Embracing the Transformative Risk of the Gospel (06/01/'24) -Statement

Embracing the Transformative Risk of the Gospel (Embracing the Risk of the Gospel: A Transformative Call to Action) The gospel whispers softly, calling to hearts and souls not merely through thoughts or idle dreams, but through bold actions. This path of faith is dangerous, interweaving love and truth, with no safe retreat or easy way. In this walk, we must obey, placing God's will above all else in every heart and land. It’s a call to arms, shining in love's pure light, challenging wrong and standing for right. Though this may strain family ties and cherished bonds, the risk and cost yield a deeper joy and truer peace found in living love that never ceases. Jesus, who faced the cross, lost no life in His embrace, but calls us to stand and bring His will to every land. There is no safe repose or easy cheer for those who hold the gospel dear. Yet, in this danger and strife, we find the way to endless life. Let us act with hearts ablaze, in dangerous love and holy ways, as God's kingdom dawns a brighter day. The gospel is a dangerous idea, not because it prompts mere thought, but because it compels us to put belief into action. This understatement misses the real danger: the radical changes and actions the gospel demands. Prioritizing God's will above all else can create tension in relationships, but the true essence of the gospel lies in living its principles. Walter Brueggemann highlights that the gospel is inherently radical and transformative, not "safe" or "innocuous." Jesus was crucified because His teachings and actions challenged power structures and societal norms. The gospel's danger lies in confronting injustice, making personal sacrifices, and facing opposition. It disrupts personal lives, societal norms, and even familial relationships, demanding radical actions that align with God's will. The gospel's transformative power lies in its call to action, embodying Jesus' teachings in daily life, and promising a deeper joy and truer peace. May we embrace the risk and challenge of living out the gospel, finding courage in our faith and strength in the transformative power of God’s will. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 1, 2024)