There is a general laxness toward Christ and the church, which I think is because we often present the Gospel as take-it-or-leave-it and not as good news that requires a response. Peter and Paul both wrote about those who do not obey the Gospel and the consequences of their disobedience (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:17).
Similarly, Jesus talks about doing the truth (John 3:21). The Gospel is something we preach, teach and believe, and we speak and believe the truth. But DO the Gospel and DO the truth? I cannot recall hearing a message that exhorts us along these lines.
You bring up a caring discipline that is not practiced much, to the church's harm. Paul said the spiritual are to restore the wayward and uses a word for mending nets or setting broken bones—tasks that require care and a desire for wholeness. We must remember that Jesus said His Father is the husbandman and, if a branch in Christ is barren, He will remove it, not us. He didn't put the axe in our hands.
By the same token, Jesus did teach us, "if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault..." (Matthew 18:15).
It's a delicate subject that deserves more attention. Thank you for writing about it.
When alive to the indwelling Christ, you cannot keep them away. The problem is most Pastors settle for attendance as the KPI and it becomes a chore for the Laodicean. Souls in repentance is the only measure Jesus, Paul and Peter cared about.
There is a general laxness toward Christ and the church, which I think is because we often present the Gospel as take-it-or-leave-it and not as good news that requires a response. Peter and Paul both wrote about those who do not obey the Gospel and the consequences of their disobedience (2 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:17).
Similarly, Jesus talks about doing the truth (John 3:21). The Gospel is something we preach, teach and believe, and we speak and believe the truth. But DO the Gospel and DO the truth? I cannot recall hearing a message that exhorts us along these lines.
You bring up a caring discipline that is not practiced much, to the church's harm. Paul said the spiritual are to restore the wayward and uses a word for mending nets or setting broken bones—tasks that require care and a desire for wholeness. We must remember that Jesus said His Father is the husbandman and, if a branch in Christ is barren, He will remove it, not us. He didn't put the axe in our hands.
By the same token, Jesus did teach us, "if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault..." (Matthew 18:15).
It's a delicate subject that deserves more attention. Thank you for writing about it.
When alive to the indwelling Christ, you cannot keep them away. The problem is most Pastors settle for attendance as the KPI and it becomes a chore for the Laodicean. Souls in repentance is the only measure Jesus, Paul and Peter cared about.