The Right & Left Hands need to shake

After a fruitful visit with an old friend this weekend I felt re-energized and ready to follow Jesus continually. The real "raw" life that Christ displayed for his disciples is note-worthy.

One practical observation I have recently made, after much frustration and pondering upon such things is the following.

Many people on the Christian spectrum of life, let's call it the Conservative and the Liberal sides, choose specific parts of Christ's life to allow people to see things their way. The Liberals talk about how Christ displayed Truth to the masses, and the Liberals talk about how He loved people unconditionally. The real truth is, Jesus is not a Liberal or a Conservative. He is God.

Baptists and Pentecostals are, at times, both right and wrong. What Baptists struggle in is legalism, which can cripple and prohibit people from the richness of Christ. What Pentecostals struggle in is the freedom in Christ, which can allow for too many sins to be excused because grace covers all sin.

At times our Lord displayed more Liberal characteristics than Conservatives want to acknowledge. (Vice a versa is obviously seen also.) Why does this matter? It doesn't! To our knowledge we know that the disciples were not quarreling over such issues as these. Our hearts must allow for one another to work alongside in the desire that Christ is honored. "Feelings" of being uncomfortable should never prohibit biblical Christianity, which produces Jesus followers, which leads to souls being saved and lives being lost for the sake of the gospel.

To my Right (Conservative) brothers and to my Left (Liberal) brothers I ask that you shake hands. Put your quarrels and strife aside, and build the Kingdom of God in worshipful service to Jesus Christ together.

Respectfully,
Michael