Time to Get Back in the Game

Greetings in the Name of Jesus,

As you probably know, I am a sports fan. I love college basketball. March is playoff time and each evening, I watch the TV reports and predictions on the games coming this weekend. A few nights ago, one sportscaster was especially negative. He took issue with the officiating, the coaching, and the effort of the players. He was an equal opportunity critic. 

I looked up this commentator and found out that he had never played any sports at the high school or college level! I realized in that moment how easy it is for us to sit on the sidelines and criticize the game. 

The Church across America is facing the same crisis. Too many Christians want to sit on the sidelines. We need everyone involved. I believe it’s time for us to get back into the game. Basketball is just a game. However, the work we do through the church is not a game and has eternal consequences for our world. It is time for us to get back in the game and make a difference in this world. 

This Sunday, we continue our study of 1 John. In chapter four, John proclaims the love of God conquers all. We hear the words, “… perfect love casts out fear...” Unfortunately, the message of love is getting lost in today’s church culture. It is no secret that those outside the church believe that Christians are judgmental, rigid, and unforgiving. In many circles, there is more talk about judgement than grace; punishment than love; fear than devotion. This passage strikes at the core of judgement with the grace and love of Christ for all. 

See you Sunday in worship and Wednesday at our Lenten Dinners!

Pastor John Allen