You’ve noticed that most churches have wooden pews, some have chairs, but none have couches. Maybe that’s because worshiping on Sundays and following Jesus during weekdays is not for couch potatoes.
True Christians exercise the faith God has given us. That’s the encouragement of Hebrews to Christians, in contrast to ancient Israelites who didn’t practice their faith when they were in the wilderness. “For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2 NIV).
“Oh,” exclaimed Martin Luther, “it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith. It is impossible for it not to be doing good works incessantly. It does not ask whether good works are to be done, but before the question is asked, it has already done them, and is constantly doing them. Whoever does not do such works, however, is an unbeliever. He gropes and looks around for faith and good works but knows neither what faith is nor what good works are. Yet he talks and talks, with many words, about faith and good works” (Preface to Romans).
I came across a long post about all the craziness of 2020, and the year is only half over. No one wants these terrible times – may they come to an end! – but faith trusts “for those who love God, all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). “You fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds you so much dread Are big with mercy and will break In blessings on your head” (Lutheran Service Book, 765, 5). This is why C.F.W. Walther, first president of Concordia Seminary, told students, “I do not want you to be standing in your pulpits like lifeless statues, but to speak with confidence and cheerful courage, offering help where help is needed” (Law and Gospel, 9). That’s how pew-sitters should hear the Gospel, with active confidence that it’s a great time to be the Church.
One of the first things I do every morning is devour the latest news. Depressing! Whether national news or personal challenges, active Christians cope by filtering everything through confident faith. Someplace the great preacher William Willimon wrote that pews are fastened to the floor because you have to hang on. The Gospel of Jesus is dynamic, especially in these times!
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