This past week I’ve seen both sides of a tunnel. I say a tunnel because there appears to be a connection but the connection is empty. At one end of the tunnel I’ve seen people wanting Christianity. At the other end of the tunnel is a person that needs Christ. The tunnel shows me the area between the two is empty. Christianity is a group of people following laws. The laws I’m talking about will cause people to see Christ of no affect.At one end of the tunnel people feel they should strive to stay in the presence of God by doing the same rituals, singing the same songs while appearing as clean and formal. The other side will have no part of the rituals, songs and the formal setting. The tunnel remains empty. The sad part is that from what I see each end of this tunnel needs to realize the value of Jesus. Each side is shouting and complaining about the other. One side shouts “repent and be clean.” The other side shouts “I want nothing to do with your God if he is anything like you.” So what do I do when I see something like this? I mean if I see it I own it. If I don’t do anything then I’ve just allowed myself to be placed on one side of the tunnel and allowing the emptiness between the two.
One side of the tunnel wants to stay away from anything that looks like the other side. I’m sure people know what I’m saying. I've heard it said that if a song doesn’t have Jesus in it then its wrong and contains an evil spirit that is unleashed inside your mind when listened too. Then the other side listens to “the devil music” sometimes to spite the one side. Still, the tunnel remains empty.
One side say’s "You don’t need recovery you just need Jesus!" The other side says "You have no idea and this is who I am." Chuck says (speaking in third person) “I believe we’re all recovering from something in life. I mean, I’m still recovering from the past mistakes and decisions in life. I know I’ve been forgiven but I’m still reaping what was done before I was forgiven. I know not all roads lead to God but God will use the road.”
What do I do now? I’m being asked “Who is brave enough to walk through the dark and narrow path?” One side expects the other side to see the light and come running. The other side refuses because they don’t want to be like the one side.
Should I be like Christ and walk to them with peace and love? This tunnel that I see is dark, cold and lonely. I think I would be called a sinner from one side and crazy from the other side.
If I focus on myself then I create an environment that is always safe. But I can’t go as far as to say "Forget the values of Christ" just to make a point. This is tough. What a dilemma! I know the choice I make will take my family down the same path. Are they ready? The path I choose must have Jesus. I only have one choice. I can't stay in place. I must walk the tunnel however dark, narrow and cold it may be. Here is something I’m realizing. There might not be a Pentecostal inside the tunnel. There might not be a bible inside the tunnel. There might not be a choir in the middle of the tunnel. Will there be a Sunday school, shout, stomp or suit in the tunnel? Can I find anyone talking about Pentecostal DNA in the tunnel? I might not. Should I ask before I step? The reason I’m walking through the tunnel is because of the voice I’m hearing. Jesus walks through the tunnels and I hear the voice echoing “Come and I will make you …... Hey one side you want to be in the presence of Jesus walk through the tunnel. Hey other side you keep ignoring the shouts from one side. But don’t stop looking for freedom, authentic love and peace because soon it will step through the hole of that tunnel. I must say this over and over again. This life I’m living for Jesus is not safe! I must walk the tunnel! -chuck
4 comments:
I'm so excited for the body of New Faith.
Wow, so many of God's promises, coming to pass, as we walk through that tunnel. I thank God for the vision He has given you and you beautiful helper, your wife. I know how hard you are working as a family to serve the Lord with all you hearts. Our Lord must be so pleased with you.
Thank you.
Kat
When I was a kid we had a tunnel not too far from our house. I was not allowed to walk in the tunnel. (I think that I did one time.) It was very dark and I even saw a few rats! We had flash lights and we smoked cigarettes. (Very stand by Me for girls!) We got to the other side and we were very glad that we lived to tell about it. I remember my adrenalin being through the roof. I feel the same adrenalin rush now. Not because I am disobeying anyone, but because the journey is still unknown. This philosophy has spilled over in the way I live my whole life. It is like the story of the paralytic when Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed and the dude said “but no one has been here to lift me in the water…”Jesus said take up your bed and walk. The guy didn’t know that much about Jesus , only that he healed him, so he took up his bed and the news started spreading about what Jesus did for this man. This man didn’t know any better than to trust God and give him all the glory for his deliverance. So I feel like that is where we are at new Faith. As you continue to uncover the truths of Jesus to all of us. The healing continues to come forth. Meeting an atheist doesn’t make me sad. I am excited to show her or him the love of God. I don’t want to convert the converted. Jesus came for the sick ( like me) not the ones who don’t need a doctor. So keep walking, you’re not alone. There is an army of us behind you. Now that is exciting!
I want to walk in the tunnel. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone! At my Grandma Goff's house across the street me and my cousins (all 6 of us)would go into this wooded area across the street. There was a stream and as you walked down following the stream yes! there was a tunnel and we would dare each other who would go in there first. I never would be that first one. But....one time I did. Very dark and cold....you could hear the cars and the water moving....I stood still until I seen my oldest cousin Robbie and seen his watch glowing and I found my way out! I was so happy to just see something besides the dark! Your message yesterday morning was very moving and truthful. Thank you.
i really liked the message you preached about losing something in your life and wanting another blessing in return.i probaly felt that way before.i also liked the videos you showed.im so glad your my pastor!
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