4 Points Stance

What is the 4 Points Stance?  It is something that I do not do a very good job of promoting or living.  However, it is the backbone of my church.  Why is it so difficult to do?  Time, energy, focus, and relationship with Jesus all play a factor into why I do or do not live it out. When I am in the Word and praying like I should be I find it easy.  When I am distracted, not as much. Starting today I am committing myself to the 4 Points Stance in the month of November.  How many of you would join me, whether you are a 4 Pointer or not?

Loving People:  And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 ESV)

Serving People: For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13 ESV)

Growing People:  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. (2 Peter 3:18 ESV)

Uniting People:  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)

Life is a Highway

Driving to work on I-85 everyday sucks.  As if traffic isn’t bad enough on its own, it is worse when a State Trooper decides he needs to ride down the road as well.  Why does that matter you ask?  Everyone bunches up behind him in very tight quarters because no one will pass him.  The interstate becomes a 55 mph parking lot.  It is a lot more dangerous than traffic moving anywhere from 60-85 mph because at least then it can flow and the packs break up.  Until the pace car arrives at his exit and green flag racing resumes it is frustrating and scary.  Other times there are obstacles such as accidents or broken down vehicles.  These are also a hindrance on such a broad road with so much traffic.  Even though this appears to be the best way to get to my destination it isn’t.  I could take a narrow side road and get there much easier.  Why don’t I?  It’s not always easy to find, it seems out of the way, I don’t like the traffic lights, etc.

Our relationship with Christ is just like that.  How often do we find ourselves on the broad road to hell because it’s convenient, easy, has plenty of company, and moves fast?  The road to Godly living and eternity with Jesus is narrow.  It doesn’t appear appealing to us because it is out of the way, has to many traffic lights (rules), and lacks the number of travelers.  Jesus speaks of this in Matthew:

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
(Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)

Does it not bother you that many are headed for destruction and few are headed for life?  We live in a world with so many people who are completely lost.  We also sit in churches that are full of people who think they are saved but in all actuality they may be just as lost as the non church person.  That is why we must be intentional with the Gospel of Jesus!  You must take the attitude “if not me, then who” when thinking about sharing Jesus with friends, family, co-workers, and people you meet.  The holidays are when people are most likely to attend church so INVITE someone!

As Christmas approaches many people will be traveling to see loved ones and visit family and friends.  Take time while on the open road to reflect upon which highway you are on.  Are you on the super highway that seems fun but leads to destruction or are you on that back country road that has many twists and turns but ultimately leads to Christ?