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The Power of the Gospel

Posted on May 13, 2011 by johnmarkum

We often say at our church, “No one cares how much we know until they know how much we care.” We have to live what we believe if we are ever going to see the Gospel reach the hearts of the people around us. Seriously, think about it… If we claim to be free, forgiven, made new, and to be given life and the power and presence of God, why do we so often act no different than we would outside of Christ?

There is nothing that gets me more frustrated that religious hypocrisy. People who are suppose to know better but don’t live a changed life are as lost in their religion as the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. And this problem exists in nearly every church, and is indiscriminate of your church model, values, denomination, or style of worship. The reason? Because people are still people and deal with the same sin issues. And to be perfectly honest, I hate it the most, when I see it in myself. I still battle with the same selfish tendencies as all of the people in my church… and your church.

But we are suppose to be different. We are suppose to have a new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

If we want to see the Gospel change the lives of the people around us, it must first change our lives. Just because you believed in Him does not mean you are living for Him. And just because you go to church does not mean you are discipled. Some of the most godly people I know are baby Christ-followers with a passion for Jesus that humbles me. Already, they consistently make difficult choices that show a stark distinction between who they were and who they are now in Christ. Conversely, some of the most un-discipled people I have known (myself included at times) are those who could explain the significance of the hyper-static union of Christ in regards to dispensational versus covenant theology. They can quote entire chapters of God’s word from memory, but they won’t speak life into the people around them. None of that information we know matters at all, if we do not live it. The power of the Gospel is such that it is not satisfied to save us from the penalty our sin one day when we stand before God, but to save us from the power of our sin today. Right here, right now. And the evidence of it working is in how we love others, and how we obey.

The power of the Gospel is in obedience not knowledge.

I’m blogging later this week on “signs that you don’t get it.” Keep an open heart. I’m guilty of several of these. Chances are, you can relate.

Blessings,

John

10 Reasons I love Edgewood:

Posted on May 11, 2011 by johnmarkum

Every generation is passionate about reaching the next generation. I’m reminded of this every week, by the older generations that speak life into me here.
My pastor (Pastor Brown) is a leader worth following. He sets the bar high for my generation of pastors, and he genuinely loves his church and staff.
Saturday nights at Edgewood (The Awakening) are intense! I love the worship, and all the new people making Edgewood their church home on Saturdays.
The youth of Edgewood are amazing! I make it a point to get to know these people since they are one day going to be in our college ministry. If they have anything to say about it, their generation is not a lost cause.
The legacy of a 100+ year old church. A heritage is about preserving what you have. A legacy is about building from your past.
Lay Leaders. Nothing is more inspiring to me, than the hundreds of people who don’t get paid for it, but pour their heart and soul into the work that God is doing at Edgewood. Whether it’s leading worship, greeting, working with the children, or serving “behind-the scenes,” each of you are living the gospel.
Ignite Singles. What started off as 9 willing and able individuals, now consists of 50+ people passionately becoming more like Jesus and reaching their world for Christ. You are the reason Tiff and I came to Edgewood in the first place. We love all of you!
The staff. Our diversity in ages, backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives makes us a well rounded team. I’ve grown so much as a pastor and leader by working alongside these men and women.
My kids LOVE IT here! Our children’s workers are first class, and Sheila Kuriscak does an amazing job leading them!
I get to see God move powerfully every week through our people. That alone, makes every tough day seem minor. Watching people respond to the leading of God = priceless.

I love you, Edgewood!

Blessings,

John

Jesus died for Bin Laden

Posted on May 3, 2011 by johnmarkum

I know everyone is excited about the news this week, and certainly that is understandable. The death of a evil man responsible for countless terrorist attacks against our country specifically, is – at the least – cause for major relief. As a pastor, I have already had several people from my church family ask me how we should respond to the news of the death of America’s #1 terrorist.

On one hand, Bin Laden has killed thousands of American lives. Many of whom did not have a relationship with Christ were sent to an untimely appointment before their Creator. The Bible certainly seems to condone the use of deadly force when required, and is the foundation for capital punishment. (Exodus 21:12)

But on the other hand, Jesus tells us to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to them that hate you…” He says that “By your love for one another, the world will know that you are my disciples.” And the apostle John writes concerning Jesus that He, “died, not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world.”(1 John 2:1-2)

We must understand that the role of government is first and foremost to protect it’s people. Part of that means holding criminals to the standard of justice for their crimes. Romans 13 even tells us that God has placed authority over us to deliver justice against injustices, and that authority does not “bare the sword in vain.”

Yet as individuals, we are commanded to be a people of love. God restores the old and makes it new. He cleanses dirty, broken lives, and turns them into beautiful works of art, perfect to be used of Him. We must remember that “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come unto repentance.”

So as a nation, it is appropriate for us to rejoice in the ridding of a very dangerous man to the livelihood of our children and neighbors. But as followers of Jesus, we must also remember that He died for every act of terrorism, white lie, lustful thought, pride, greed, selfishness, rape, dishonor, etc… And as terrible as all of that sounds – that God would be willing to extend mercy to someone that bad – He also died for me… And I know me better than anyone. If God could sacrificially forgive me from my sin, then I must love whomever He loves.

Someone asked, “So are we just suppose to be pacifists in all of this?” the answer: no. Radical love is never passive. Let’s celebrate more about the rising of a Savior than the death of another sinner! We are the church! And we will be known by how we love!

Blessings,

John