Pastor Martin Carl Jarvis mcjarvissr@yahoo.com #6 "Strive  For Perfection"

LIBERTY WORSHIP CENTER www.lwcenter.org The Twelve Point Focus of the 21st Century Church (return)

   As God began(again and again) to reveal His grace, the bondage's were lifted,  with the admission that we can't be perfect, and that we are covered in grace through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.

   Unfortunately "grace" can be easily taken advantage of.  Well, "If I'm covered, why not simply indulge myself?"

    What is very difficult for the "religious right" to understand, is that you can take advantage of grace.  You see, you are "saved" by grace.  But, even though you are saved by grace, there are still consequences to your actions.  Although you are "saved" (and on your way to heaven) you still reap what you sow.  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7

     The Bible teaches that the purpose of the church is for the "Perfecting of the saints".  And, so we are given (in the Bible) many suggestions and rules .... standards to live by as the enlightened children of God.   These standards were given to us (in the scriptures) by men who wrote being "moved" by God.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21

    What amazes me are the Christian ministers who've determined that certain Christian standards reflected in the scriptures are not pertinent for today.  The problem with this position is that their particular point of view is usually based on their own proclivities (or the proclivities of their loved ones), and adjustments are being made to scripture so as not to challenge particular habits or lifestyles.  Since these standards are found in the same set of scriptures that identify Jesus as Christ, how can one who picks and chooses from the same scriptures avoid invalidating Jesus Christ?   And if determined to do so anyway, why identify oneself as a Christian?

     God is perfect.  We are not perfect.  He instructs us to strive for perfection.  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48  And, He designates the church as the place where the saints are perfected.  Leaders in the church must recognize their call to lead the sheep (and themselves) to perfection.

     When the divorce rate in the church is equal to that in the world.... When the adultry rate in the church is equal to that outside of the church world...  When the children born out of wedlock in the church is an issue....  When homosexuality, pedophilia, and child abuse in the church resembles the world...  all these are an indictment of the church leadership..... condemning their inability to perform their call in the church for "perfecting the saints."

     I am often asked by youth, "When different churches have different rules...  Who is right?"  My response is what I call the litmus test.  Ask yourself the question...."Is it constructive, or destructive?   Remember, the church is supposed to be in the business of perfecting the believers.

    Now a problem the church runs into is in one of two ways.  Either throwing standards, that are to be strived for by the believer, at non-believers (i.e., "You Can't Come In And Do That!") which turns them off before they are believers, OR, once they are believers.... "Stay The Way You Are!"    Both positions are perversions of the Gospel message, and both are perversions of the Great Commission:    1) Spread the Good News.   2) "Teach them what I have taught you"-disciples

    You cannot throw standards in the faces of those who are not (yet) believers, and expect them ever to want to become believers.   And, You cannot condone destructive behavior on the part of believers.   However through love and grace and humility (yours), believers will desire perfection.

     When you and I are honest and transparent and willing to judge our own "issues", others will be more willing and able to honestly judge their issues.  Then you, me and them will begin to heal each other along the road to perfection. Amen.