Are we not exhibiting grace if we teach the Truth of God's Word and it offends some? Women have told me I am judgmental and lacking humility and grace when I share what the Word says when bloggers rave about "mutual submission" or working outside of the home. This is the problem with many in the Church today. They have no idea what grace means. Does it mean we are not to speak to Truth of God's Word to others who are writing things contrary to it? Is this what grace means?
What shall we say then?
Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we,
that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? {Romans 6:1} God's showered His
grace upon us while we were yet sinners, He died for us. Once we are saved, He
wants us to live free and dead to sin. He wants us to live like the saints He
calls us. We are called to judge those in the Church as this blogger so clearly
wrote ~
CHURCH: WAKE UP! We are
called to judge each other! That’s right: we’re supposed be be judging things
like movies and behavior. Why? Because our hearts are prone to wander, that’s
why. Because our flesh wants to drag us off into the mire and muck of movies
that bring dishonor to God and quench the Holy Spirit within us. Because God
clearly says that engaging in such things is wrong.
We have allowed ourselves to become desensitized to sin. We allow it in our churches and call it “progress.” We watch it in theaters and call it “entertainment.” We excuse it in others and call it “freedom.”
How far we have
fallen! No wonder our nation is in such grave danger: there are no
watchers on the wall. Personal holiness is no longer a priority. This is not a gray area,
men and women! Those who claim the name of Jesus should know His Word and long
to bring honor and blessing to the Lord. Instead, we toy with things He died to
save us from and then cry like babies if someone suggests that we might be
crossing the line.
It’s time for Christians
to grow up in Christ. These times need more than lukewarm faith. It’s time to
seriously ask ourselves who we are living for. As Believers, our lives are to
be a reflection of the One who redeemed us.
Whatever happened to “be
holy as I am holy?” Whatever happened to Christians NOT wanting to be like the
world? One day, we are going to give an account to the the Lord for the way we
lived our lives before men on this earth—and God has made it clear what He
expects.
Paul spoke God's Word forcefully and clearly because He knew it was God's Word alone that convicts and challenges people. He knows that people need to be rebuked and exhorted since he understood the deceitfulness of sin and how it quickly hardens people's hearts.
God's grace gives us the power to say NO to sin and walk in holiness. It gives us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us. We are encouraged to exhort one another daily while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin {Hebrews 3:13}. We are called to judge those within the church, as the Word clearly states. We are called to be a beacon on the hill proclaiming God's love and His ways to those in the Church. The Church is called to holiness as the Lord is holy. If you are a believer, take rebuke and exhortation for love does not get easily offended.
For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it isthe gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
