Pastors's Message Gospel-Driven Therapy      In a recent article which I read, I came across the idea that much of current church preaching is “therapeutic” in regards to reaching the people. It is therapy in the sense that what we preachers proclaim touches the mental and emotional needs of people. God certainly sees the need to address our mental and emotional needs. He has much to say on those subjects. However, what I see in Christian-written books for the last 10 years or so seems to be all about what we are to do to enjoy/have/maintain a better life for ourselves. Some of these authors are so people-focused that Jesus is almost completely left out of their “therapy” for the reader.      Whether it is “The Purpose-Driven Life” or “Many Are Called But Most Leave Their Phone Off The Hook”, this focus on what we can do or need to do is prevalent.      Let’s review some basic Christian teaching: God’s words of Law – these are Bible verses that describe what we are to do or not to do, or examples of either right or wrong human behavior. Words of Law are about what we do or don’t do. God’s words of Gospel – these are Bible verses that describe what God has done and is still doing to bless us, save us, forgive our sins, bring us to the best life here and hereafter, encourage us, raise us from spiritual death to eternal life through the work of Jesus Christ.      Words of Gospel are about what God has done and is still doing for our benefit. The saving work of Jesus Christ is the central message of the Gospel.      Back to the original discussion – if current “Christian” writers are so focused on what we can do to make our lives better, then they offer a Law-based Therapy. The problem with this type of therapy is: the Law is never intended to save us. It curbs our sins by setting moral limits. The Law acts like a spiritual mirror and shows us our sins. The Law guides us in living a God-pleasing life. It does not even mention forgiveness of sins, grace, mercy, love from God to us, or Jesus as our Savior.      On the other hand, Gospel-driven Therapy tells us how God sent His Son Jesus to deal with our need for the Savior. In this therapy, we receive what God gives. Jesus lives the perfect life that so many “therapy” writers claim they can enable us to find for ourselves (if we complete and do the steps just right!). Jesus dies to remove what is really wrong with us – sin, guilt, shame, spiritual death, meaningless life. Jesus rises from the dead to open what we truly need – eternal life that begins when we are led to faith in Christ, and heaven’s doors of blessing open for us forever. This is the therapy for body and soul which God has provided for all people.      Oh, by the way, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 6. The Lenten season is focused on what Jesus has done and still does to save us. We are taught to respond to Christ by trusting in His saving actions and by repenting of our sinful life. By the power of God’s grace, (Gospel-driven Therapy), we are changed each day by dying and rising again with Jesus as we recall our baptism. If you or a friend of yours needs some soul-deep therapy, Lent is the season for you. While you are considering this, open your Bible and read Isaiah 53. It’s all about Jesus, what He would be for us. It’s Gospel-driven Therapy. Glad to be in Christ’s service,   Pastor Lyle Hansen

Home | Pastor's Message | About Us | Schedule | Organizations | Youth Activities
Education | Missions | Location | Contact Us | Links| Cong. News