The next morning I was impressed by all the bells and whistles . A video looked like it had been produced in Hollywood , and the music was loud and entertaining . When the pastor introduced me , the band played a lick from “ Play That Funky Music , White Boy .”
It was all balloons and cotton candy .
That morning I preached about Christ ’ s power to free us from Satan ’ s strongholds and secret sins . The expression on the faces of the crowd told me they hadn ’ t heard anything like this in a long time — maybe ever . The pastor had told me not to have an altar call “ because it makes people feel uncomfortable .” I didn ’ t notice a small digital clock on the pulpit that was set for thirty minutes . Near the end of my message , people were visibly moved . Then the alarm went off . The entire church could hear it ! I asked the pastor , “ Do you really want me to stop now ?” He shook his head and motioned for me to continue . That day people sobbed tears of repentance and worshipped the wonder , grace , and holiness of Jesus .
At lunch that afternoon I asked the pastor , “ Are your coffee shop and media helping you see lives changed ?”
He looked down and shook his head . “ No , not really .”
I told him , “ Pastor , I know you believe in the power of the gospel to change lives . When the transforming power of God is unleashed , direction is altered , broken marriages are mended , and people gladly sacrifice because they love God so much . Let me give you some advice : drop the latte and pursue the awesome presence of Christ .”
“ I guess I forgot ,” the pastor said weakly . “ I moved away from the love and power of the gospel that saved me , and I ’ ve been promoting a show .” He sighed deeply and looked into my eyes . “ Pastor Glen , can you help me ?”
We need more . We need the real thing .
As I read the Scriptures , I find a lot of passages that challenge me to the core . A few passages are confusing and difficult to understand . I ’ m not talking about those . I ’ m talking about the ones that are crystal clear … the ones that destroy my comfort zone .
Jesus had a way with words . He was as gentle as a lamb . He welcomed outcasts as friends , touched lepers to heal them , and held children in His arms . But He also demanded utter loyalty and complete obedience — nothing else and nothing less . If we exclusively focus on His kindness and compassion , we understand only part of His character , His purpose , and His heart .
Today many Christians are convinced that Jesus Christ came to earth to make them happy and successful . In the church world we seem to gravitate to books and messages that focus on success , fulfillment , and pleasure . When they experience any kind of disappointment , they believe God has let them down . Pain isn ’ t part of the plan ! They then assume God is mean because He let them be hurt . But Jesus didn ’ t come to make us feel better about our selfishness and sins . He came to forgive our sins , transform us , and change our hearts so we find sin detestable
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