Sinner: Admitted

Well... whatever happened to what I felt God gave me for this post yesterday, eventually disappeared. I had it; then I lost it... and couldn't remember. So; I'm left developing an idea that I had the other day (which rarely happens; that I have an idea for two different days worth of posts at the same time)

The other day, I considered the possibility of the church was established from the beginning, as a different concept; a different format. Like AA.

SA. Sinners: Admitted.

When you think about it, it's really not that far of a stretch. The church is community. And it's fairly simply. Observe.

"Hello. My name is Peter. I am a sinner."

Culture often questions the church; and doubts it even more.  It's easy to understand how it happens. People in the church aren't any closer to being, doing, or living perfect than anyone outside the church. Christians are all in different places in their journey with God and non-Christians have and project many expectations of how the church should live; often not missing an opportunity to comment when the people of God miss the mark or end up on the unpopular side of the conversation.

So, as the church engages and related with community, may be we reminded we are all working from the same baseline: Sinner.

The only difference, is whether we come to a place of recognition; that we have a spiritual problem that requires the help of a higher power, Almighty God and that a transformation change needs to occur, through salvation in Jesus Christ.

I love what comedian Jeff Allen says (and it's it worth repeating)

"The truth is, Christianity is the only religion that would have me."

Admission of a problem is never easy. Whether it is a habit problem, a discipline problem, an attitude problem or a relational issue, confession is difficult. Yet, if anything worth having is worth working for; then confession is desperately needed; even in the face of brutal honesty.

For as we discussed yesterday;  A good parent loves too much to leave a child in an unhealthy state.

On this weekend #communitySaturday, will you join me in praying that the people of God would be people of confession. May the lines of communication be open; that Christians are not perfect and our need for a Savior is just as necessary as those we converse with who've yet to come to Christ. Though life is hard and situations and circumstance abound with challenge and difficulty, may the people of God continue to reflect Christ and testify to the grace, goodness and glory of God. When we don't know what to say, what to do or where to turn, may our reaction and response be one that trusts God and calls on His name.

Admitted sinners.
Saved by grace.
Through the power of confession.
Loved by God.
Made new in Christ.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit.
To be the people and children of God.
To a world desperately in need of saving.

- PNC

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