I have a couple of pet issues right now, and I know they come through in my preaching. One is that we Christ-followers are counter-cultural people. The other is that Jesus has called us to authenticity.
Yesterday, I preached on authenticity. But more powerful than a sermon -- we also got to witness it. One of our young men came and allowed the church to see behind his masks. He confessed sin, apologized to those he has hurt -- but praised God for a 2nd chance. We prayed for him, and then the church surrounded him with love and suport.
Here's what happens when we are authentic, though. Immediately after the "Amen," another young man came to me confessing sexual sin in his life. He said that as a result of what he had witnessed, it had given him the courage to be real. I was able to give him information that, if he will follow through, can lead to his healing.
This never would happen in a church of plastic masks. It can only take place where people are real. AUTHENTICITY! It's what the community of believers needs to be about.
Maybe we ought to adopt the motto: "GET REAL!"
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4 comments:
I think at times we face these problems because we forget or assume that Jesus won't still love us when we sin. I certainly do not understand the magnitude of His love and mercy for me but I hope and pray I will continue to experience it, continue to know it better and continue to be a living example of it to my brothers and sisters who are no different than me...people in need of the cleansing power we only receive through Him.
Thanks for the thoughts! I am praying for our church family and that we all continue the journey into authenticity. I do believe when we learn to take our masks off, we can love each other deeper and more like Jesus. I long for the day that we will all be real!
Humility and awe were what I felt Sunday morning. May we be a church walking in the light having fellowship with one another in the knowledge that the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. And when we confess our sins, not only are we forgiven but we are purifed from all unrighteousness.
I thank you and God that my family is able to worship with a church family that allows them to openly confess and not feel judgement. I am thankful that God has granted me the ability to forgive and continue to love through difficult times.
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