"We get bogged down because we forget our purpose. We forget that what we are to be about is God - in our worship, in our learning, in our mission and in our service." We look for the quick and easy fix, the kind of thing that feels good. The prosperity gospel is so much more appealing than the real gospel. These things we do together - faithful worship and study, sharing our goods, taking care of those in need - these are not easy. They don't come naturally. That is why it is important we stay in community; we cannot go it alone. It is impossible for a Christian to be in isolation.
"... It would reflect the true gospel if we were able to say, 'Do you want to know why I like [my church]? I like it because it challenges me to grow in my relationship with God. I like it because it does not simplify capture, co-opt, and agree with the culture. I like it because I sense God's real active presence. I like it because we're a giving church. I like it because we help people.'
"...[H]ere's the only thing we [the church] really have: Christ. All we have to offer is Christ crucified, Christ died, and most importantly, Christ risen. It is, in the eyes of the world, not much. It is not enjoyment. It is not entertainment. It is not self-help. It is not the prosperity gospel. In the eyes of the world, it is nothing... but to those of us who have been saved, it is the power of God. It is nothing and it is everything."
(sermon from a friend)
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