Lets not make it hard

James, in the 15 chapter of Acts says, "It is my judgment therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God" Many would know the context of the passage. The question was, should they have to be circumcised. Peter and others deal with that question well. "No." But they should receive some instruction. In other words they do need to be discipled.

I got to thinking a bit about this text. How do I make it difficult for people who are turning to God and when could I swing too far the other way and make it "non-gospel easy"? A good thing for me to think about as I long to worship rightly.

Here are some things I am thinking: I make it too hard when I say, "You must learn the ways of the Lord" I make it too easy when I say "Jesus loves you." Both of those statements are true but not independently so. (I know this is delicate ground) The second chapter of James goes into some detail on faith and works. We are saved because He does all the work. After and as He does, we are compelled to grow. We still have our free will and we often do not grow much, but growth is part of the gospel and we are called to it..

In the great commission Jesus says to make disciples teaching them to observe all I have commanded you. So we should "be made" and we should "be taught" and over all we should know that His power is made pefect in out weaknesses (even in this mini theological blog)