A few weeks ago we went to the Hendersonville Apple Festival. In the middle of the apples, funnel cakes, and art, were men holding bibles, yelling at the top of their lungs about sin. Boo’s only question:
Why are they so angry?
A few weeks ago our pastor Jeff, at the Grove, said something that I’ve kept with me…even writing it down in the front of my journal:
Tell me what you are for. Not what you are against.
I am for love.
And I try not to complicate it.
Life is too complicated as it is.
This group of students singing Oh How He Loves to a preacher gave me goosebumps. (found via Huffington Post).
It makes me think of this quote I read in Torn:
Love the sinner. Hate your own sin.
Brett said this last week in our small group at church:
My relationship with the church growing up was like one with the dentist. I was afraid to go in… because I hadn’t been in so long. I felt condemned before I even walked in the door.
That’s not how it’s supposed to work.
Our world needs to know that the rumors of grace are true. There is a God who loves us in the midst of our rebellion, brokenness, and sin. He invites us to come freely to his throne to receive his grace and be transformed. God doesn’t expect us to resurrect ourselves and restore our lives; it’s a free gift he offers, and he is waiting to do it with joy.
-Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson, Rumors of God
Jody says
I usually feel the same way as Brett. Then our church sent us a postcard that said “We missed you at Sunday school last week. Feel free to come when ever you can” . No pressure. Just letting us know we were missed. So we went the following week and it was great!
chandra says
I love reading your posts so much. I started reading your blog a long time ago, and when I cut down on how many blogs I read- just yours and a couple others made the cut. I know you aren’t looking for something else to do (as you just posted about in your previous post), but I think it’d be awesome if you wrote a bible study course. I think you’d be super at it and they would be so beneficial to people because you write in your own words and not church jargon.
Kim says
Tears…of JOY! Oh…how he loves us!!!
Mae Kraich says
Rob and I enjoyed meeting your family this week. Reading this I discover and celebrate your love for the Lord! Will continue to check your blog posts and perhaps see you all on another trip over to Bryson. For several weeks we will have company visiting, so it may be a while. Meanwhile, praying God’s blessings for you and your family. Praying also for your speech this weekend–that you will be filled to overflowing with God’s love in your heart, which will be communicated in your words and voice, a blessing for all who hear, and a special blessing for you too! In Christ Jesus’ amazing love, Mae.