I’m offended that you call me a Sinner!

Introduction

        Over the last few decades the concept of “being offended” has increased exponentially. People are removing statues of military leaders of the southern states during the time of the civil war and removing all Confederate Flags as well. The reason? Since ‘The South lost’, all of these things should be removed so as not to remind us of what we went through. People are suddenly offended by these and other things because it makes them feel uneasy. What if this same idea came into the church?

The Bible has to Go!

        Much like the removal of those statues, should the church be rid of the bible? Maybe not the entire bible, but suppose we do away with all of the Old Testaments? After all it’s full of idolatry, harlotry, deceit, corruption, and no women in the position of leadership. Never mind the fact that Deborah was a judge (Jud. 4:4-5:31) and Esther, a Jew, became queen in Babylon (Esth. 2:16-17).

        Given that all of Jesus’ disciples were male, you might as well ditch the New Testament as well for fear of offending women and young girls. Even though certain groups state that gender is fluid and there are over a dozen of so genders out there.

Don’t offend the Spiritually Challenged!

        And while we’re on the subject of removal, what about the invitation that is offered at the end of every service? Asking people who have sin in their life to walk forward in front of every member of the congregation and admit that they have sinned. Who are they to sit back and watch? Aren’t they sinners as well? Sorry, I meant to say Spiritually Challenged.

        The purpose of the invitation is not to shame an individual but to invite them forward to receive help with sin in their life. If you go to a doctor seeking help, you have to get up in front of everyone in the waiting room to receive medical care. Would you find it shameful to do so? Of course not! What is the difference with the invitation? Absolutely nothing!

Jesus, Our Politically Incorrect Savior

        Jesus wasn’t politically correct.  He called people Sinners, Hypocrites, and other names which would be entirely unheard of in today’s society.  Perhaps they’d send our Savior to sensitivity training so as not to offend those around him. 

Let’s look at Mark 2:15-17, Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi's house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

As you can see from this example, the Pharisees were offended that a man claiming to be God would sit among tax collectors and harlots and eat with them; because they were all sinners. But as Jesus states, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” How are we going to admit we’re sinners and need assistance if we aren’t given that opportunity?

Let’s look at another example in Mt. 18:11-13, "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.” If one goes astray it is better to leave those who aren’t lost behind to search for the one who is lost. Jesus goes looking for the lost and so should we.

The Need for the Invitation

        This is the primary reason we offer the invitation at the close of the lesson.  It’s an appeal to those who are sick (in sin) and in need of healing (forgiveness).  And also, to those who are members of the flock (church) who have gone astray and need to return.  We shouldn’t mask the importance of the invitation for fear of offending someone.  If one is offended, then they need to examine their own lives and see how they compare to the Word of God.  Read 2 Cor. 13 and see Paul’s appeal to the church in Corinth. Some of them had gone astray and needed to return to the truth.

Conclusion

          Jesus summed it best in Matt. 11: 28-30, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The invitation is for all who will hear the voice of God and will hear those who speak on His behalf (Rev. 22:17).

        If you are in need of help in dealing with sin in your life feel free to contact me through this blog. I can pray with you or direct you to a local congregation where you live to help you get on the right path in your life. Don’t put it off, take care of it today (2 Cor. 6:2)