Last Sunday, I attended a service at a well-known church in North Phoenix. The pastor leading the service was a young, intelligent man, with an excellent way of communicating his message. The worship was uplifting and energetic, with everyone soaking it in like a sponge. The pastor’s teaching was on the series called “Living in the Shadows,” based on the common biblical text found in Psalms 91.
As I was sitting and listening to his message, I couldn’t help but think of all the people who would hear it and leave feeling unsure about their standing with God. And it wasn’t because the pastor intentionally misled anyone, but his words caused me to ponder. Although the pastor knew how to exegete the scripture correctly, based on the audience, he warned that if they sinned, had sinful thoughts, or acted inappropriately, God would retract his protection.
This statement bothered me because it was not the truth. God doesn’t renege on his promises, never. Pastors and preachers often try to explain God’s word, but instead of relying on what is written in the Bible, they tend to add their opinions based on their experiences. They want to ensure their congregation understands the Christian life and doesn’t take his grace and mercy for granted. This quick-fix approach does more harm than good, and people often leave confused and more anxious than before.
In reality, God’s love, grace, and mercy motivate people to choose a righteous path. It’s not about people’s morals but God’s unconditional love that inspires and moves us to do better. Sometimes it can be human nature to create something that is more relatable to us, to make God one of us instead of understanding His true nature.
God’s love is unconditional and unending. People’s actions don’t change God’s love towards them. Think about your child who may have violated your house rules in some manner, either by lying, cheating, or even breaking something. Would you toss them out, banish them, or have them arrested? Most parents would try to welcome their child back with open arms and help them get back on track. And if we would do this, wouldn’t God do far more?
God doesn’t remove his love and protection from us because we have sinned. If He did, it would invalidate the whole essence of the crucifixion. Christ demonstrated his love when he died while we were still sinners, not when we had our lives together. Christ’s sacrifice covered us, and no matter how many times we make mistakes, the integrity of God’s word will not change.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
So, I want to encourage believers who have made big mistakes to know that God loves them and will always protect them. His love isn’t based on our behaviors or performance but on His faithfulness. It’s essential to realize that God is not a vengeful being, and His love is incomprehensible to our human understanding. His love is everlasting, and no one can take it away from us.
The sermon’s message, ‘Living in the Shadows,’ was based on God’s protection and assurance. Still, it’s vital for preachers and pastors to remember that the message they convey must be rooted in what the bible says and not on personal interpretation. God’s love cannot be quantified, measured, or explained, but it is a force that can move mountains and give us peace, even in the darkest of days.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, August 18, 2023