Powerful statements: “I would say the “comfortable Christ” is the one who does not call us to repent or depart from sin. He is looking for admirers, not followers. This comfortable Christ is beloved by theologians of glory.
A comfortable Christ will not criticize your personal sins. He will not demand your dearest treasures. He will never ask you to reconsider an opinion, or deny you earthly glory, or confront you with the darkness within. “
May we hear him say again and again: “whoever would come after me must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me”. Then, and only then, will the church be the salt and light the world needs.
The time is coming, and in many places already is, when to follow Jesus will cost a true believer everything, except for his or her eternal soul . . . just like what it cost Him.
That depends on what you mean. Suffering is an inherent part of our present earthly existence, and more so if we seek to live righteously. For this reason, Christ told his disciples they should expect to suffer. But he does not expect believers to suffer in the sense of requiring it for the purpose of salvation. We do not justify ourselves through suffering. It is Christ’s suffering that justifies.
We were given a small chance to step into the void with the covid pandemic. Could we walk with no support, on water, like St Peter. Billions failed . It was just a test
My only pushback is that there are many strong and faithful churches in America. We must be careful when criticizing Christ's bride. As my pastor often says to me--There is more you don't know than you do know.
I don’t think what I described is a solely American phenomenon, or that all American churches are equally guilty of it. I believe it is a constant temptation for every Christian in ways great and small. But I also believe the grace of God is overflowing and gives hope to us all. He also ensures that even sinners get things right sometimes by the power of His Spirit.
The entire mainline church experience is all about what you describe so well. The comfortable Christ is the affirming Christ of the Elca, UMC, episcopal church and all the other mainlines.
I have to save this and pray over it-----regularly.
Me too.
Ouch. I didn't expect a butt-kicking on a Monday, but, guilty on many counts. Well done, Ms. Mantravadi. Godspeed.
I assure you, the grace of God is plentiful.
HOLY SPIRIT FIRE in this post. Amen.
Powerful statements: “I would say the “comfortable Christ” is the one who does not call us to repent or depart from sin. He is looking for admirers, not followers. This comfortable Christ is beloved by theologians of glory.
A comfortable Christ will not criticize your personal sins. He will not demand your dearest treasures. He will never ask you to reconsider an opinion, or deny you earthly glory, or confront you with the darkness within. “
May we hear him say again and again: “whoever would come after me must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me”. Then, and only then, will the church be the salt and light the world needs.
Very true.
One of my favourite films and one of, if not the, favourite part of the film. Profoundly moving and challenging. Thanks for the reminder.
This was splendid, Amy. Bravo! 👏👏👏
Thanks, brother!
The time is coming, and in many places already is, when to follow Jesus will cost a true believer everything, except for his or her eternal soul . . . just like what it cost Him.
It has always been that time for some. Perhaps some day it will be that day for us in America. We shall see.
No “perhaps” . . . just “when.”
Loved this. You put into eloquent form how I feel about the church in the UK.
I know people in the UK who are true witnesses to the gospel, but yes, the overall situation is as you say.
I don't think Christ expects suffering.
That depends on what you mean. Suffering is an inherent part of our present earthly existence, and more so if we seek to live righteously. For this reason, Christ told his disciples they should expect to suffer. But he does not expect believers to suffer in the sense of requiring it for the purpose of salvation. We do not justify ourselves through suffering. It is Christ’s suffering that justifies.
Exactly.
We were given a small chance to step into the void with the covid pandemic. Could we walk with no support, on water, like St Peter. Billions failed . It was just a test
My only pushback is that there are many strong and faithful churches in America. We must be careful when criticizing Christ's bride. As my pastor often says to me--There is more you don't know than you do know.
I don’t think what I described is a solely American phenomenon, or that all American churches are equally guilty of it. I believe it is a constant temptation for every Christian in ways great and small. But I also believe the grace of God is overflowing and gives hope to us all. He also ensures that even sinners get things right sometimes by the power of His Spirit.
The entire mainline church experience is all about what you describe so well. The comfortable Christ is the affirming Christ of the Elca, UMC, episcopal church and all the other mainlines.
I believe that both the mainline and non-mainline churches have, in their own ways, fallen into the comfortable Christ trap.