It's dark and cold here, but the beauty always seems to shine through all of that. Here in Romania it's been extremely difficult to get through the legalism of the Orthodox church. In our minds it seems so easy to read about love, mercy, and grace and believe that, but what is it that hinders us from actually living in it's freedom? The Orthodox Church is a lot like Catholicism in that it puts a lot of emphasis on works and payment for prayer, etc. I'm not about to say that these people aren't christians, but I will say with certainty that they complicate the gospel. To attach works to the salvation process and ensuring that you refrain from certain things like "drinking" and "smoking" and "fornicating" are doing nothing except complicating salvation or even preventing it for that matter. It places in ones mind that they must continuously be "good" before approaching God and receiving His free gift. I can't help but think that this breaks God's heart in that "it was while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us." We cheapen the sacrifice He made with this mindset. I can't be naive enough to say that it doesn't happen with us as christians also. In our human minds we cannot comprehend a perfect God falling in love with imperfect people. I mean, it's hard enough to even like a person of a different mindset than you or a person who doesn't even act the way you act. I notice in my own life how I place God in the box labeled "my way of thinking," but in reality He obviously doesn't fit. It becomes inconceivable and therein lies the mystery of God.
We come across many different types of contacts that we work with and likewise come across many different styles of evangelism. It gets frustrating when I see a style of evangelism that seems outdated and not relational with the target community. I was challenged in this thought early on. While I might not agree with the style of evangelism that I'm serving in I realize I am on the same team as them. Our goals are ultimately the same…to see individuals introduced to Jesus. Whether it's passing out tracks, telling them they're a sinner on their way to hell, or just sitting down for coffee and building a relationship and let them seeing that we all struggle through this life. It's just that I have a hope and future that doesn't compare to my current nature. All attempts are an effort to further the Kingdom and see lives transformed.
I guess what I'm trying to say is; that if we do not unite and attempt to lay aside preferences we will only slow the gospel from being shown. We must lay aside petty differences such as what type of music is played in the church and bashing another church for worshipping one way versus the way you worship. Is this a battle that really needs to be fought and deserves persecution, or is it an opportunity to unite and focus more on the big picture and further a message of redemption? I really don't believe that Jesus wanted us to rival over finite doctrines. If we just make sure we preach Jesus all other Truth will fall into place. That's the work of the Holy Spirit.
I totally went off the subject I actually wanted to talk about which was boldness and went on a tangent. I will repost another blog withing the week regarding this. So I will call this Part 1. I'm pretty scatter brained if you don't know me 🙂
So that's where I am at this moment. I want to serve and further Jesus' name rather than oppose and cause confusion where it doesn't need to happen. I challenge you to do the same. If they're not fighting against Him they're, by default, for Him.
Financial Update: I'm at $12,550 and I need a mere $2,950 to be FULLY FUNDED. I honestly never thought I would make it to this point, but by a legitimate miracle (and trust me, I'm a skeptic on miracles….I'm human). God has proven Himself in a mighty way and know He will continue to do so. If you feel led to give I would be honored and humbled.
