Points 4 Consistency

I saw a great marquee the other day, in front of a church.. although, now I can't remember if I saw it, driving or scrolling through social media. (maybe both?!)

Come back and visit this Sunday. Easter is over, but He is still risen!

We prayed on Friday, about compelling the community to come... that the message of Christ is the only one that stands differently from all other religions.

Yesterday, we talked about portraying Christ to the community, rather than self; especially as culture continues to move further away from truth and absolute principles, while constantly promoting self.

How tragic, for all the prayer for the unsaved, the witness of our personal experience with Christ in our lives and the compassion of one's soul to continually invite them into relationship with Christ and on that journey of decision, they step into a congregation that contradicts the testimony and the invitation that was extended.

Church is a dynamic environment. I understand church cultures operate differently, but relationship with Christ is a state of growth and maturity. There's a difference between biblical disciplines and "going through the motions" routine. The latter can and often does, quickly become mundane... less than exciting. Much like a life without a plan and a purpose.

Just cruising. As if on auto-pilot. And this is one relationship that doesn't last long in automatic mode. If life a highway, there's twist and turns, fast curves, elevation changes, weather conditions, various hazards and obstacles... all of which is much more enjoyable with a manual transmission and a clutch! WHY?? Because you have a greater sense of the experience because it's an extra level of engagement. A greater sense of control. An increased level of focus. All of which prompts the driver to take the moment much more serious. As the intensity increases so does the fun, typically as well. 

Certainly, you are unsure at the start, but soon you're screaming in excitement...LET'S DO THAT AGAIN!!!

Nothing is worse, than an experience being praised by one; then when you finally decide to check it out, the experience is nothing like what you were told you should expect.

No points are awarded to those who are inconsistent. Credibility is lost. And the church, has lost enough of that over the years. Sadly. If you haven't experienced that reality for yourself, surely, someone only a couple degrees of separation from you has quite a tale to tell that will prove my point. So much for effective and efficient.

Pray, this #effectiveSunday, that while we don't get any points, guests and those curious to know more about God and who Jesus was then, is today and what He can accomplish in and through their life, will find the church consistent. In the message of Christ. In the life of the believer. May they see an active faith; not fake or superficial, but one that takes the issues of life, the struggles of regret, the disappointments of bad decisions and effects of situations that may or may not have been their own doing.... a faith that takes all their stuff and turns it to God. Pray that God miraculously makes something beautiful out of those who willingly humble themselves to a place where they can trust God with their mess. Pray that many would come to understand, their life is not the worst that God has seen. He is not the plumber, mechanic, dentist, bankruptcy lawyer, teacher having never seen this before in a customer, patient, client or student and is hesitant to do the work because it's unfamiliar.

God looks at every life, no matter the mess one has made of it and says, "Not only can I handle it; but you won't even recognize it when I am done. Only God trades our ashes for His beauty. Not just consistently, but for each and every life that comes to Him, through Jesus Christ. For these things, we pray. For the glory of God.

- PNC

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