Jesus' liberal agenda


In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight. –J. Gresham Machen


It’s almost always easier to slap a label on a person or group and ass-u-me what they believe, than it is to actually take the time to ask questions and listen for answers without jumping in with retorts and comebacks. These days, Christianity is divided into camps that both claim to fly the “Jesus banner.” One camp is conservative; the other calls itself progressive, or liberal.

These terms are opposites, right? How could Jesus possibly be both? I’d say it completely depends on who’s defining the terms, and how.

From where I sit, I would choose to pin the liberal label on Jesus, and here is why:

We serve a God of abundance, whose very being is an example of limitless grace and generosity. Especially in the “Love Department,” God doesn’t know how to love any way other than all-out. Like the prodigal father, when we turn to God, we are met with wide open arms, waiting to welcome us with love, even when we feel unlovable.

Like the Father, Jesus extends his arms to welcome all. Jesus’ love spreads lavishly and liberally across the Kingdom. Unlike the mayonnaise jar that we scrape and scrape, trying to eke out enough for one more sandwich, Jesus’ love for God’s children never, ever runs out or reaches empty. Amen.

Monday Pause today and count a few blessings. If you can, thank someone who made your way easier. Ezekiel 34:25-27

Tuesday Do you struggle to see the Imago Dei, the image of God, when you look in the mirror? Pray today for a loving heart—for yourself. Genesis 1:26-27

Wednesday Be honest with yourself. Is there someone or something against which you find yourself innately biased? Confess to God and ask for peace. Genesis 21:8-13

Thursday Just for fun—read the back of one of your bills or statements. Praise God that God doesn’t hold us to such legal requirements, but simply loves us. Period. John 3:16-17

Friday Take time today to call a friend or family member with whom you’ve lost touch. If there are fences to mend, try to mend them. Genesis 28:10-17

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, spend time in silence and meditate on God’s unconditional love for you, God’s beloved child. Philippians 1:9-11

Sunday Greet one another in Christian love. Worship and praise the God who loves us just because, and is always proud of us, no matter what. Amen? 1 Kings 8:22-24

It is usually considered good practice to examine a thing for one’s self before echoing the vulgar ridicule of it. –J. Gresham Machen

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