COMING TO THE LORD

A typical program in many churches for the new believer is what is called the Introduction Class or in a lot of churches it is called the Membership Class. In this class the new convert may or may not be taught some doctrine, some practices, some principles, and things held dear by that particular group. There is almost always the expectation for newcomers to: Attend and Tithe.

I once had the opportunity to evaluate the teaching material for such a membership class. The first lesson was about “Who God Is” and proceeded to list how we can know: Immanence, Immutability, Impassibility, Impeccability, Incorporeality, Incomprehensibility, Infinity, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, and Omniscience, and that was only about a third of the list. Say what?

It reminded me of a sign I saw somewhere that read: “Horse Rentals: For those who ride fast…we have fast horses. For those who ride slow…we have slow horses. For those who have never ridden …we have horses that have never been ridden.” This material reminded me of “a horse that had never been ridden.” This is not for those who ride slow or fast…this horse has never been ridden. If Coming to the Lord requires this much information I don’t think too many are going to be coming. And, I also know for certain that I am still Coming to the Lord… and probably always will be.

“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.” Jesus