"It’s what everyone needs. Everyone. Gospel + safety + time. A lot of gospel + a lot of safety + a lot of time.
Gospel: good news for bad people through the finished work of Christ
on the cross and the present power of the Holy Spirit. Multiple
exposures. Constant immersion. Wave upon wave of grace and truth,
according to the Bible.
Safety: a non-accusing environment. No finger-pointing. No
embarrassing anyone. No manipulation. No oppression. No
condescension. But respect and sympathy and understanding, where
sinners can confess and unburden their souls.
Time: no pressure. Not even self-imposed pressure. No deadlines on
growth. No rush. No hurry. But a lot of space for complicated people
to rethink their lives at a deep level. If we relax, trusting in God’s
patience, we actually get going.
This is what our churches must be: gentle environments of gospel + safety + time. It’s the only way anyone can ever change.
Who doesn’t need that?"
Gospel + safety + time
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