I ran into someone Walter and I have known for over twenty-five years, just as I was going about my errands and appointments today.  He asked how we were doing and what we were up to now.  This guy used to be a bus driver and now is working for Canada Post.  Over the years, we have done many funerals for his relatives.  He and some of his family are Christians and many of them are musical.   Our conversation got me thinking... 

As I filled him in on our lives and our new ministry responsibilities with NCEM, he asked us where we go to church now.  When I asked him where he was involved, he shrugged and told me "No where."

He told me how disillusioned he was with churches and with religion.  He felt that many preachers were over-emphasizing hell and using fear to drive people.  What about God's love and mercy?

As we talked, I got the distinct impression that this man was looking for excuses to not attend church or not use his gift of music to serve the Lord.  I agreed with some of his points, but wondered if he was adjusting his beliefs because he found the spiritual walk with Christ too hard.  Was he watering down the Gospel message to suit himself and those around him?

So here's what I was thinking after I drove away from northcentral Regina: "...the love of many will grow cold."  (Matthew 24:12b)

Following Jesus is not an easy thing.  If it was, everybody would be doing it!  For those in First Nations culture, the Christian way means giving up spiritual practices of their culture.  It means being ridiculed for accepting "Whiteman's religion".  It means turning away from lifestyles that may have included gang life, addictions, abuse, criminal activity and broken relationships that hold back from healthy choices.

Following Jesus for ANYBODY involves these things.  If anyone wants to be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, they must "deny themselves "(Matthew 16:24), and give up their old way of life.  The fact is, our "old ways" do not bring us peace, do not relieve us of our guilt for sins and do not fix broken relationships.  So leaving behind useless and futile methods of coping with stress and struggle should actually be appealing!

The promise is that if we deny ourselves - in other words repent - we leave behind our heavy burden.  Sin is a burden.  Guilt, pain, regret, sorrow are all consequences of our sin.  We can't get rid of them no matter what psychological tricks we play on ourselves.  We can try to hide, mask our pain, sedate and medicate our guilt but we can never get rid of the burden.

Jesus said He can.  He promises to forgive us our sins when we confess them and repent of them.  "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  (1 John 1:9)  

In the course of believing in Christ and accepting His offer of forgiveness and salvation, many people find the "following" part too hard.  Loving everyone, going to church, reading the Bible, avoiding temptation and giving up old friends and ways...many find it to be a bunch of rules...which becomes religion.

Too bad this guy who had once been a vibrant and dedicated member of a church, has now given up on  fellowship and chosen to be on the outside.  He may have been right in pointing out the faults and weaknesses of certain people who become harsh in their faith and presentation of the Gospel.  But if we give up on our church family and draw away, we become vulnerable to the enemy's attack.

"And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.  And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.  And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold."  (Matthew 24:10-12)

If we don't stay close to the Shepherd and hang out with the sheep, we do become easy prey for the wolf!  There will be wolves, false prophets, who teach things that aren't from the Bible.  They will water down the message of the Gospel by de-emphasizing hell, sin, the devil and many other very critical points of truth.  

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth..." (II Timothy 4:3 & 4)

And if we think we can continue to grow spiritually by having church at home, by learning online and doing our own research, we can surround ourselves with teachers who preach what suits us.  That's a dangerous place to be!  God gave us the church and pastors and each other so we can grow and be accountable.  We are protected by the Shepherd best when we stay in the fold!  And our faith will not grow cold but we will be warmed by others' faith, as well.

I am praying for our friend who I encountered today.  I hope he remembers our conversation and is motivated to get back into fellowship with God and His people.