The Path of Christ
Good morning Immanuel. Christianity is not just a new set of disciplines but a Person who calls us through the gospel and heals our hearts.
“But that is not the way you learned Christ!— (Ephesians 4:20)”
What is the alternative to the path of futility? Paul, in his teachings, does not encourage us to abandon the disciplines of the old path simply to take on new disciplines. Some religions do. Islam, for instance, has five pillars that followers work through in order to appease Allah. Christianity, however, presents a different approach. It claims that the new path is not a set of rules but a person who calls out to us and offers to heal our hearts. Do you hear His voice? In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life (John 5:24)."
God sees us in our broken condition, and what does He choose to do? He does not simply save us from hell (though He does) or merely show us a new way (though He does that as well). Instead, Jesus pulls us close, enters our lives, and heals our hearts. He pours His love, compassion, forgiveness, and healing truth into the cracks and fissures of our hearts. And our once cold and hardened hearts begin to break open, soften, and strengthen!
This excerpt was adapted from a sermon preached by Dr. Tom Cox on April 16, 2023, at Immanuel Nashville.
What: Young Professionals Fellowship
When: Every third Thursday, beginning April 20th, from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Where: Immanuel Nashville 4301 Charlotte Avenue Nashville, TN 37209
RSVP: On your mobile phone, text the word Thursday to the number 615-622-8094
🙏🏼