Category Archives: Church

June 17, 2013

The Difference Between Conviction & Condemnation

By David D. Flowers

There’s a big difference between conviction and condemnation. But not every believer has learned about the great gulf that exists between the two.

For that reason there is much that is accepted from pastors and teachers that is nothing more than spiritual abuse in the name of “Christ-centered” preaching. The worse off you feel after being screamed at and talked down to (even sarcastically)… the more “powerful” the sermon.

Or so some people have believed.

I’ve heard this sort of thing defended with, “He was just preaching the truth of God’s Word.”

Folks, nobody is ever “just preaching the truth” of Scripture. They are always preaching their interpretations of the Bible from a certain vantage point—their image of God rooted in personal experience (background, culture, context, etc.) and their own self-identity.

If you’ll listen close… you may learn more about the preacher instead of what God is actually like and what he really thinks about you.

Never forget that.

It’s not the role of human beings to convict other human beings of sin.

In fact, we aren’t even capable of convicting people. Only the Holy Spirit can convict us of sin. And that’s not just some theological bullet-point.

“And when he (Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.” John 16:8 NLT

When men and women try their hand at convicting others of sin, condemnation is the result. The methods common among these preachers are the use of guilt and shame to solicit repentance. But you can’t solicit true repentance through condemnation. It will never work.

Learn from Adam and Eve in the garden. Guilt and shame prompt us to run and hide. But God is interested in clothing us with Christ and restoring us to himself. Don’t believe the lie of the serpent that God really isn’t good after all. And remember that guilt and shame belong to sin and death.

You may guilt people to do what you want some of the time. But they will ultimately burn out or become burdened down with a law-centered, works-oriented faith that is bound to a false image of God. It’s a dead end.

Some folks would soon sum up the Christian life with,”God is holy, you’re not, try harder.” If that’s the extent of the “Gospel” that you’ve embraced, then you’ve not taken serious the message and example of Jesus.

Those whom Christ died for will not discover the yoke that is easy and the burden that is light in this way. Believers or not, they will not come to know Christ if this is the way they are “spurred” on in the faith.

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2 NLT

The image of God in Christ is one that comes to redeem us through love. Paul wrote that it’s God’s kindness that leads people to repentance (Rom 2:4). Jesus told us that God comes not to condemn, but to seek and save the lost, the hurting, the victims of sin and circumstance (Jn 3:16-17).

Jesus said, “Where are your accusers?” to the woman caught in adultery (Jn 8:1-11). Hmm… accusers. Reminds me of Satan, the great accuser (Rev 12:10). Those ready to judge are like the devil. It’s a frightening thought that the “Christian” who condemns is more like Satan than Jesus. But it’s true.

Friends, that is the naked truth of Scripture.

Real conviction from the Lord picks us up out of the dirt, looks into our eyes, and says, “Neither do I condemn you. Now go and sin no more.”

True and lasting change of heart and mind comes when a person is overwhelmed by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which works its power through the love and kindness of God as revealed in Christ.

We’ve been called to embody that love and kindness.

It’s time to give up trying to change others (or yourself) by way of condemnation and judgment. If we want others to repent, let’s begin by repenting of our own public hypocrisies and secret sins.

Resorting to any message or method that judges and condemns is anti-Christ. It reflects our own failure to grasp the power of God’s love and the non-coercive nature of the peaceable Kingdom.

Believe in the power of love and humble service to bring about the sort of change that God’s wants in your life and those around you.

Let’s love like Jesus and work at discovering our new identity in him.

D.D. Flowers, 2013.

16 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Church, Deeper Christian Life, Religion & Spirituality

May 28, 2013

Sermon: Heaven’s Watch & Hell’s Fury

By David D. Flowers

As many of my readers and subscribers already know, I’m seeking to pastor a like-minded (missional-Anabaptist) church. I greatly appreciate your prayers during this time. It makes a difference.

Our current fellowship allowed me the opportunity to preach last Sunday. FBC Woodlands/Birnham Woods was gracious enough to film it so that it can be used in the search process.

In the following sermon, I talk about the power and purpose of prayer as it involves God’s timing and spiritual warfare. And it’s only 26 minutes long!

How have you seen God at work around you through the power of prayer? Please share your experiences with “the unseen” realms that war against us. Encourage others with your stories. It really matters.

D.D. Flowers, 2013.

16 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Culture, Deeper Christian Life, Religion & Spirituality, Sermons, Theology

May 18, 2013

Reflection on Open 2013

By David D. Flowers

 

I attended Open 2013: Open Theology & the Church in St. Paul, MN last month. The main speakers were Greg Boyd, Tom Oord, and John Sanders. The conference was held at Woodland Hills Church and hosted by the ReKnew team. I had a great time and wanted to tell you about it.

I flew up early on Thursday and hung out with a couple of old college buddies until the first session that evening. It was nice getting to catch up with my friends, Josh Crain and Samuel Holder.

The conference began that evening with Greg Boyd talking about the History and Hope of Open Theology in the church. Greg talked about the growing attraction of the open view and discussed its historical roots in church history. Q&A followed.

The next day Jessica Kelley gave a very moving message about the recent loss of her 4 year old son, Henry. Jessica shared how the open view made all the difference in her family’s experience of losing Henry to a brain tumor. I was already prepared to cry. I had read Jessica’s story a couple weeks before, and as a new father, I wept through the entire thing.

Unfortunately, there was a mix up and her talk wasn’t recorded. But you can read Jessica’s story over at her blog, Jess in Process. I expect that God is going to continue using Jessica and her family in some spectacular ways (even more so) in the days to come. I even told her myself.  🙂

John Sanders gave the plenary address on Friday evening. He lectured on The Virtues Inherent in Open Theism. John fashioned his message to show that the open view allows for the best portrait of God over other views, especially that of classical theology. Q&A followed.

Tom Oord delivered an interesting informal classroom-styled message on Openness & Moment-by-Moment Relation. He even used the dry-erase board to draw his illustrations. Tom’s talk was stimulating as he made a case for holiness and “perfection” coming through our choosing from the best options among a world of possibilities.

One of my favorite parts of the conference was the table discussions on Friday and Saturday (during the day). I had the privilege of leading and moderating a group. It was encouraging to see and hear from so many people around the country (and globe) that are embracing the open view and learning how it is shaping their lives and ministries.

It’s still unclear if the conference will be annual, or every other year. One thing is for certain, the entire weekend was encouraging and uplifting to all in attendance. There is definitely a movement taking place within the church.

Finally, check out this video reflection of Open 2013.

THANK YOU to all those who put the conference together and had the vision to make it happen. I also want to thank our local congregation for assisting in the expenses of the trip. Thank you, Church at Birnham Woods. And a special thanks to Greg and Shelley Boyd for letting me crash at your house my last night in St. Paul. Your hospitality was a blessing.

D.D. Flowers, 2013.

13 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Christianity, Christology, Church, Theology

May 9, 2013

Challenging Creeds of Christendom

By David D. Flowers

When was the last time you read over your church’s creed or statement of faith? What does it say about Jesus? Have you checked lately?

Our creeds are often reflective of Christendom. (See the Nicene & Apostles Creed)

“Christendom” is the church militant and triumphant—Christ wielding a sword of political and military power.

It began with the 4th century Roman emperor, Constantine. He claimed to be a Christian in order to pander to Christians for support of his rule. It was strictly a political move. Looking around today, some things never change.

Once the church and state merged, Christendom was born. And the first-century Jewish Messiah is gutted for a palatable Roman Christ which becomes a cheerleader for the state.

This is reflected in creeds involving Jesus where his teachings are absent. Doctrine is promoted over and against behavior and adherence to Christ’s commands. At this point, we’re not followers of Jesus, just his fans.

In the following video blog, I mention how a survey of evangelical websites has turned up a sanitized Jesus that is all too common in our churches today.

Why do so many churches leave out their commitment to following the teachings of Jesus? It’s time to challenge the creeds of Christendom and testify to the Jesus of the Gospels. What do you think?

D.D. Flowers, 2013.

You may also be interested in the following posts:

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Christianity, Church, Theology, Vlogs