Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Is Reynolda a Shame-Free Church?

One of the things we went over in class Sunday is what a shame-free church would look like. I cannot say Reynolda is perfectly shame-free, but I do know that it is a goal of the church. It kind of has to be a goal when your pastor writes a book about getting the shame off people.

Full of grace and truth This image is a diagram of how Reynolda would like to become that shame-free church. Just as Jesus lived a life full of grace and truth. The Church, as the body of Christ, represents Him by being full of grace and truth.

The curvy line represents a barrier that prevents the mingling of the two. If you have grace without truth, you tend to accept every sin in the name of acceptance and can easily be led into deception. If you have truth without grace, you tend to dogmatic, rigid, and unloving.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." - I Peter 3: 15 - 16

There is truth that needs to be share, but we must always remember that we are talking to people that Jesus died for... people Jesus cares for... people Jesus patiently desires to know Him better.

Grace and truth is a difficult balance, but nothing is impossible with God.

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