Jump Start # 1896

Romans 2:16 “on the day according to my Gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ.”

Our verse follows a stream of thoughts in which Paul shows that the Gentiles, who do not have the Law of Moses, instinctively do the things that are written in the Law. God will judge the intentions and secrets of men.

In our verse today lies that little expression, “my Gospel.” According to “my Gospel” Paul says. Why did he say that? There many be several things that folks would want to correct Paul on.

First, the Gospels belong to God. They were inspired and revealed by God. Without God, there are no Gospels. They are not yours Paul. They are God’s.

Second, even if Paul was referring to his own writings, they still belong to God. Paul didn’t write any “Gospels.”

Third, if he is referring to what he has preached, it ought to be God’s word, not “my Gospel.”

I have found folks to be very protective and sensitive about things like this. If a person says, “My church,” he is quickly corrected and sometimes shamed for not using the expression “the Lord’s church.” “It’s not your church.” “You didn’t die for it.” But it is ours, in the sense that we are a part of it, connected to it, and belong to it.

My Gospel…My church—why does it matter?

If a person believes the Gospel or the church are his, in the sense of ownership and authority, then he does have the wrong idea. If a person believes that he can make the rules, change what has already been spoken in the Bible, he has the wrong idea. If a person thinks that he is accountable to no one because it is my church, again, he has the wrong idea. All of those thoughts will lead to trouble and take him away from Christ.

However, if a person views these things as something personal, he’s likely to take more responsibility with it. The idea is the difference between renting a car and owning a car. When you rent, it’s not your car. You may be less likely to keep it spotless. In a few days you’ll turn it back in. It served a purpose and that’s all. When it’s your own car, you have invested money to purchase it. You keep it in your garage at night. You sweep it out and put those nice smelly air fresheners in it. You notice dents. You park away from other cars. You take care of it. You get the oil changed. You get the tires rotated. You have set the radio to your favorite stations. The car is yours.

The Colossians were told, “Christ who is our life,” and, “your life is hidden in Christ.” The things of Christ are part of your life. His Word becomes your word. His way, your way. His church, your church. You see things differently. Not that you are in charge. Not that you can do what you want, but you become protective, defensive and supportive of God’s things. You become offended when you hear someone abusing God’s word. You take it personal. It is your Gospel. The church becomes your people, your family. You watch out for them. You pray for them. You care for them. You love them. Certainly, it’s God’s church. But, it’s your church, too.

This kind of thinking changes us from being an outsider to being one who is connected and involved. It moves you to being involved. It moves you to being concerned. It is so easy for us to have that “outsider” mentality. “Well, what they do down there at the church is their business.” Really? Why is it not your business? Why have you not stepped from being an outsider to becoming an insider? Why do you feel distance and separation between you and “them?” Why is it not “your church?”

We see the same thing when a young man starts dating a girl. At first, it’s her family. He may have dinner with them, but he’s not one of them. They are nice, but there is that barrier. It’s a bit awkward. If they marry, things change. He is now a part of that family. They belong. There is a closeness. He is more open to talk, share ideas and offer suggestions. He can speak his mind and not fear rejection. He is one of them and they are a part of him. They belong.

My church—not the church building, but the saved people. There is a love, a connection, a fondness, a concern and an openness with each other. We are close. We can speak freely. We do not fear rejection. We know only the best will be spoken. There is a trust and a confidence.

Just down the block from our church building is a movie theatre. It’s my place of choice to see movies. I’ve been there a lot. But even now when I go, I don’t sense belonging there or that it’s a part of me. I go and watch a movie and then I leave. I may think about the movie but I don’t think about the place, the people or the crowds. I’m detached from that. It’s not MY movie theatre. I fear this is how some see the church. They go, but they don’t feel connected. They worship God, but they do not feel any connection to the people. After they leave, they do not give much thought to the place, the people or what is going on. It’s a place to worship, but they do not feel that it’s their church. That distance and that barrier will keep fellowship from being what God intended. It will also keep them at arms length from caring and being involved as they ought to be.

My Gospel—My church…yes, they are God’s. But they are mine. They are who I am. They are what is important to me. I have invested my life in them. My heart has been poured into them. They belong to me as much as I belong to them.

Maybe if we felt this way, we’d roll our sleeves up more and serve. Maybe we’d defend more. Maybe we’d support more. Maybe we’d be more connected.

Mine…

Roger