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Posted At: 8:36pm by Rachel Engebretson
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Welcome to what looks to be the lion’s entrance of March, 2007, everyone.
It seems as though whenever I sit down, place my fingers on the keyboard and brainstorm about things to blog about, I usually think first about the weather outside. Usually it’s not good. It’s better today; when I first wanted to write about a recent LCMS news bit (which isn’t so recent anymore) a violent snowstorm had swept across Wisconsin, leaving most inside to watch the hurricane-style winds whip snowdrifts against their houses and sometimes into not-so-well-sealed garages. That would be us.
And then a wave of students at my high school, skipping classes entirely to support another teenager whose father died without warning while working on a vehicle. Everyone immediately thought carbon monoxide poisoning, or a heart attack, but whatever it was, it was death. Predictably, a question went through everyone’s mind: “What if my dad died?”
We know, as Christians, that Christ offers something very special, significant, and especially crucial in our lives - forgiveness from sin. Death makes its presence known quite often. Even if the impact is indirect, the thought and concept of death hits everyone. No one is unaffected. Some approach death in bizarre ways - By denying it, scoffing at it, or embracing it, thinking the end of life is all there is. How can anything be better? Some ask. Some think everlasting life is a lie. And yet, so is gay marriage. Lies, it seems, are individually interpreted.
What is unique about Christianity, regardless of denomination, is a unified belief in God, who came to earth in human flesh and died a painful death for every sin of the entire world to be paid for. This is not individually interpreted - Millions believe it, many were inspired by God to write about it, history defends it, consistency proves it. Now, what is shared by both Christians and non-Christians is death. Everyone dies. This is also not individually interpreted. What happens then?
It’s not too difficult. I have faith, I live in perfection after death, which transcends time. The reality? I am condemned to hell without faith. My sins are enough to give me a priority one-way ticket there. This is the same for everyone.
So, condemnation. Sins condemn to hell. That reality bites more than any other pain experienced in the world. It’s worse than Bob Woodruff’s sustained injuries from a bomb, it’s worse than getting hanged and having your executer mock you with a camera phone, it’s worse than any radiation experienced from weaknesses in the ozone layer which do not necessarily exist. It’s pretty bad.
Knowing this especially in conscience, how much less in sustenance is a church which boldly proclaims: “No condemnation.”
If you haven’t heard about it already, you will right now. Take a stroll around Epic Church’s website once. Take in the images you’re bombarded with - People, skin, some more people…No condemnation. Kind of like the lovely health talks you get in 10th grade when they pass out emergency contraception. Aw, I thought I really needed a Christ for something. Now I’m given the opportunity to replace him with a guidance counselor.
Enough with the biting analogies. I really don’t need to list the reasons why this Lutheran congregation’s sermon series during Lent is blatantly inappropriate. Recognize that this isn’t inappropriate because of the sexual content - we all know God discussed sex (Which, I’m going to emphasize, is only right and acceptable between a married man and woman. That’s it. Nothing else). It’s inappropriate based on the season in the church year and the theme of text construed sadly out of context in advertisement.
If you want to reach the majority during Lent, don’t go for the sexually active; this is a cart before the horse scenario. Go for the people who might die someday. Good, now what happens - church offers a savior from death. What does one need? Only faith in Christ. Is faith compromised by unrepentant sin? Especially so.
So what? Are people who are sinfully sexual all condemned to hell? This is not our judgment, yet it is a blatant lie to pretend such condemnation does not exist!
Lent is nothing without reflecting on the death of Christ. Easter is nothing without having walked through the depressing valley of Lent first. God couldn’t resurrect without dying. Our sins can’t be destroyed without dying. This is life. Life is not sex.
My math teacher sometimes has the news on his television while we work. I was surprised to look up and see Epic Church on CNN with its “controversial” sex sermons. I was also saddened to realize that this might put a negative light on Missouri in the press, based on one critical mistake. It’s not as though we need the media to support us, it’s just nice to sometimes have church displayed positively and inviting to the gifts Christ gives so freely to believers.
We do not need to dwell on condemnation. Law is painful enough. Yet without it, like resurrection without death, there is no need for forgiveness and rescue from sin and death without law.
I know death is coming. Even at 17, I realize I can die at any time. What I need now is for a pastor, in church, to look at me and say, “As a called and ordained servant of the Word I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” but only after I’ve said, “We confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean…we justly deserve your present and eternal punishment…Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.”
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Posted On: April 01st, 2007 at 5:58pm by Rick Weiss |
Rachel
Hi
Your in danger of people throwing rocks at you because it seems that you really, really are a Christian.
The Article on Epic Church, WOW, They seem to have it right in there message as a believing churc , But your right the Pure Sex thing is a little over the top, a lot like the Quiznos commercials. If I was there Pastor I would do that Pure Sex thing at some time, like you alluded to , But NOT at Easter, I would be great in July when kids are out of school.
Once Saved do we really need to worry about condemnation? Is Sin then like dirt in the shower of Christ.
When we become Born Again Christians do we put on the cloth of teflon? OR
Are we then Carnal Christians? Flogging our savior, causing those stripes with every sin we commit? Yes Christ washes us clean in his blood, Thank God. But if we truly love him will we continue to sin?
I minister to the absolute worst of sinners, And as we explore Salvation, Forgiveness, and keeping a REAL relationship with God, we have come to the conclusion that Sin, Is Sin, Is Sin. And except for committing the (1) unpardonable sin we are all dirty rags.
Anyway, I would never thought you were 17, Your very bright and close to the truth.
Keep the Faith
God Bless
Rick Weiss
Zion Lutheran
St.Ignace MI
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