to how small group times with other men changed their lives and helped them overcome serious addictions. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ was never mentioned, nor was the transforming power of the Word or prayer. The focus was more along the line of what we can accomplish to overcome our addictions and problems with the help of other men. The work and power of the Holy Spirit was not mentioned.
The speaker then gave a dynamic talk. He was extremely funny and entertaining and powerful in his delivery. He never mentioned Jesus Christ in any positive way. He never mentioned the power of the Word of God or the role of the Holy Spirit or the power of prayer. Instead, he blasted the old lady who led his young Sunday School class as a kid, he ripped the traditional church and he told the men that they were created by God with their passions, so their passions were good and they needed to accept that, because God accepts that. He encouraged them to live for "God," but with their passions.
He never mentioned any need to confess sin, repent, be conformed to the mind of Christ, be continually transformed or otherwise pursue the image of Christ. We are good enough because we are the way that God created us. Wow! Is that true? Is that what God's Word says?
What a contrast to the following quote, provided by a friend, from a godly pastor:
"The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued and that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone." - Tim Keller, "The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism" p. 181.
The Gospel (the great news of what Jesus did for us) is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (in the message of the Gospel). (Romans 1:16-17.) We are not called to be conformed to the world, but "transformed" (metamorphed) by the renewing of our minds through the presence and power of Jesus Christ in our lives. (See Romans 11:33-12:2.) We are not our own. We were bought with a price. We are called to glorify Christ with our minds and our bodies. (See 1 Corin. 6:18-20.)
Entertaining human wisdom is never a substitute for the power of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I left the meeting grieved that so many eager men never heard the power of the Gospel and were not challenged to be transformed, but were told they can get along by being conformed. May the speaker learn to use his god-given communication gifts to communicate the whole truth of God. May I never fail to communicate all of God's truth, by the power of the Holy Spirit, as I have opportunity.
Tim,
ReplyDeleteThank you for you consistency in your following Christ! I have been helped greatly by being in a small group. In fact two separate small groups. But it was not the group, it was that the men within the group were looking to Jesus and what did He want to teach each of us, and how did He want each of us to change to be more like Him.
Then, as I was drawn into deeper Bible studies, rather than studies of books about the Bible, along with great sermons (about being like Jesus), much prayer from friends and loved ones, and continued rubbing of elbows with fine Christian friends, and continual wooing by the Holy Spirit, I can see Jesus changing my wants, desires, and life in general!
I was just challenged this morning when reading Matt 7:11-12 that when the Holy Spirit moves me to be generous to someone, even though I know I can't "afford" it, God will still meet all my needs. Plus I get the blessing of being used by God to help meet the needs of another. The article that led me to Matt 7 went on to say that when prompted by the Holy Spirit to be generous to another, then my hands are acting for God's hands. I just had that opportunity yesterday, and passed on it. I pray that next time I have an opportunity like that, I will be much more in tune with what the Spirit wants me to do.
Again, thank you for your blog.
Thanks Vic. Good input. I just hate seeing squandered opportunities for Jesus Christ to work in power. He doesn't expect or want us to live this life in our own strength. We desperately need Him!
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