Deeds or Creeds?
I was introduced last week to one of the "best Christians" in the Madison area. His wife gave him that flattering title as she spoke of his kindness, compassion, and love for others. There was just one little problem...
He didn't believe in Christ!
I scratched my head on the way home as I relived the conversation. Other comments had also caught my attention, "Mike, Jesus would want us to feed the poor and take care of the homeless, wouldn't he? That's what he really wants from a church." I agreed wholeheartedly and then added, "But he spoke pretty clearly about the importance of our teachings and belief, too." A blank look stared back at me, "Well...I guess that's another perspective."
That night got me thinking about the debate in our world over deeds and creeds. Some people think it's all about what you do (deeds). Others think it's all about what you teach (creeds). Some churches are known for community service (deeds). Others are known for being unwavering on doctrine (creeds). In general, our culture prefers "Christians" who do good deeds, no matter what they confess in their creeds...or what they don't.
It's a debate that separates many so-called "conservative" denominations from the "liberal" ones. While those labels may or may not be helpful, the debate is crucial to the future of American Christianity. After all, it was Jesus who said, "Whatever you do for the least of these [people], you do for me," and "By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another," (Matthew 25:40 and John 13:35). Deeds of love were essential to Christ's definition of Christianity.
But those weren't the only words that Jesus spoke. He also said, "Go and make disciples...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you," and "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples," (Matthew 28:19 and John 8:31). Creeds, or statements of teaching, were also essential to Christ's definition of Christianity.
In other words, I didn't meet one of the best Christians in Madison. In fact, all his kindness didn't make him a Christian at all!
During the next six weeks, we are going to read through the book of Titus at Eastside. Some of our members are memorizing key verses. The pastors are teaching through the book, verse by verse. As I've read/listened to those 46 short verses from the book dozens of time in the past month, I've been confronted by one inescapable fact: God cares immensely about good doctrine and good deeds.
So, all those churches with perfect creeds who are cold towards our community need to repent. Being inwardly focused and indifferent towards the needs of our world is not in line with Christ's plan. And all those churches who are too busy feeding the hungry to get their teaching about sin and grace and salvation straight need to put down the serving spoons and pick up the Scriptures. Their flexible, agree-to-disagree as long as we love people, philosophy is sickening to God.
But, hopefully, there is a middle ground. God willing, good creeds move people to do good deeds. By the Holy Spirit's power those who confess Christ can live like him--husbands serving and loving their families, employees working hard for imperfect bosses, citizens paying taxes and praying for the President (no matter what party he's from!), neighbors who selflessly lend a hand, classmates who stick up for the weak and picked-on.
I pray that you can join us in the next six weeks or at least listen to the messages on this site or on iTunes. I pray the good doctrine of Christ crucified for your sins will transform you to do more good deeds than you ever imagined possible.
God bless,
Pastor Mike
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I was looking for some helps
I was looking for some helps to teach the letter to Titus. See, people really do see your congregation's web site. The study on Titus sounds great. Keep up the good work. Ron Schultz
Ron, Feel free to listen to
Ron,
Feel free to listen to the audio sermons as we preach through (they're on this site and on iTunes). I pray they help you teach good doctrine and encourage good deeds!
God bless,
Pastor Mike
It is important to remember
It is important to remember that it is by "Grace" that we are saved. This implies we are saved by faith and not by deeds. Although we should embody Christ's teachings and deeds are an afterthought of kindness but the main focus being on faith alone in Christ we are saved because of God's "Grace".
Craig Barrett
Pastor Mike, you are so
Pastor Mike, you are so right-on. There is a touchy middle ground here.
I was born again at a Lutheran church four years ago. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit, of course, but initially, I was very attracted by the good deeds I saw and the love I felt there. I wanted to receive these things, as well as join in administering them. They were something I understood. Those things kept me coming back till the rebirth happened, and I was able to open my heart to Christ. He knew what I needed at that time...what so many people (esp. unbelievers) need. By His grace, I have grown to love His laws (creed), but it took time. As you spoke of today, they are not easy! If we knew we were entering a battlefield, we might not sign on! But every believer needs to come to that place to be a true Christian.
It is impossible for the Church body, and especially the local church, who must continue to give messages each week to "seasoned", growing Christians, to cater to the needs of each new (and very possibly shake-able) believer as far as the delivery of that important part of the good news message goes. That's why members of the body as ministers are so important. Personal relationships and one-on-one support goes a long way with a new believer. When we find friendship, see another obeying the Lord's loving (tough love?) laws, and receive encouragement, it is invaluable. This can be a great recipe for the combination of creeds and deeds. :D
By the way, I left the church I mentioned when I began seeing that it was heavy on the deeds and light on the creeds. I don't know if it would ever be God's will that a church be like that, but I do know that if it hadn't been that way, it's a real possibility that in my general weakness, I may have been scared off by God's laws. I pray for the local church, that we may achieve a balance that is pleasing to God, for it is no easy task. But whatever we do or don't do, the planting of the seed is most important. Then it is really up to the Spirit. God bless you!
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