Arms' Length Fellowship
Many churches reflect the isolation of the world rather than the sharing of Christ.
We gather in Jesus name, yet remain isolated, restricted by pride to illusions of our own adequacy; people content at arm's length, singing of Jesus, who emptied himself to share his life. Such churches contrast with what we read of from Acts 2 onward.
Some churchmen are unable to convincingly proclaim Jesus' death that shatters pride -- because the pride of their heart has deceived them. They sound self-satisfied because they are . Those who are crucified, speak of a crucified Savior, and invite us from predictable but lifeless words, into the reality of his death to sin and risen life.
In contrast with many churches, there are gatherings that for 70 years have known the sharing of hearts described in scripture. Two men who were imprisoned by alcohol began these meetings that are characterized by the humility and sharing of those convicted of their failures. Such men and women in turn open their hearts to others, and power is passed among humbled hearts that actually transforms lives.
May churches be transformed to occasions of authentic sharing of the Life crucified, by those who have actually followed Jesus through such death, into his eternal life.
12/31/05 wm