Wish I Had Authored These . . .

I happened to come across some statements authored by Art Powell on Twitter that really caught my eye and I’m going to share some of them with you. If you have a Twitter account you can follow him at https://twitter.com/savebyj should you wish to do so. Art says he owns a tech company, teaches Theology and Disciple men at his local body of Christ, which he have attended for 29 years and has been married for 28 years, to the same woman. I don’t really know all that much about him but I sure can’t argue with his logic or thinking. Here is a small sample of what I found:

• Christians, If what is happening in America right now is not breaking your heart, you’ve gone cold. If you think the world is going to find a solution not involving Jesus, you’ve taken your eyes off the Kingdom of Heaven.
• That our nation still makes people of color feel inferior, whether directly or indirectly, reveals that it is not God’s Country. It is a kingdom of this World. If your Church makes people of color feel inferior, whether directly or indirectly, then it too is part of this World.
• Conservative Christians: Let’s use the government to create a theocracy and enforce morality. Liberal Christians: Let’s use the government to end racism and establish social and economic equality. Jesus: Preach the Gospel and make Disciples.
• Christians are not disciples of the Democratic nor Republican Party. Or any political party. Christians are Disciples of Jesus. Jesus said we will hear his voice and obey no other. (John 10).
• After 29 years of marriage and being in the same Church for 30 years counseling men, I have identified two characteristics of any marriage that tells me with 100% accuracy if that marriage is having issues. They are: 1. The couple is married. 2. They live in the same house.
• A reminder for Christian marriages during the quarantine. Your spouse is not there to make you happy. They never were. Only Jesus can meet that need. You are there to love and serve them. Lower your expectations that this is the time to fix your issues.
• It should give all of us who teach the Word of God pause to consider that Jesus chastised those who thought themselves 100% theologically correct and gave grace, healing, and love to tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners like me.
• Theological debate among Christians is healthy. It should be done among the guidelines of Ephesians 4. What we must be careful is cultivating the attitude of “Lord thank you that I am not like these Christians.” Jesus dealt with this in Luke 18:9-14.
• I sometimes wonder if we concentrate on the eschatological parts of Revelations and the season of Jesus return to avoid dealing with Jesus’s messages to the seven Churches. They are brutal.
• When Christians describe the issues they have with their denomination or local Body of believers that they attend, they always seem to discuss it in such a way as if they are not part of the problem. As sinful humans we are all part of the problem. Disclaimer: there are Churches and Denominations with some very serious issues that need to be addressed or even warrant leaving.
• I am grateful for the opportunity to show those in our society who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19 that we care enough about them to radically alter our lives for their safety. Particularly the elderly.
• Christians should not be allowed to espouse political or theological views till they sign an affidavit stating that they have read Ephesians 4 and agree to abide by all the terms and conditions. Yes, I know that won’t work. But still……..
• In times like 911, 2008 and this Pandemic we have the opportunity to discover if we have faith in our faith or in the God of our faith.