This week, I heard about your sinful failings. How do I wish to respond?
1) Knowledge — There is a right and wrong way to do marriage and ministry. God’s good laws prescribe the way in which we are to live. The Bible is clear. You and I both know this to be true.
2) Judgment — There is no doubt about it. You have not loved God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You have not loved your neighbors as you ought. You are unrighteous. You are full of sin. You are guilty.
3) Anger — God hates Satan, sin, and what wickedness does to people. So do I. Righteous indignation is in my chest.
4) Sympathy — The Father pities, the Son cries, the Spirit grieves, and so do I. I hurt for you, your wife and family, and all others affected by your doings. If we met face to face, I am sure you would see my trembling lips and watering eyes.
5) Empathy — I am no different than you. My sin nature is deep. My transgressions are many and vile. My faithlessness is great and so too is my cover-up. Yes, like you, I too am a “chief sinner.”
6) Good News — Due to the perfect work of Jesus Christ, God covers, cleanses, forgives, forgets, justifies, adopts, sanctifies, and fruits devilish men like you and me. His gracious work is monergistic, one-way, sovereign, unconditional, unearned, full, and free. It is gift to those who are unfaithful — to those who do not and cannot keep God’s ethical contract. This is amazing grace. Some might even called “unfathomable.”
7) Godliness — Therefore, I want to respond like God, and not like the Satan — the Accuser of men. If God does not remember, if God declares you righteous, if God grants you love, compassion, mercy, and grace, if God treats you in a manner you do not deserve, then I want to think and act like God. I want to be godly! So, I have a church family ready for you. We have “unshockable” elders who continually offer forth God’s unfathomable grace. We can join with you as you repent and believe. We can pray for you, with you, and over you. We can cry with you and yours as you walk the damaged road, and we will rejoice alongside you as the Spirit does his sanctifying work within. Here, at Horizon Church, you will not be put in the corner with a dunce cap on your head. You will not be put on probation, viewed as a “second-class citizen,” or treated as “damaged goods.” Frankly, like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Moses, Aaron, Samson, Gideon, Samuel, David, Solomon, and the Twelve, you will fit in well here. And you will be discipled and cheered on as you remember you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works foreordained by him. Sure, your ministry is forever changed, but your loving and serving your brothers and sisters with your gifts is never to cease. So, come join the “motley crew” of worshipers in our fraternity. We can’t wait to see how God’s grace moves and shakes within, without, and through you.
Philip, feel free to contact me. Like Jesus, I did not write to condemn, for you have been condemned already. Jesus seeks to save those lost. Brother Phil, contact me. (joe@horizonchurch.org)
And, any other weak and wounded sinners, feel free to use the email above and do the same. Again, I have nothing but grace for you.
Joe Franks
Unfathomable Grace 