This can be found at Francis Chan's blog. If you aren't familiar with him, I can tell you that he is definitely an outside-of-the-box kind of preacher. The current popular trend seems to be to teach that God exists for us, to supply our wants and bless us with a comfortable life and fulfill our desires. It's really sad to hear all of the Scriptural spin going on these days. Francis Chan's teaching embraces the truth that, "the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts—it's falling in love with God."
His book, Crazy Love, is a must read.
The quick, little message above actually addresses something that has been a concern of mine lately. We are on the verge of some really great things. People are starting to get motivated and develop passion for the cause. We have drawn nearer and nearer to this for some time now, but we too easily get sidelined. I believe that one thing that we have talked about doing but have failed to do is hold each other accountable for our way of living, specifically our way of Christian living. In our pursuit of holiness, we must have the support and love of those in our close family to keep us in check.
Benji has been hitting on this on Wednesday nights. Psalm 141:5 says, "Let a righteous man strike me, it is a kindness; let him rebuke me, it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it."
I think it's time we realize that letting those who love us hold us accountable is a great act of love. I can honestly say that there have been times when I have rejected accountability, and times when I have longed for it. I need it now more than ever. There are some that I love dearly who need to be held accountable for actions and attitudes, not out of spite or self-righteousness, but out of a deep desire to see them living and walking as close to God as He desires. As Chan has said, it won't be popular, but it is Christ-like.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel as if now is the time for all of us to really fall in love with God. I think we all agree that it isn't about following a list of rules for the sake of following, but because He loves us enough to give us a Book full of things that He knows will keep us safe and close to Him. He fell in love with us first.
Pray about this, please.
Have a great Monday.
Here's a great tip: After the video above finishes, you'll see other vid-caps along the bottom. Scroll across and watch some of those sermons. You won't be sorry.
