So interesting, the targeting of an entire group of people, based upon their particular struggle. Also interesting, Jesus revealed the sins of Peter before they happened...and still allowed him to become the "Rock upon which the Church would be built."
While I do not think that Christian beliefs should be swayed by political rhetoric, far too many "evangelicals" seem to have forgotten exactly what Jesus came to do. We leave off what comes after John 3:16. As if my narrow (and often less-than-loving) focus upon one particular struggle is more effective in convincing anyone of the will of God. A task that Paul seems to assign to...The Holy Spirit?
And another thing: Why do we use the word "conviction?" Paul uses such strong wording in relationship to "the courtroom." And that wording seems to point to something other than a conviction. Justification. Sins being atoned for and whatnot. Something not really akin to an attempt to denounce any sin or lifestyle on any sort of mass scale. If nothing else, it seems to point toward quite the opposite. The potential redemption of all of those former convicts.
I can't help but wonder if the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been changed from a message of restoration and renewal of life...into a burdensome, laborious yoke of slavery. One mostly entered into when one has "had the hell scared out of oneself." Given the number of "convicts" I've prayed with, I think I've been guilty of preaching a partial truth all too often.
God, help us know what it is you really want as a result of Your unconditional love. Is it our terrifying and cowed hearts? Or perhaps our humbled and endlessly grateful lives? I used to think some piece of the first possibility was an inevitability. That was when I was afraid of You turning Your back on me. Then I realized that Jesus had bled all over me.
P.S. Propitiation - Jenny wanted that included. Look it up.
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