The Gospel is for Christians. Unfortunately, many Christians don't believe this and don't hear it often enough. For example, listen to the testimony of noted evangelical author Jerry Bridges...
My story is not unusual. Evangelicals commonly think today that the gospel is only for unbelievers. Once we're inside the kingdom's door, we need the gospel only in order to share it with those who are still outside. Now, as believers, we need to hear the message of discipleship. We need to learn how to live the Christian life and be challenged to go do it. That's what I believed and practiced in my life and ministry for some time. It is what most Christians seem to believe.Today, I read what is perhaps the best and most important expression of the Gospel for Christians that I have seen in the blogosphere. You can find it HERE, at Michael Spencer's Internet Monk blog.As I see it, the Christian community is largely a performance-based culture today. And the more deeply committed we are to following Jesus, the more deeply ingrained the performance mindset is. We think we earn God's blessing or forfeit it by how well we live the Christian life.
PLEASE READ iMONK'S POST!
- Read it again.
- Meditate on it.
- Pray about it.
- Discuss it with your friends and family and fellow church members.
- Ask your pastor to read it.
- Link to it on your blog.
- Print it out and pass it around.
- Carry a copy in your Bible
2 comments:
The Gospel not being for Christians, That would explain a lot. I too loved Imonk's post. It is very frustrating to see the failure of the "Church" in this country, and in the world. It is no wonder so many want nothing to do with us.
I might have said this before...if I can't get the "me and God" relationship right, nothing else matters.
I must add that while you and I agree on most fundamental Christian beliefs, you should finally realize that your hope and faith in the Chicago Cubs is pointless and without merit. Shall I add that to my church's prayer chain? :)
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