“Up to a Point?”

Pastor-author, Tony Campolo, tells of a young man being dragged into his office one day by his father, because he wanted to let Tony Campolo know that in no uncertain terms, he was extremely unhappy with the way that his son had turned out. The father said, “I sent him to college to get a good education, to make something of himself,” the irate man shouted. “And, people like you got his head turned around. Look at him now!  He’s doing mission work!  He’s out on the streets with pimps and whores and drug pushers!  He’s given away his money to poor old ladies!  He’s living like a pauper, and all he cares about is reaching out to the losers of the world.” Then the father said, “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind him being a Christian, -- up to a point!”

Well, Tony Campolo says that whenever he tells that story, folks always chuckle. But then, he always says to them, “Aren’t we all that way? Aren’t we all ready and willing to be Christians – up to a point?” Well, what’s that point for you today? Is Jesus Christ being pushed to the margins of your life? Or, is he the center of your soul, right where you live, and right where he belongs? Or, is it somewhere in-between?

Friends, the Son of God doesn’t want religion. He wants a relationship with you. Jesus desires a vital, vibrant, living relationship with you! Lukewarm, apathetic, and indifference simply won’t do! Benign neutrality isn’t an option for God’s people simply because it wasn’t an option for God Himself when He saw us in our need! Instead, God gave His whole heart to us in Jesus Christ, His Son. Should He expect anything less than all of our heart in return.

This Sunday, February 20, I am concluding my sermon series, “Letters from Heaven,” from the book of Revelation. We will be looking at the seventh and last of the letters to the churches, the Church in Laodicea. Please join us in the sanctuary at either 8:00 am or 10:30 am. The 10:30 am service, we will also be broadcasting on Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.    

Blessings,

Pastor John