Sunday morning as we continued our sermon series on the book of Ephesians, Pastor Bryan presented us with some challenging teachings from the Apostle Paul. Sometimes we (as church goers) are called to submit to one another. Children are told to submit to their parents. Wives are told to submit to their husbands. Husbands are instructed to submit to Christ. There is a boldness or shock to a pastor teaching on these verses. And then in Adult Sunday School we heard from another pastor (James pastored the first church in Jerusalem) speaking just as firmly and boldly to his congregation (“Lament and mourn over your sin;” “Humble yourself;” “Don’t be friends with the philosophies and values of this world”). There are churches and pastors that ignore anything in the Bible that might offend. I’m so glad this is not the case at GraceWay!
“To stay away from Christianity because part of the Bible’s teaching is offensive to you assumes that if there is a God he wouldn’t have any views that upset you.”
Tim Keller
Be encouraged that the Bible is not afraid to challenge our wrongful thoughts and behaviors. Be grateful that God loves us enough to tell us what we need to change. Be thankful that the Bible diagnoses us and directs us towards the power to help and change us. Pray that GraceWay Church would continue to be a place that looks to Scripture as God’s needed and welcome voice in to our lives.