What Would Jesus Say?
What would Jesus say? NO. Rather, how would Jesus say it? How would Jesus speak to the person who doesn’t know the rules or language religious people use in church? Would he use words like salvation, trinity, repentance or sin? I think he would use common words of common people. Words like “suck.”
(See the article in the Gainesville Times about Lanier Hills to get the background.)
We have a hard time imaging Jesus outside of Biblical culture. We see him with dirty sandals, a robe and walking everywhere he goes. Can you imagine him using a computer to check his email, a cell phone to keep us with his leadership team or a minivan to get around? We think Jesus has a problem adapting to the times. Here’s news for you. Jesus will always be relevant. Jesus will always be relevant but the church has made him irrelevant to the common man. The truth Jesus teaches and his message of hope will never change, but the means in which they are communicated will. If the church desires to effectively communicate Jesus’ message, we must use the language of the people we are trying to reach.
According to Wictionary.com “suck” means “ the subject or situation is without redemptive qualities.” How many people believe their situation is hopeless or their life is worthless. Jesus’ message to the world is - Your life is worth redeeming. You don’t suck! You are worth every bit of the pain and suffering. The cross is proof.
Jesus will always be relevant. As long as people are suffering, dieing, and hurting other people, Jesus will be relevant. Jesus’ message of hope, forgiveness and love must be spoken by the church in terms the world understands. As long as I am the Pastor of Lanier Hills Church, we will make an effort to break down the traditions, rules and religiosity that keep people from Jesus. Lives are counting on in it!
Jesus makes a difference!
Pastor Randall
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