Un-complicating the Complicated

A few months ago I invited an elderly couple to visit the church in Hamilton, Texas. They were courteous enough but I knew they would never visit. A preacher just knows. It’s that way all the time. People are nice, but never admit the truth that they will never come to the church. That’s okay, I’m used to it. A few weeks ago the wife passed away. The widower husband, in grief, asked a family friend made all the arrangements for the service. They called me to preach a brief graveside service only. At this point, a preacher begins his detective work in preparing for this all-important memorial. The husband spoke to me about his wife of forty-plus years and I took notes for preparation. When we concluded, I once again offered the fellowship of our church to help him deal with his loss. I was then given a myriad of reasons why they did not go to church at all. They clung to a complicated belief system that no pastor or congregation could measure to their standards. There was a mix of Old Testament law, doctrines, theology, and the like that was complicating their belief system. He said the only church they would attend was in California! Belief in God is not complicated at all. The biblical narrative is clear that God has an insane love for all mankind and the only way to redemption is through Jesus Christ. The Church is established for a twofold purpose. First is Worship. Second is Evangelism. Worship is when we as individuals give all honor, glory, and praise to God. We thank Him for all His goodness and grace extended to us and are truly grateful for His mercy and redemption. Evangelism is that command from Jesus Christ to take the Gospel into all the world, beginning at home and to the uttermost parts of the earth. I know of people who sing contemporary music and experience worship. I know of others who cling to the traditional hymns and experience worship as well. It’s not complicated. I know of some churches that have a full calendar of events while others have only one service a week. Both are good congregations, and people may choose which church to be within the covenant. It’s not complicated. Neither is redemption complicated at all. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” This is significant because there is NOTHING a person can do to obtain eternal life except through Jesus Christ. No amount of benevolence, gifts to the church, nor volunteer service will make a difference. For those who cling to the Old Testament law, that was fulfilled in Jesus when he became our Vicarious Atonement on the cross. The Apostle Peter said in Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Remember, Paul said, “Not of works”. It’s not complicated, and there is no reason to make it that way. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Sounds easy to me. When death came, the couple with complicated religion was just fine with any preacher they could get to do the service. I guess the preacher from California couldn’t make it. See you in church --- Bro. Louis