Apparently, based on the flack we've been getting recently, I need to Blog about something. I'll tell you right now, I don't have all day to do this, so I'm going to make rapid work of it, and it is not a thesis or anything resembling a complete work. It's a Blog post. Guys, you know, when we met in our house, when we met at the Annex, we were far off the radar screen of the religiously intolerant in our community and beyond. But we are experiencing and explosion of growth at Crossroads. And with that growth, comes a parade of detractors.
There have recently appeared a plethora of self-appointed dispensers of truth (albeit truth seemingly masked by their own religious vitriol), people who do not know me - who have never even met me - who are now hurling insults at me personally and at our church - who seem to think that simply because our church is growing, because people are receiving Christ, because people are rededicating their lives to Christ, because people getting baptized and experiencing life change brought about by the love of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit - in large numbers, that there MUST be something wrong with it. It is not surprising. It is understandable. Perhaps they have not seen God move in such a way before, and when we see things we don't understand, often our first reaction is to meet that discovery with negativity.
But this Blog post is not written to them. It is written to those who have labored long and hard to expand the kingdom of God in our community. It is written to those who are not bound up by religious doctrine that keeps seekers at arms length from the church. It is written to those who are compelled by the love of Christ to reach as many people as supernaturally possible with the glorious Gospel of peace. It is written to those who have become willing, as Paul says, to become all things to all people that by any means possible they might win some. It is written to those with a heart for the un-churched, the un-religious, the un-saved to whom we boldly and unashamedly proclaim:
God's Not Mad At You, But He Loves You!
We will put it on billboards, we will paint it on cars, we will post it on signs, we will print it on bulletins, we will print it on invitation cards, we will print it on bumper-stickers, window stickers and car magnets, and we will boldly wear it on a variety of handsomely decorated T-shirts. If you don't like it...don't buy one. So here's a BIT (and just a bit) of why (using the Bible - the only reliable source - as our guide...imagine that) that I believe that God is not mad at you, but rather has unfailing LOVE for you:
- For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
- For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, NOT TO POUR OUT HIS ANGER on us. 1 Thess 5:9 (NLT)
- The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, NOT WANTING ANYONE TO PERISH, but EVERYONE to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
- But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were STILL SINNERS, Christ died FOR US. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
- For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Christ), and through him (Christ) to reconcile to himself (God) all things, whether things on earth or in heaven, by MAKING PEACE through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies IN YOUR MINDS because of your evil behavior. But NOW he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and FREE FROM ACCUSATION - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the HOPE HELD OUT IN THE GOSPEL. This is the gospel that you heard and THAT HAS BEEN PREACHED TO EVERY CREATURE under heaven...Col 1:19-23
Finally, for those who may yet feel as though the judgement of sinners - rather than compassion for them - is their calling, I offer this passage from Romans 2:1-4
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at what point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things. Now we know that God's judgement against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgement on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgement? Or do you show contempt for the RICHES OF HIS KINDNESS, TOLERANCE and PATIENCE, not realizing that GOD'S KINDNESS LEADS YOU TOWARD REPENTANCE?
It is God's kindness, patience, mercy and grace that is the focus of our ministry at Crossroads. ROADIES: to those who speak out against a Gospel of grace, mercy and forgiveness, bear in mind that perhaps God has appointed them to some other sort of ministry. It's not our job to fight them, or to judge them for what they believe...it's our job to love them as unconditionally as we would love someone who never heard the truth.
Those of you who attend Crossroads know of a certainty that the BIBLE is preached in context. Some of it is easy to hear, some of it is hard to hear. You know - better than those who complain about our billboards - that the truth of God's word is shared each and every Sunday from the pulpit (okay, from the music stand). The numbers speak for themselves. Of the 237 that attended service last Sunday morning, about half of you either made a first-time decision to receive Christ, or rededicated your life to Christ since you started coming to Crossroads. 45 of you were baptized in the first year since we launched. For some reason, that just pisses religious people off. I don't know why, and frankly, I don't really care.
As for Crossroads, we're going to continue to LOVE ALL PEOPLE! The world will not be won for Christ by making Him unapproachable or making grace unattainable. If someone gives you a hard time about our billboards or t-shirts...point them to this blog. Smile. And love them anyway.
Peace.
P.S. Comment as you will, I may publish it...I may not. If your desire is to write some hideously offensive tripe about hundred ways you disagree with the way God has chosen for Crossroads to reach the lost, I encourage you to save it for your own Blog and preach it in your own church. Might I suggest you get your own billboard and tell people that God is FURIOUS with them if you have determined that is the best way for you to reach the lost.
Jesus is the word of Life, the Creator (John 1:1-5)
ReplyDeleteGod loved us so much that He sent his Son So that whoever believes will be saved. (John 3:16)(Romans 8:38-39)
Jesus became a man. Just like us. His death and resurrection, and perfection is proof. Check out the perable in (Luke 16:1-13)
We are suppose to follow Jesus' example. Jesus loved people. He didn't hate people.
Jesus is the only way to God who loves us. (John 14:6)
Our job is to make disciples. Who will follow in His (Jesus') footsteps. (Matthew 28:19) (Acts 1:8)
Because we all have sinned, we are not perfect like Jesus (Romans 3:23) (Philippians 2:6-11)
Jesus is the image of the living God. (Colossians 1:15-20)
Se we're all saved by grace. No one can boast that he has done anything to gain salvation. (Ephesians 2:8)
The prophecy of Jesus was told all throughout the old testament years before His birth. (Daniel 7:13-14)(Isaiah 52) all through Psalms
If you believe this you WILL be saved. (Romans 10:9)
He who has ears to hear will hear, He who doesn’t have ears to hear wont.
I don't know much about hell or God's wrath, except the bible say that Hell is a place of separation from God, and torment. But I do know from experience that God is gracious. And I would rather die than live without Christ in my heart.
James 4:6
ReplyDeleteGod resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
James 1:20
The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives vent to his anger but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Psalms 30:4-5
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
Psalm 145:8
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Proverbs 14:7
A man of quick temper acts foolishly,
and a man of evil devices is hated.
Proverbs 14:29
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly
Matthew 5:22
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 Thessakibuabs 5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for s, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
God is angry at us when we sin, like a father who is angry at his children when they sin. But why is he angry? BECAUSE HE LOVES US AND HAS GREAT PLANS FOR US
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
There will always be those who point fingers out of fear, fear of loosing there voice, fear of loosing there security, fear of loosing there own worth! And knowing what fear can do lets look at what fear means, F alse
ReplyDeleteE vidence
A ppearing
R eal
When we forget that we are all in this together we let fearsplit us apart rather than bringing us together! The message of God is not mad at you is totally not new, just a new concept! Why preach John 3:16 and turn around to say but He is mad at you! Makes total sense to me? Whenever you have the bullseye around your neck or all eyes on you,, it's usually do to the fact that you are on the right track! Keep it up Gene, continue to tell people God's not mad at them, that He is on their side and no matter what won't or cannot change His mind! Continue to be a voice of hope for people who think they have blown it, continue to be a voice for those who have given up! Continue to provide a place where people can excell not only in the love of God but in relationships with each other! Thus the reason for Crossroads existance! Love you guys, keep it up,
Chris
No doubt that the detractors will immediately look for one thing they can disagree on to keep dis-harmony in the body of Christ. Funny how it is so easy to find what they consider wrong, in the midst of so much GOOD. As for me and my house we will drink the Kool Aid and wear the T Shirt.
ReplyDeleteMike Armstrong
Amen! Any questions?
ReplyDeleteBecki Wiley Stewart
Amen and Amen. Praise His name!! I KNOW for a FACT that God isn't mad at me because he shows up and loves me and is faithful in that love even when I am not to him!! My God is just good like that :o)
ReplyDeleteAlso remember the woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus knew her sins, stopped the stoning (punishment), asked those who are without sin to cast the first stone. When there were no takers, he asked the woman who her condemners were. Her answer was none, and Jesus said NEITHER do I condemn you...Go and sin no more. Dude, what if Jesus would of said.."AH HA..I STILL do condemn you because I am mad at you for your past transgressions, and I know that you probably will continue to sin because you are all sinners, therefore I will pick up the first stone and give you exactly what you deserve." WOAH, story totally would of gone against what Jesus said he was sent to accomplish. God is not an angry God, he is a loving God. Why is that so hard for some people to understand? He loves us so much that our tiny little brains cannot even fathom how much. He created us for Him...for fellowship and relationship...he created us cause He had so much love to give. I know I didnt have my own kids thinking, "well, I cant wait to be mad at my boys all the time cause I know they are gonna screw up." My boys screw up (alot) and imagine this: I still love them. Im not mad at them because I ALREADY KNOW they are gonna mess up! WEll...thats my 2 cents.
ReplyDelete-Hollie
I am not a detractor, by any stretch of the imagination, of any church body reaching the un-churched or de-churched of any area of the world. I commend anyone for reaching the lost and hope you will understand my love for you, for God, and for this community. In light of my love for God and everyone in Enterprise, I would like to add a few things for you to think about. I hope you will publish this comment as my heart is not to argue, but to admonish and encourage you and your readers to be diligent in your understanding and in your communication of the gospel in its entirety, as it is given in the Bible.
ReplyDeleteWithout God's wrath being directed toward us because of our sinfulness, there would be no need for a Savior. God's wrath is an essential part of the Gospel. In fact, God begins the meta-narrative of the Bible by describing the fall of man via Adam and Eve’s first sin in the Garden of Eden. Because of their sinfulness and because of God’s holiness, God breaks relationship with them and is just only if He condemns sinners to receive their just punishment…His wrath. The entire Old Testament points to this being the major problem within the meta-narrative, that man needs a sacrifice for his sins in order to be in a restored relationship with God (i.e. the need for Jesus).
Psalm 5:5 makes it very clear that God is not only mad at sinners, but his entire wrath is directed toward them:
Psalm 5:5
The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You (God) hate all evildoers. (ESV)
In the New Testament, Paul repeatedly speaks of God's wrath being directed towards us as sinners. He makes this very clear in his Letter to the Ephesians:
Ephesians 5:6
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (ESV)
Or take for example Paul's method of evangelism in his Letter to the Romans. He spends the first few chapters making the argument that EVERYONE is sinful and without excuse when judged by God; and because of our sinfulness, the wrath of God is upon us all.
Romans 1:18-20
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (ESV)
This is the very first thing that must be explained when telling someone of the good news of God’s mercy and grace that are found only in the redemption of Jesus Christ. His grace and mercy in saving us means nothing if there is nothing he is saving us from...
Yes, God loves the world and wishes that all would come to repentance, but without the wrath of God being directed toward all sinners, there is no need for a Savior. It is simply unbiblical to tell someone who does not have faith, who has not repented and believed in Jesus for salvation, that God is not mad at them.
Mr. Winborn, even though you mischaracterized and misquoted my comment on your blog, and though I do not believe we have met (forgive me if we have), I rejoice in your desire to see the lost reached in our community! Though our methods for doing that may be somewhat different, I believe we have far more in common than your comments would indicate. We affirm that God’s wrath is a by-product of the rejection of His provision of the sacrifice for sin of all mankind. We also affirm that the sacrifice has been made through Christ ONCE and for ALL.
ReplyDeleteWe do not hold that God is in the business of picking and choosing who will be subject to his wrath. We believe that it is down to us to choose heaven, or to choose a hell that was not created for us. At Crossroads we are in the business of ensuring that people have the best, BIBLICAL, most relevant information in order to make the best possible choice. We conclude this: If Christ dies ONCE for ALL who are sinners, then how could anyone assert that God is still angry with, or far worse HATES anyone? He died to save us ALL.
I encourage you, before you decide in advance what we teach Crossroads, to stick your head in the door…or at least listen to some of the more than 40 podcasts of our services available on line at our website www.crossroadsenterprise.org. If you find that we do not preach eternal salvation by Christ and Christ alone, and preach that the consequence of rejecting Christ is to spend eternity in hell, I’ll not only eat my hat, but I’ll eat yours as well. I’m not a “turn or burn” preacher. Though the message is clear and Biblical, that’s simply not my style of delivery. I grew up as a Christ-follower in churches like that and got tired of watching lost people, so condemned by the message of “love and hope” that they walked out the back door and never returned. I’m not saying our way is better, just different. I am amazed that anyone would take issue with that.
Honestly, we can shoot wrath vs. love scriptures back and forth at each other all day long, for all the good it will do, but no one is going to be saved by it. I don’t need to be right in your eyes. I need to be right before God. And I need to reach as many people as possible with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ before I die. And with my dying breath I will proclaim that GOD IS NOT MAD AT YOU, BUT HE LOVES YOU and the PROOF of that is that He sent Christ, His own Son to DIE for you.
As you quote, it IS His will that none should perish. If He hated some, would it not then be His will that SOME should perish? It isn’t. He loves us all. And willingly sent Christ to die WHILE WE WERE IN OUR SIN. God hates SIN. Not SINNERS. Big difference. Saying God’s Not Mad At You is not tacit approval of your sin. To construe it so is incorrect. I don’t believe saying God’s Not Mad At You gives people a license to sin. They already have one. It’s called a birth certificate. :)
Mr. Winborn, I encourage you to teach what and how you are compelled by Christ to teach and I’ll never speak a word about it. And I will teach what and how I am compelled by Christ to teach. Your commentary as I do so, is entirely up to you.
May God richly bless your life and ministry, and may you be a soul-winner of epic proportion!
We are created in Gods image, God is not created in our image. And if we are suppose to forgive others. Evan if they hit us in the face. I think there's a good chance that Jesus would do that too. Oh wait, He did. Jesus lived the perfect life. and he only got mad at people when they simply wouldn’t accept the fact that He has the power to forgive them of there sins. And when they were using his church to make money. You can not put Him in a box. Some people think he dwells in a temple, but as for me, I believe he is everywhere. His eye is on the sparrow. and he knows how many hairs are on my head. He is in my heart. Jesus died not only for the Jews but for all. Once and for all. It is finished. God knows our hearts. Be ready for Christ's return. Actions speak louder than words. Our mouths can get us into a lot of trouble with God. And God does punish us when we sin. Sometimes more than others. But we don't have to suffer eternal separation from Him. If that were so, He would have never created us. It is important to understand that the bible does say that God hated certain people WHEN THEY SIN. But ONLY when they sinned. It says that He hated Jacob but he also wrestled with Jacob and Humbled him. He loves the humble. God had mercy by not allowing Esau to kill him. But instead Esau forgave him. God had great plans for Jacob. I don't know ancient hebrew, but I see more love for Jacob in Gods actions than hate. Also God turned the Jews over to other Gods that THAY worshiped and EVERY TIME THEY ASKED GOD TO FORGIVE THIM FOR TURNING THERE BACK ON HIM. HE FORGAVE THEM AND BLESSED THEM. They did not deserve it but He did. BECAUSE HE LOVES THEM. God is love and Forgiveness. Thank You God for loving me so much. And for changing my heart. I didn't deserve that. But if he did it for me He will do it for you. All you have to do is believe. I thank God for Crossroads Community Church. They have always been there for me whenever I need them. They are open and honest real people. I have gone to churches all my life and I have never been to a church that was so open and forgiving. And who will admit when they are wrong about something. Thank you Gene and Lesie for starting this church. God is doing miraculous things in the hearts of men and women. And in my life also. Huge things. I love you guys.
ReplyDeleteDear Brother in Christ,
ReplyDeletePreach on!
I truly believe that what Crossroads Community Church is doing in this town was sorely needed and is fabulous work that God is truly blessing. I wish more churches in this area had the enthusiasm of winning the lost as does your church. As long as we (the body of Christ, unified) are true to the Gospel and stand on the word of God, we should be leading people to Christ by whatever means are necessary. Paul said it best in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22
1Co 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;
1Co 9:20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;
1Co 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;
1Co 9:22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (NKJV)
As a word of encouragement, please know that there others outside of your church that are praying for your success and continued perseverance. If people were not being led into the Kingdom then Satan would leave you alone!
Remember what James said:
Jam 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
Jam 1:3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Jam 1:4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (NLT)
So press on and may God continue to bless the work you are doing here in Enterprise!
Praying for your continued success,
Kenny Carter
Funny, I was just talking with another church member yesterday about how our church deals with "reality and truth in grace." A quote from another book I'm reading (which I believe applies) states:
ReplyDelete"The most destructive spiritualism,however, is superiority. In this attitude, the person feels so close to God that he/she can no longer relate to the earthly ways of their button-pushers. She/he cares, but from a distance, because she/he does not understand the spiritual truths that she/he lives.... This is a dangerous perch to rest on. It is rooted in pride, and is not truly spiritual at all. Spiritual people understand the daily grace they need to deal with the issues and darkness within their own souls. They are on their face before God, asking His help to work through these things, and they are contrite and grateful to Him. They do not see themselves as above or below anyone; rather, they are more concerned with connecting to God and people in good, healthy, and growing ways."
Laura Hilsendager
To all,
ReplyDeleteI posted this response on Winborn’s blog site, so the context is geared towards his readers. I didn’t want that post to go unanswered on his site.
I would like to comment on your post about Crossroads. Everything you typed in the third paragraph of your post is exactly what we teach at Crossroads. God's wrath is not in any way shied away from at our church. If it was, I would not be serving there. That is very evident in each message that is preached. These can be listened to at www.crossroadsenterprise.org.
Ultimately, you are right, sinners may be condemned. The sin itself will not be condemned, but the person could be. We got that! Nor does saying, “God’s Not Mad at You”, imply that we don’t understand that. God’s Not Mad at You does not imply an acceptance of sin, yet a LOVE for His creation.
To be free from condemnation is exactly why we at Crossroads are doing what we are doing. In fact, that point alone, has compelled me, my pastor, and many others to think outside the box towards a way to have non-believers COME to hear the good news. To have them understand that while God does hate their sin, that is not the whole story. People must also, and equally, understand God’s definitive action because of sin (Sending His Son), and that His saving grace, and love, and mercy is available to them right where they are.
One of my favorite things about watching a Billy Graham crusade is the Just As I Am alter call, truly a work of God each time. The song does not say, “Fix yourself, then come, or you will burn for eternity”. It is saying, “Come you sinners, just as you are, accept His love and mercy and atoning blood, and let the power of the Holy Spirit change you to sin no more”. Just as easily as the scripture supports that God hates sin, it supports that God loves His creation. Consequently, Romans 1: 18-20 is a perfect example of how God hates the acts of ungodliness and acts of unrighteousness, and not at all the man. The wrath is revealed at the ungodliness of men, not of the men themselves. I am not at all saying that man may not experience the wrath of God. I am just putting into proper context this scripture that you referenced. Paul is clearly writing that the sin mentioned in this entire chapter is what God has a problem with.
Simply put, I did not write it Paul worte it in Romans 2:1-4 when he said, 1 You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Just sayin Mr. Winborn, wrath follows no man it follows sin! Christians need Christ just as much if not more than a " non-believer. " We all need God's grace and mercy and I am so glad that when I was dead in my sin He loved me so long ago and it was His goodness that led me to recieve Him!
ReplyDeleteThe last part of your blog you stated, “It is simply unbiblical to tell someone who does not have faith, who has not repented and believed in Jesus for salvation, that God is not mad at them”. This is not unbiblical at all. Reread Genesis 1. Just paraphrasing here; God didn’t say that He looked at everything He had made and it was good. He said He looked at everything He had made and it was VERY GOOD! God loves us, sir. He hates our sin. He hates our actions that are contrary to His glory. This is not rocket science my brother. God IS powerful enough and mighty enough to love us and hate our sin simultaneously.
ReplyDeleteYou wrote in your next to last paragraph, "This is the very first thing that must be explained when telling someone of the good news of God's mercy and grace…”. I have been teaching professionally for many years. Based on that teaching experience and education I can tell you affirmatively that what you have described by using the word “MUST”, is nothing more than your opinion on how to accomplish a given task. It is a technique. It is a method or avenue of approach used in order to see a desired result. It is one path to fulfilling the great commission. I commend you on having a plan. However, that is not the only plan or technique that can be used in accomplishing the task. Please take into account the following insight for use in your own ministry. After having fought in this war and others, and having had served as an officer in the military for more than 16 years, I know one simple fact about war fighting. If you always use the same tactics, the enemy will adapt and overcome you. Brother, if you choose to make that fact the VERY FIRST thing you tell someone. That's great for you and I wish you all the success under heaven. However, we at Crossroads are adapting different tactics. Rest assured that we are not changing the Word in anyway. Far from it! I love God’s word…truly love it. I know my pastor and others at Crossroads share that same sentiment. Our weapons are no different than yours! The only difference is the strategy in which they are employed.
A sad truth is that most people feel as if they are righteous based on their own knowledge of the scriptures, which is NOT AT ALL the way Christ treated people! You seem to have a vast knowledge of the scriptures. Brother, I ask you to compare your comments and actions here against James chapter 3: 5-18 and ask yourself the following questions. Has the body grown from this attack? Have those in your congregation learned more towards being servants of the Most High. The same question goes for those at Crossroads? I am sure the answer is no. When I was in Bible College I learned very quickly that many Christians have very sharp arrows with individual scriptures on them, their bows are pulled, and they are ready to shoot at each other. This entire event seems like a fruitless endeavor. I have not yet seen the benefit of this interaction. What Kingdom benefits have been realized by these comments? Have we grown stronger as a body, or gotten weaker? I would submit the latter. However after reading Pastor Genes blog it is clear to see how the arrows were loosed. My heart truly ached. Christ was not glorified in anyway.
ReplyDeleteMy motivation for this long response is gained by the time I have spent here in this war. Imagine Afghanistan, downtown Kabul. The kids are very poor. Their parents are very kind and their hearts are humble. Would anyone go to them and first say, “You are a sinner”. No, you wouldn’t. Trust me, you wouldn’t! If God is in a person’s heart you would want to love them and tell them about how precious Jesus is. But what if you couldn’t speak the language? What if all you could do is SHOW the good news by acting out love? People, from any place or any culture, can SEE Gods love by our actions.
Christ showed us how to LOVE people and to SERVE them, not judge them. That’s why at Crossroads Community Church our motto is not only ‘Gods Not Mad at You’, but also ‘GO, LOVE, SERVE, REPEAT’.
Sir, if you have further comments or sincere concerns about the Gospel being preached incorrectly, after conducting your own research (direct email or listening) read Matthew 18:15, the first step is to talk to a brother alone. It does the body no good to have this type of discussion over the net. It discredits our faith. Use scripture for benefit of the body not destruction. I don’t think Paul would have posted his letters on the web. He was genuinely concerned about their well being, in turn, he would have taken the matters up with the church first. I am sure you would agree!
Let us put away our righteous arrows. No more comments or responses necessary, just bended knees praying for one another. Praying that the Lords perfect will be manifest in our lives. That the lost will come to know how much God loves them and how much easier it is to walk away from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. God Bless You Brother,
Pastor Matt - www.crossroadsenterprise.org
Matt -
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I have not attacked you, your pastor, or your church. All I have done was admonish all involved not to leave out a very important part of the gospel. You all say that you do not leave it out when preaching or teaching at your church, and that is wonderful. I stated in the beginning that I am not attacking your church or your success in saving the lost as we are directed to do so throughout Scripture.
What has happened is this: the leadership of your church has posted a billboard that is not forthcoming with the truth of God's Word. God is mad at sinners (Psalm 5:5) and his wrath is directed toward sinners (everyone) until each sinner repents and believes in Jesus for their salvation. To tell a non-believer otherwise is to misconstrue the gospel.
Not even once did I hint at or say that you were not teaching the gospel in its entirety during your worship services. All I pointed to was your billboard which is none other than deceptive.
For questioning my preaching style or philosophy of ministry, in short, I can only direct you to those who influence me: Jesus, the Apostle Paul, Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll, Augustine, Martin Luther, Charles H. Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, Andy Stanley, Francis Chan, etc... When seeing how they have engaged culture with the gospel (including God's wrath being directed toward sinners), you can surely see that I am not a "turn or burn" preacher. But to ignore the truth of the gospel in its entirety or to influence non-believers to think that God is not mad at them because they ARE sinners, is simply wrong, unbiblical, and a theological error.
Your leaders are in theological error to say God is not mad at sinners. I only seek to admonish them to correct the error. If such an admonition is ignored, this theological error becomes a heretical teaching and we, as professed proclaimers of the truth of the gospel, will all be judged for how we preach. I pray God leads your leaders to repent of this and that you all continue to have wonderful success in reaching the lost for the glory of God and for the exaltation of his Son, Jesus.
Wow. Pastor Matt Mendenhall, ladies and gentlemen. Soldier, warrior, children's pastor, and...from hear on out...the guy that should be in charge of blog comments!
ReplyDeleteLove you, Matt! Your wife and kids, and your entire church family can't wait until your home from Afghanistan. We're praying for you!
If you want to know the whole story click here The Dispute! Dun Dun Duh...............
ReplyDeletehttp://jeffwilliamsblog.blogspot.com/
Before I knew Jesus Christ, I knew of God, of this God - He was (as I really did believe) MAD AT ME! I was a sinner doomed to hell and hopeless " what a sad and scary feeling to fear as if your next breath may be your last ". Then someone shared with me that God really did love me that He was so in love with me that He sent His Son to take my punishment, my place on a cross and die on my behalf so that I no longer fear that my next breath will be my last, to be able to lay my head down at night and know that God is NOT MAD AT ME!
ReplyDeleteSadly many well intentioned believers in Christ are teaching if you do this or if you do that you are going to hell but I can only say that its not what I do or what I don't do but what God in the flesh did for me on that cross by sending God the Son to die for me. This makes me want to love him and tell others that God is NOT MAD AT YOU!!!!
Yogi
What a beautiful testimony Yogi. Thanks so much for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Thomas Winborn,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are a great guy. Now you said
"But to ignore the truth of the gospel in its entirety or to influence non-believers to think that God is not mad at them because they ARE sinners, is simply wrong, unbiblical, and a theological error.
Your leaders are in theological error to say God is not mad at sinners. I only seek to admonish them to correct the error.
The sign says "God's not mad at you"
NOT
"God is not mad you because they ARE sinners"
Attention All Bloggers...GOD IS NOT MAD AT YOU, ME OR ANYONE OF US. HE'S MAD AT THE SIN WE CHOOSE. HE LOVES US ALL.
ReplyDeleteI BELIEVE PASTER GENE'S OPENING STATEMENT WAS. "Why I believe...."
HE WAS MERELY STATING HIS REASONING AND WAS BACKING IT UP WITH SCRIPTURE FROM THE BIBLE. I THINK EVERYONE COMMENTING HAS HAD GOOD DISCUSSION. TIME TO MOVE ON TO NEW TOPIC NOW. PRESS ON CROSSROADS! YOUR NUMBERS CONTINUE TO INCREASE EVERY WEEK!
HIS GRACE IS AMAZING!!!
JAN FROM INDY
Wow, Gene and Les - you guys are so amazing in how you share the Word. I am so blessed to have had as much time with you as I did. It seems that there are many people that should attend Crossroads before passing judgment; so I pray that they will! Keep on doing what you do - you have changed my life forever! With all my love and admiration for how you love God...
ReplyDeleteI love what you are saying. We have the same sign in front of our fellowship. God's not mad at you. One man called me and wanted to know why I had a sign up that said "God is mad at you." That's what his mind saw when he drove by because that's what he believed. Great message, keep preaching the truth.
ReplyDeletePastor Roy Richmond Moore, OK Tree of Life Fellowship.