The Rambling Disciple

One of the most frequent comparisons I hear is that church is like a family. That is often the goal of many churches, to create a family environment where people feel welcome and included. This is a sentiment I agree with, but I also think that we often don't realize what we are asking for. Families, by their very nature, bear responsibility. When we say family, what we mean is a place of warmth and caring. What we usually don't mean is vulnerability. We want the picturesque TV family, where all the problems are solved by supper and there is no lasting stakes. This isn't the kind of family church is meant to be. Church is a real family. Real families don't always get along. Real families see the ugly side of each member. Real families have to work through their problems over the course of years. Real families are vulnerable. Warmth and care are easy when everyone pretends to have it all together. How much more impactful would it be if in our churches we showed t...

Dear Mom, I know this letter won't reach you, as you are blissfully resting in the everlasting arms of Christ. This knowledge and hope make me smile, as I know that the pains and trials you experienced at the end are now but a distant memory as you cling to the glory of our God and Father whose face you sought with fervor and devotion your whole life. Still, with it being Mother's Day and all, I feel the need to say something; and it was always easier to say what I needed to when I was talking to you. Mom, I miss you so much. The pain of losing you still festers in my heart. While the wound has begun to heal and the joys, burdens, and minutia of life have started to close over it, it is never far from my mind. I have never hurt so much in my life. Reminders of you crop up all over the place. I'm reminded of you whenever I begin to worship, as you taught me its importance. Every time I open the Bible I am reminded of the long conversations we would have over this and...

We will all stand before the Judge at the end. He will weigh our life and sentence us accordingly. He holds the standard of righteousness in his hands, and we must live up to it. The thought of being judged is not a pleasant one for most people. Most don't want to have to stand before a judge in a court of law. We don't like handing control over our lives to someone else. It's unsettling and most of us would rather imagine that we are in control. People really don't like the idea of being judged by Christ at the end of all things, testing the contents of their life. This is probably the most hated aspect of Christianity. People don't like that there is a moral standard and that they will be held accountable to it by God. What we must never forget is that Christ is not only our Judge, but he is also our Advocate. He stands as our intercessor, bringing our prayers to the Father as our great High Priest. He works on our behalf, offering grace and mercy at every t...