Of course not. So why do we try to hide the fact that we are flawed people who experience tremendous burdens?
Why don't we reveal those struggles to further celebrate how our loving God has delivered power, hope and victory in this life and the life to come?
I was struck by this thought as we celebrated our Easter service focusing on the power of a "resurrected life." Shouldn't the church be a place where we can openly share our hurts, failures and pain within a sympathetic environment? After all, aren't all of us flawed and in need of God's grace?
Far from "turning off" the world, would this genuine openness in the church (which seems rare) only serve to highlight the power of God's love and forgiveness, thereby attracting wounded souls to the great Physician?
We were blessed by the willingness of these Farragut members to openly share their personal victories that God is bringing to their lives. What testimonies!
Many moving examples were displayed, focusing on God's power to change lives:
The prodigal who has returned home.
A diagnosis of cancer and turning to the great physician.
From homelessness to having a home with a hope for the future.
Released from the shackles of "legalism" to living in God's grace.
See the photos from our Easter Sunday here.
The prodigal who has returned home.
A diagnosis of cancer and turning to the great physician.
From homelessness to having a home with a hope for the future.
Released from the shackles of "legalism" to living in God's grace.
See the photos from our Easter Sunday here.
Some of my earlier worship surveys were simple questions like, "What is your favorite worship song." Now I am asking heavier discussion topics like this one. Why are we so afraid to share our struggles with the world, (much less, with each other in the "family?")
Is it true that sometimes Christians have been known to "shoot their wounded?"
Shouldn't the church be a refuge for sinners? A place where weary souls can seek refuge? I really like the saying, "The church should be a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints."
How do we provide a more supportive and loving environment while we help each other and hold each other accountable?
How should our worship reflect that openness?
When studying the interactions of Jesus with hurting people, we are struck by the manner in which they are drawn to him. If the church does the work of Jesus, shouldn't people be drawn to that same loving environment?
Is it true that sometimes Christians have been known to "shoot their wounded?"
Shouldn't the church be a refuge for sinners? A place where weary souls can seek refuge? I really like the saying, "The church should be a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints."
How do we provide a more supportive and loving environment while we help each other and hold each other accountable?
How should our worship reflect that openness?
When studying the interactions of Jesus with hurting people, we are struck by the manner in which they are drawn to him. If the church does the work of Jesus, shouldn't people be drawn to that same loving environment?
