A Brick Wall | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: A Brick Wall | Previous Challenge Entry
By Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
09/08/08
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"A brick wall could fall on you tonight! You want to go to Heaven, don't you? Just confess you are a sinner, pray this prayer, and you will be saved! God made it so simple. Acknowledge with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that He has saved you! Then connect with our church, get baptized and you're home free!", enthused Joe. "It's a snap!"

"Uh, back up a bit will ya?" frowned Bob. You come to my door - a complete stranger, carrying a Bible - I courteously let you in - and now you are calling me a sinner? You don't even know me, and you insult me in my own home! Go peddle your spiel to someone else. By the way, I have done all that. It was a snap, as you say. Perhaps you should try a different approach."

Joe, apologetically "Gosh I'm sorry! I'm kinda new at this - fresh from soul winning class. Actually, I'm a brand new Christian myself! I really had no intention of insulting you.

I got a little eager when you said you home churched - not a member of any local denomination. You really shouldn't forsake the assembling together of like-minded Christians. And our church has the best social programs! Not to mention the potlachs! Great cooks here!"

"I forgive you for your rush to judgment, Joe", a gentled Bob replied. You are welcome to stay, and we can fellowship in the Word for a bit. I do believe definitely in our Lord Jesus, the Christ. He is my every breath.

The reason I no longer attend a formal church body is that I grew tired of all the schisms, the arguments and the social patter that clouded the message that was given. Christianity is easy indeed when you stay away from the meat of God's Word.

Easy believism - being born again to sin again is just not my cup of tea. I needed time to delve into His Word, away from the crush of the social life and hypocrisy that is so prevalent in men's churches today."

"You know, Bob - I never thought of that. But you are right - there are so many distractions. My Pastor has only fifteen minutes to exhort us, and there are so many clock watchers! The women are busy in the kitchen, preparing for the potlachs that they don't hear the message, nor do the nursery workers! Maybe there should be a sound system broadcasting in the nursery and kitchen!

I drive the church bus now, and I've already been chosen to teach Sunday School! But then - I won't hear the message either. And you know, it really bothers me that the lessons are pre-written and not by the Pastor. But who has time to prepare their own lessons?"

"Joe - have you ever considered God's fourth commandment concerning His holy Sabbath? His Day of Rest? A day devoted to God and not to ourselves? No distractions, no television, chores, radio - just immerse yourself in God's Word! What joy there is! And napping! No one claiming your attention but your family sabbathing with you! A taste of Heaven indeed!"

"How can that be? Driving the church bus, preparing and giving the lesson - going ninety miles an hour? My Sundays are far too busy to rest!"

"God's Sabbath has always been from Friday sundown through Saturday sundown. No - I'm not Jewish (except by adoption!), nor Seventh Day anything. I am simply a Christian who wants to follow all of God's commands. Rest on His Sabbath, and serve on Sundays - that would be great!"

"You're legalistic? One of those deeper lifers I've been warned against? Please don't mess with my mind!"

"The deeper life is not to be afraid of, Joe - if the deepness is in God's Word. Legalistic? No. I keep the commands of God because I love him. He promised me a new heart wherein He will write His commandments on my heart. His commands are that important to Him!

I praise God that He sent His Son to deliver me from my sins and for His grace to enable my obedience to our Father. Joe, I have discovered Hebrews 10:26-31. This has put the fear of God into me.

I can no longer take His Word lightly. You will see that we put Christ to an open shame every time we choose to sin, thinking His blood will cover our sins repeatedly. There's your brick wall. A snap? No. A responsibility, yes."

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