Blog - Joyful Curmudgeon - Blog
A Mary T. Hoffman Commentary from All-Creatures.org

 

"Joyful Curmudgeon" An oxymoron?
No! I see all the beauty of God's creation and I'm joyful.  At the same time, I see all the suffering and corruption going on in the world, and feel called to help expose and end it so that we may have true peace and compassion.

 

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God’s Grace Continues to Be Cheapened – 23 July 2007
By Mary T. Hoffman

When I wrote “Cheap Grace” in 1998, I had no idea that the downward spiral of those claiming to be “born again” Christians would continue as it has. With all the talk about huge revivals, the growing popularity of what passes as “Christianity,” and the appearance of mega-churches, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Actually, I think this downward spiral began long ago, and was evident after the death of the early vegetarian Church fathers who lived disciplined lives.

After all, the Bible warns us about the world and its attractions, and tells us to “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). So much for “cheap grace”!

1 John 2:16-17 describes and warns against the self-indulgence that pervades the world:

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

17 And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever. ~ New American Standard Bible

That is why it is difficult for me to understand how so many of those who claim to be believers and religious leaders fail to mature into true “children of God”: “For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons [children] of God.” “…in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:19-21) Instead of freeing creation from its corruption, these believers and religious leaders are actually contributing to the ungodly corruption of this earth.

In metaphorical language, 1 Peter 1:23-25 further explains the futility of a “world-centered” life:

23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.

24 For, "All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off,

25 But the word of the Lord abides forever. " And this is the word which was preached to you. ~ New American Standard Bible

For more thoughts on “Cheap Grace,” see:
http://all-creatures.org/heart/5dec98.html
http://www.all-creatures.org/heart/blog-20060128.html 

Go on to: Cartoons by Denise E. Stephens – 24 July 2007
Return to: Do Your Homework Before Donating – 22 July 2007
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