FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK... BELIEF ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH

James provides rational context for his belief that just believing is sufficient.  His theological perspective is similar to Israel’s quest to occupy the land of Canaan during the time of Joshua.  In both instances just believing wasn’t good enough to defeat the enemy and inherit what God had promised.

Christians aspiring to be a credit to the faith need to clearly understand that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20) and won’t successfully address the mission and vision of the faith. Israel needed to understand that the land God promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was not achievable without sacrifice, conquest and obedience (Joshua 1). Faithful aspirations require work.

Too many postmodern Christians believe that belief alone is sufficient; a position usually accorded to salvation rather than responsible stewardship.  It is true that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works (Eph. 2:8, 9). However, it is also true that we are workers together with Him; and that we should not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1).  The Apostle Paul declared that “…His grace towards me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor. 15:10). 

Salvation puts a Christian in right position with God. On the other hand, works demonstrate the purpose of the position.  The great commission instituted by Jesus Christ coincides with this analysis: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and in the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28: 19-20). Faith thrives on output not just input.  It is the duality of inhaling and exhaling that brings life to faith and true meaning to what it means to be a Christian.

The challenge to modern day Christians is the same as it has always been, making disciples.  However, the church in many cases has drifted into a lackadaisical network of internally focused ministries catering to the people in the pew.  In the Externally Focused Quest, Eric Swanson and Rick Rusaw raise a simple question: Is your church trying to be the best church in the community or the best church for the community? In far too many cases churches are trying to be the best church in the community and just trading members between churches.

I want to challenge you to do discipleship through the establishment of relationships.  Rather than selling Christ with tracks and set plans of evangelism; let’s share the love of Christ through acts of charity that support the mission of our church –“Building Community.”  There are several objectives underlying our mission: inspiring through worship; improving the quality of human life; promoting academic achievement; and developing initiatives for financial empowerment. 

   

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We welcome you to become part of the “work” of the church.  Call our church office (517-485-7705) and we can get you started in an area of ministry that will be personally rewarding and beneficial to the uplift of our community and the glory of God.

 Pastor Jones