Haven’t we turned church into sort of a nurturing environment? Don’t we sort of engender that “safe, loving, caring” feeling? Sure… I for one am glad we have that. I need that a lot of times. But, seriously… Doesn’t this create somewhat of a difficulty for men? Men desire to be rugged. They want to be strong, tough, masculine. Men want to be manly.
Reading through the pages of the Bible, you mostly find stories of men who are following God. They did stuff like facing lions, battling evil nations, calling down fire from heaven, get chased down by the authorities, and led people for the glory of God. These were real men.
The Apostle Paul recounts some of his journey of faith:
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. -2 Corinthians 11:23-27 NLT
These men did stuff that was crazy. They stepped out in bold, do-or-die faith, abandoned to the call of God… Risking everything for His glory.
Have we built a culture of bold faith in church today? Or do we nurture a soft, safe place to hide? What do you think? What can we do about it?
Questions from Sunday’s message:
(get the podcast if you haven’t heard it.)
How did Steve’s description of god’s grace strike you? Had you ever thought about it that way before?
How do people diminish God’s grace these days?
How should we respond to people who believe that they are “worthy” of God’s love?
When was the last time you had to really step out in faith? How did it happen?
Was God trying to show you something?
What was it?
What did you learn from that experience?
How have you passed that knowledge on to others?
Which is better… Growth by learning (Sermons, LifeGroup, Bible study, etc) or growth by doing (stepping out in faith, trials, being stretched) ?
Why is each of these important? Do we typically live with the right balance of both? What would happen if the balance shifted?
Steve used the example of the “Rich Young Ruler,” who trusted his money more than he trusted Jesus. What do I tend to trust more than I trust God? If God points to me as examples of His grace, which I receive by faith… How do I need to be willing to step out in faith right now?