 Our church leases a building that has a frontage sign on the main street of our town. Each week we post two messages. Monday through Wednesday we have a unique church saying such as "Google cannot satisfy every search". Thursday we change the sign to reflect say what the coming Sunday message will be about; This Sunday ......
Because there is a business at the front end of the building, we keep the signs positive, humorous and witty. A saying caught my attention that I just put on the sign today and wonder if I have stepped over the edge or if I will upset some Christians. "God has 50 Shades of Grace". This phrase is modified from the book, “50 Shades of Grey” which is the first of three books that make up an erotic trilogy. I have not read the book nor recommend anyone to read. I have read reviews stating that the book is notorious for its erotic scenes that include graphic language and dangerous sexual practices. The book has taken the world by storm as millions of women are now immersing themselves in what they are calling a “beautiful romantic” novel. So, why have a church sign that makes obvious reference to a book that would fail godly things to put in our minds? Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. The sign may upset Christians who do not want people associating God with an erotic book. The reason I am taking a risk of upsetting some Christians is the doors of conversation that will open up in the community among those who do not know God, yet. People talk about our church sign. People tell me they notice it each week, they look for the changes, it makes them smile, and it makes them think about God. "God has 50 Shades of Grace" has the potential of opening up conversations among those who do not know God and perhaps talk about or think about what kind of God has 50 shades of grace. What do you think? A good idea, bad idea or a God idea?
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 Almost every parent has shifted from asking to demanding to manipulating to forcing obedience from their children. It works, but terribly.
The result is a fear-filled child. A similar result happens when ministry leaders move from grace to ungrace in their preaching and teaching. The result is fear-filled followers. The common definition of grace is "unmerited favor." I would describe it as unearned benefits from God. Ron Forseth, Vice President of Outreach, Inc, an organization dedicated to inviting and connecting every person in America to a Bible-believing church so that they might have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, wrote an article titled, "5 Reasons Why Pastors Don't Preach Grace". You can find the article at http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/138396-the-perils-of-preaching-grace.html He is spot on when he writes, " God's grace freely provides what we have the inability to produce ourselves. Grace elicits the confidence that He will accomplish that which He requires of us—as we cooperate with and obey Him. When we preach grace, we motivate our listeners to trust God in confidence rather than shrink from Him in fear. "Ungrace," on the other hand, leaves people looking to themselves to produce the very thing they lack—and therefore, leaves them burdened and discouraged. Grace empowers righteous living. Ungrace disables it. Grace motivates obedience because God has generously given us what we need. Ungrace demands obedience under threat of condemnation if we come up short. Grace begins with the provision of God and ends with the completeness of the believer. Ungrace begins with the incompleteness of the hearer and ends with the same. Grace leads to freedom and victory. Ungrace leads to bondage and defeat. Grace looks to God as the source of that which is required—and much is required! Ungrace looks to people to produce what they lack. Grace is the mark of New Testament preaching and the key to empowering right living." Amen, Ron Forseth! Live fully in God's grace today. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14b |
Mark Radeke
Husband of one, father of five, pastor and friend of many. Archives
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