“Why do Christians hate so much?” That was the question that President Bill Clinton asked a group of Christian leaders in 1994 (Philip Yancey, What’s So Amazing About Grace?). I think it’s a question that many people are asking today. Why is it that the least likely place to find acceptance is in the church? Instead people find rules. All kinds of rules. Rules for every denomination. Rules for every non-denominational church. Rules for every people group. Just seems like a lot of rules. How are we expected to know all the rules? People come to church and they wonder:

• Can I sit down when I sing, or is there a rule about that?
• Can I ask a question during the message, or is there a rule?
• Suit? Wear one or not wear one?
• Should my hair be up or down?
• Can I applaud after a song or only during certain services or for certain people? When and who?
• Can I drink wine and still be a member?
• Should I stop buying lottery tickets?
• Is there a rule book for this church that I can look at before I decide to come?

These are some good questions and there are many more. These are some of the questions I would want to ask before showing up for worship. Is this really what Jesus intended for his church? A lot of rules for people to try and figure out? Who posts them? Who regulates them? Who enforces them? My head hurts just thinking about it! Imagine what an un-churched person must think. Imagine how the church has affected people’s view of God by their understanding of rules.

Maybe Jesus had something else in mind. Maybe it is not our rules but the fulfillment of God’s expectations that make us right. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-20 [show]Christ Came to Fulfill the Law [17]"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. [18]For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. [19]Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [20]For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (ESV)
, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Our right-ness must be better than the Pharisees; the rule regulators. I believe Jesus is telling us that there is a better way to live according to God’s standards than knowing all the rules. The right way is through a right heart. To live a life that loves God and loves others. Jesus said that all the “rules” hung on these two commandments. So it isn’t as much about the rules as it is about making God the ruler of your life! No rules…just right!

We are doing our best to communicate this and I believe we are doing a good job. Here is an email sent to me this last week:

“This series of messages have given me more insight. Today I realized that CWC is helping me understand the difference between a Christian and Christ Follower. Growing up in the church, I understand all too well some of the outward trappings that can easily become the standard measure rather than having the focus on showing ALL people Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and grace. Thank you for having the courage to challenge some of the traditional thinking and reach out to people who need Jesus shared in a fresh accepting environment.”

• So what are some of the rules that you grew up with that need to be challenged?
• How has the church hurt you?
• Can you accept the apology of our church for things that “the church” has done to you in the past?
• What are your thoughts on the rules?

Pastor Thad

Posted in: Thad Spring's Blog Archives