Me-Centered or Gospel-Centered?
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We live in a me-centered world. Many churches are rapidly becoming me-centered. The consumer (church attendee) arrives at church expecting the supplier (church) to provide a flawless product (ministry, style, program) that meets all of their needs. The gospel is merely an added afterthought. If a church is centered on success (rather than the pursuit of Jesus) it forfeits its original calling by Christ and seeks merely to attract or keep its (paying) "customers."
John Piper writes, "Christ calls us to take risks for kingdom purposes. Almost every message of American consumerism says the opposite: Maximize comfort and security - now, not in heaven. Christ does not join that chorus. To every timid saint, wavering on the edge of some dangerous gospel venture, he says, ‘Fear not, you can only be killed' (Luke 12:4). Yes, by all means maximize your joy! How? For the sake of love, risk being reviled and persecuted and lied about, ‘for your reward is great in heaven'" (Matthew 5:11-12)
Church plants sometimes start out of disdain of me-centered approaches to ministry. Young pastors get excited about starting a stain-free expression of church to usually younger, hipper crowds only to find themselves focused on the product and not on Jesus. They argue that the focus is centered on teaching, evangelism, music, outreach, fellowship, ministry, missions, or relieving the poor. But a church will continue to offer a false message until Christ alone is our passion, our aim and our desire.
Gospel-Centered Worship
God seeks true believers to worship Him (John 4:23; Act 2:38-47; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 14:26; Eph. 4:13-16; 1Tim. 4:13; Heb. 10:25). We can't worship apart from the Savior who was sacrificed on behalf of our sins.
Gospel-Centered Faith
We cannot do anything to satisfy God's demand for absolute holiness apart from the work of Christ. (Luke 24:26; Gal. 3:21 24; Heb. 2:10; 9:11 14; 10:1 14).
Gospel-Centered Teaching
All of our teaching is centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Its main focus is not man-centered needs, feelings, problems, or emotions. (James 1:23-25; 1 Tim. 4:1-2, 6-7, 13-16).
Gospel-Centered Salvation
Salvation is accomplished by the work of Jesus Christ alone. (John 1:12 13; Eph. 1:7, 2:8 10; Titus 3:5; 1 Pe. 1:18 19).
Gospel-Centered Glory
We cannot take credit for anything done in the church. (Isa. 43:7; Rom. 11:36; Col. 1:16-20; Rev. 4:11). Jesus is the head of the church and He died for its existence.
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