“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world…” (Ephesians 2:1-2a).
Wow! That is strong language and it is a tough lesson to teach these days. In fact, it is almost impossible to talk about “right” and “wrong” in a world that hardly even believes those things exist anymore. We have been raised in a time that says, “You can do anything you want, as long as it does not hurt someone else”.
“Sin” is even harder to talk about. As one writer states, “The only place most people see the word sin anymore is on a desert menu” (think “Sinful chocolate cake”). It is difficult to convince us that we are “sinners” in need of anything from God.
Yet, what if that is true? What if our actions have separated us from God to the point that we are “Spiritually dead” (both now and in eternity)? What if we wanted to change that situation? How would we do that?
Here, from this same passage, is the answer: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (verses 4-5 and 8-9).
Over the years, we have made a huge mistake when we have made the church seem like the place for “perfect people” or those who do not have any struggles in life. In fact, one of Jesus’ most stinging stories is introduced with these words: “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable…” (Luke 18:9). Apparently, a smug attitude about our own “goodness” is not something that Christ would recommend.
If you have ever felt like you had to “clean your life up” before you would be welcome at church, I am sorry! That message is completely wrong! The very reason we come to church, the reason we worship God, is because we know that we are not perfect and that we need help.
Our congregation is not perfect. We have struggles and problems just like everyone else. However, we also believe that we have help to overcome some of those things. We have a hope that God is making us into “His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10).
Could use a change, some hope and some good people with whom to share those things? You would be welcome to join us at any time.
Wow! That is strong language and it is a tough lesson to teach these days. In fact, it is almost impossible to talk about “right” and “wrong” in a world that hardly even believes those things exist anymore. We have been raised in a time that says, “You can do anything you want, as long as it does not hurt someone else”.
“Sin” is even harder to talk about. As one writer states, “The only place most people see the word sin anymore is on a desert menu” (think “Sinful chocolate cake”). It is difficult to convince us that we are “sinners” in need of anything from God.
Yet, what if that is true? What if our actions have separated us from God to the point that we are “Spiritually dead” (both now and in eternity)? What if we wanted to change that situation? How would we do that?
Here, from this same passage, is the answer: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast” (verses 4-5 and 8-9).
Over the years, we have made a huge mistake when we have made the church seem like the place for “perfect people” or those who do not have any struggles in life. In fact, one of Jesus’ most stinging stories is introduced with these words: “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable…” (Luke 18:9). Apparently, a smug attitude about our own “goodness” is not something that Christ would recommend.
If you have ever felt like you had to “clean your life up” before you would be welcome at church, I am sorry! That message is completely wrong! The very reason we come to church, the reason we worship God, is because we know that we are not perfect and that we need help.
Our congregation is not perfect. We have struggles and problems just like everyone else. However, we also believe that we have help to overcome some of those things. We have a hope that God is making us into “His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10).
Could use a change, some hope and some good people with whom to share those things? You would be welcome to join us at any time.
Comments