Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Casual Christianity ~ Pondering "Grace"


We have not written for awhile because we have lacked words. I must say it is because we lack the courage to print them. This little area in the world wide web is concerned with the "casual" Christianity that is flooding the internet. They make it seem like the Messiah will be coming back in surf trunks and a beanie. Like people will greet the "King of Kings" with a "hey, dude!" and then move on with a Facebook entry.

Long gone is the "fear of the Lord" for He is just a "pal" now. The "awe" for the magnificent Creator of the Universe is dwindling into cyberspace.

Sadly, it is being justified by a distorted version of "grace".

Grace does not teach a lifestyle of "take me as I am Lord, keep me as I am and deal with me. I am a sinner and there is no use trying to live likewise".

No, this is what grace teaches...

"denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope,
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.
Let no man despise thee."


~ Titus 2:12-15


The life of a Christian isn't a party but a purposeful path. A path where we are told to pick up our cross, deny self and follow Him that is holy. To honor Him (who died so we could live!) with our life of love, devotion and service.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
 ~ Romans 12:1-2


High-fiving one another while we sin and then picking up the banner of grace to justify our choices isn't living for Him. It is living for Self. It isn't *full* acceptance of grace or *freedom* in Christ. It is mocking it.



May we see the difference and have the courage to "examine ourselves". May we strive to be that "peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14)…

May we be the believer who realizes “all things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up" (1 Corinthians 10:23)…

Because you dear reader, are the Daughter of the Most-High King in this "chosen generation". You have been called to "be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." ~ 1 Timothy 4:12b 

"The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit.
Grace be with you."
~ 2 Timothy 4:22


This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: Modest Mom Monday'sTeach Me TuesdayRaising HomemakersWise Woman Link UpHomemaking Thursdays and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. 

12 comments:

  1. My dear JES, what an incredible post! You have spoken on this subject of casual Christianity with great depth and truth. I am SO thankful you wrote this and I am thankful for the wisdom in these words and the truth in God's Scripture. May we not take our faith and walk with the Lord lightly and may bring honor and glory to our King who is the Kind of kings! Blessings to you, friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for taking the time to comment Stephanie ~ It saddens me to think of taking our faith lightly when everything he did for us was heavy. Heavy on the cross, heavy with sins… May we feel awe at what He has done for us everyday.

      Delete
  2. So wonderful...so glad you posted this and God gave you the courage to do so. :) Wise words and they need to be heard. Our faith is not to be taken lightly with a side of cool whip. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the encouragement Ashley! :)

      Delete
  3. Thank you for this bold post of truth. Sadly, in more churches than not in our area they practice and laud casual "Christianity", (I cannot get myself to type true Christianity as casual!). Their end goal is to appear and behave just like the culture. We've just left a church after agonizing for a year, Among other major changes we just couldn't hear the words, "let's sing this fun song!" again in the worship of our holy and precious God.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have said it well… My goodness… thank you for sharing!

      Delete
  4. Based on personal experience - I don't think it's possible to have a true encounter with God's grace and NOT want to live a more holy life. If one's life is not bearing fruit - then they may not have yet had that encounter, even if they claim to be Christians . . . in which case, I pray for them every day to be bowled over with God's love and grace and to stop just doing religion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true! Thank you for pointing that out. I would only add the concern for the people they are influencing, that is a real danger… something I have witnessed many a sad time.

      Thank you for sharing here today Amy :)

      Delete
  5. Thank you for being bold enough to post this truth! Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank YOU for taking the time to comment! :)

      Delete
  6. Well said!!! Sometimes truth must be spoken... thank you for your boldness to speak truth. I just found you... I am going to follow along. Please come by for a visit and hopefully follow along.. I hope to please my Lord in all I do.. This "seek sensitive" and "Casual Christianity" are deceiving many.. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing… It is very uplifting to read your testimony :)

      Delete

DaySpring Jewelry
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...