A few weeks ago I was looking at books for my children in a Christian bookstore. The special sale item was an Easter picture book for $5--great price and perfect for my 4 year-old. Thumbing through the book, I was shocked to see the only reference to the crucifixion were the words "and Jesus went to die." The picture on the page showed Jesus carrying a cross, walking up a hill.
No retelling of all he endured leading up to the cross and completely leaving out the events during the crucifixion. In our politically correct society let us not become a PC Body of Christ too.
What are believers to do with Christ and the cross?
First, we are to correctly tell His-tory. I can see book publishers gathered around storyboards discussing the graphic nature of the Easter story being too much for preschoolers. Someone probably speaks up to say '...and if we're not careful it could offend some readers.'
Has the cross and Christ's atoning sacrifice become too embarassing and hard to swallow for some? Apparently it has...
The Easter story is not a sweet and compact cross with lillies and bunnys. It's a brutal,bloody,gory,gut-wretching story that does not end at the cross. The Easter story is the story of our freedom as believers. Without the cross there is no hope for you and I--that is if you believe the Bible. As watering down the gospel increases within segments of the church community--we must stand firm and teach our children the TRUE, COMPLETE story of Jesus Christ.
It's hard to imagine a well-known author, speaker, and pastor saying the atonement of Jesus is nothing more than false advertising. McLaren is just one in a growing sea of emergent church voices who are leading believers astray with their new consumer-friendly Jesus who sends no one to hell because all roads (all religions) lead to him.
Let us remain diligent to teach the truth of God's word to our children--the complete and uncensored version that leads to life eternal.
As the emergent church raises their voice in hopes of diminishing the significance of Jesus' atoning blood, let us raise ours with the truth of the gospel that sets people free from sin and death.
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood." Romans 3:22-25
Tomorrow, let me re-introduce you to the Christ...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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1 comment:
Kellie... I'm so glad you posted this. I really think we need to be more aware of what is actually happening in the emerging church and what it is they teach and why it is so dangerous.
It's true that the cross is embarassing to so many. It's also true that the Bible says the way is narrow, there is just ONE way, and that many would be offended by Jesus.
Thank you for stirring my heart again. Bless you!
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