The Magnetic Pull of the Dark Side...

Over the holidays we went and saw the latest Sar Wars movie. Like any good fantasy, it captures some real things about living in this world which contributes to its popularity. In one scene Rey peers into a dark pit, which apparently is a portal for peering into the dark side. (spoiler alert!) she can't resist the draw of this dark pit and ends up heading right into it. I couldn't help but identify.

This week I started reading the Bible again and the movie scene played over again in my mind. In spite of a good God who created a good world, we chose darkness over light. The truth is even the best of us love the darkness more than the light. I'd like t say because I'm a pastor that I'm a good guy. But it's not the evil out there in the world that is my problem but my own propensity to choose evil over good. We are all a strange mix of amazing potential for good but a crippling love for the bad, the dark, the selfish. Our problem is internal and we all have it. It's why Jesus came. It's why we need his rescue and regeneration.

In our culture, the church needs to be more open about our love for the 'dark side', not to justify it or to promote it, but to model what it means to walk in repentance and belief. I remember the first time I spoke about sexuality at my church. I wanted to talk about the things I did right, the times I avoided temptation. The thinking was that I needed to be a good example of spiritual strength. But I was challenged to take a different path and I'm so glad I did. The underlying truth is, my life contains sexual failures. So instead of painting a perfect picture, I spoke of my struggles in light of the gospel and God's purpose for sex. It was difficult and scary but I think it connected better with people and pointed more directly to Christ.

Comments

READY: What Jesus says about being his family at the end of the age.

We need to think carefully and take a closer look at what Jesus says about living 'ready' for his return as his family at the end of the age. This resource was written to help steer people toward the heart of Christ's instruction and away from fear-driven and often divisive speculation about living in the end times. In these days of rapid change and uncertainty, this short book will help reveal Christ's heart toward us and instill hope-driven strategies to live ready for his return. Whether you're a believer seeking answers or simply curious about New Testament perspectives that relate to today's chaotic world, this brief guide is designed to inspire thought-provoking discussions about implementing Jesus' teachings for living as His family in our world, until He returns. For those leading a ministry, participating in a small group, or simply seeking clarity in a confusing world, this simple study will challenge and inspire you to embrace Christ's calli...

Unexpected Joy

A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed a scene in the mall that has stayed with me. After grabbing a hot coffee and finding a seat in the food court, I opened my laptop to catch up on some emails. Suddenly, I heard an excited lady exclaim in a loud voice, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Pastor!" I looked up to see a middle-aged woman completely overjoyed as a young pastor unloaded a small grocery cart filled with potatoes, tomatoes, bread, and fresh fruit into her arms. "Thank you! You remembered me," she said. After handing over the groceries, he offered a short prayer, gave her a big hug, and then continued on his way. It was an overcast Monday morning when I had not seen a single smile, only many tired and weary commuters with heads down and shoulders hunched. That scene felt like a bright light piercing through the darkness, and her joy was contagious. A few moments later, a young mom and her child took a seat at the table in front of her. The two connected with...

Are We Still In Step With The Gospel?

Many Christians today read Galatians as if it were primarily about personal salvation: salvation is by faith, not by works. That is certainly part of Paul’s message. But it is not the whole story. Paul’s deeper concern in Galatians is whether churches themselves are aligned with the true gospel and living in step with it as a community . The issue is not just how individuals are saved. It is whether churches are walking the straight line of the gospel . Paul states the problem bluntly at the beginning of the letter: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.” (Galatians 1:6–7) Throughout the letter, he returns to this concern, especially in Galatians 2:14, 5:2–12, and 6:12–16 . Something had shifted in the Galatian churches. The gospel had begun to be subtly redefined. “Not in Step With the Truth of the Gospel” One of the most revealing moments comes when Paul confr...

More Than Words...

Search This Blog