I hate to do this. I know I run the risk of alienating people I love, of burning bridges I don't want to burn. You might think it ironic in light of my last post, but actually it is precisely because my last post is true that I am compelled to write this. I am torn! I am angry, but I am heartbroken. I am afraid, but I am fearless. Sometimes I almost understand, then I don't at all! I am so perplexed about you! Please please please just tell the truth and ask for forgiveness where there have been grave errors in judgement and sin against God's children. The world outside SGM will not be merciful when all those things begin to come to light, and they are already--time is short.
You are all in my prayers, leaders and families, members, and former members... And may the power of the one and only Gospel be revealed and proclaimed even in all of this.
"Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
I love love love this song. I first heard it on a Christian radio station, I very rarely even listen to Christian radio because I hate to hear all the mixed messages. Gods loves you, so do better, try harder, worship more you ungrateful worm! Of course there are wonderful exceptions to this. And this song, I cry every time I hear it.
I think it just sings out what so many Christians feel like, tossed about in a confusing storm, feeling that their lives are a sham. Feeling that they aren't who they say they are, or else where is the peace and joy they know Jesus promised? They don't realize that though they know the truth about Jesus' sacrifice, his love, his finished work, and the free gift of righteousness, they've been fed so many contradicting lies through so many 'christian' sources that believing these truths seems like a never-ending uphill battle.
They think the problem is inside of themselves, something to be ashamed of and they feel guilty. I'm saying 'they', but I can so easily remember living like this. It was a terrible way to live. If only God's children could stop accepting mixed messages from the church world at large! If only we would become militant about rejecting books, music, teaching, preaching...anything that reeks of the lies our enemy has devised to keeps us bound up in sin, fear, guilt, condemnation, confusion, and powerlessness. It's time to demand the TRUTH!
