Written by Greg Bennert 07-15-1998

The Risk...

Dangling barely above hell's flames on a tattered thread of human intellect, sags today's church fruitlessly bound by men's materialism and self-seeking traditions.  Leaping from the pages of Scripture, Mark 7:7-8 echoes Jesus' exposing words as He says, "They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."  Yes, tightly wrapped in a straight jacket of religiosity, God's church throws a wet blanket on the Holy Spirit's redeeming fire in the lives of the lost. Grieved, God looks on weeping amid sinners untold as His bride casts the hopeless eternities of His children aside in exchange for a fleeting grasp on a form of godliness as they deny its power. Paul's words in II Timothy 3:5 warn us not to be part of empty religious circles as he says, "have nothing to do with them."  Friend, do Paul's words apply to us?

God's Loving Mercy

In His great mercy, God paved the way for us to be found faithful before Him. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:5 that, "our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." What attitude does Jesus display?  We find our answer in Matthew 10:7-8 where Jesus declared, "As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."  Dear Friend, are we giving freely?  John 5:17 reveals that Jesus went on to say, "My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working." God wants us to be diligent, not passive in our efforts to reach others for Christ. Without exception, God continues to bless today's people and churches who hunger and thirst after righteousness in their active and passionate pursuit of Jesus Christ, His mission, and the Holy Spirit Who reminds us of all He taught us.

Sadly, many people and churches are growing inward today as they teach an intellectual Gospel lacking any practical life application capable of changing lives in Jesus' name.  Remember, the word "go" found early in Christ's great commission to us all in Matthew 28:19-20 does not follow the word "go" with clarifiers like "after graduation from seminary" or "when you find time."  His words were simple, clear, and directed at each of us who have received His gift of love and life.  Consequently, we must ask the right questions if we are to find God's right answers in our quest to love others and serve Him.  Every day...I find God's Spirit challenging me with two penetrating questions... First, what is God's purpose for my life?  And second, will I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me?  Have you asked lately...

Copyright / BattleCry Ministries - Greg Benner 1998.  All rights reserved worldwide.  These materials shall not be used or distributed without written permission.