Q&A: Part 3 - If Jesus is so Good, Why Are Christians are so Horrible?

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 11.00am on Sunday 21st August, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:

Reading:

Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

“You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good?”

 
Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

 
Matthew 7:15-23 (NIV)

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”



Prayer and Reflection:

Loving God, we confess and say sorry as we who call ourselves Christians recognise the times when we have been guilty of behaving in a way that dishonours the name of Christ. Forgive us Lord, we pray.
We thank you for your love and grace, that in our misery you meet us at the cross with mercy. Help us Father, by your Holy Spirit, to be gentle and humble in heart, help us grow together and be fruitful. Help us to glorify your holy name as we enjoy and share in the fruits of your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name we ask this. Amen.



Questions to consider:
1) Can you think of a time or times when you have been legalistic, judgmental, hypocritical, intolerant or sexist? If you can, say sorry to God for this and ask for His help in correcting this.

2) Is there a specific person or group of people about whom you speak harshly? Why, and how might you change this?
3) Might there be some unresolved issues, past or present, that you need to bring before God and deal with before you can change?What are they?
4) Have you explored the idea of theological reflection? Might this be something to consider alongside your current practices?
5) How fruitful are you? What fruits of the Spirit do you think are growing in you? Are there any fruits lacking – and what might be behind this?



Books:
 
Christianity for People Who Aren’t Christians (James Emery White)
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Peter Scazzero)
Theological Reflection (Judith Thompson)
The Holiness of God (R. C. Sproul)
 
Online Resources:
 
The Holiness of God and the Sinfulness of Man:
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/holiness-god-and-sinfulness-man