Because my goal is to be relevant, people (usually upset with me) constantly ask, "Where do you draw the line?"
I draw the line between "essentials" and "non-essentials", or as Dan Kimball calls them, "core beliefs" and those "non-core beliefs".
If we could discipline ourselves to stay within these essential limits, we would do well to reach the marketplace for Jesus' redemption through love and grace.
The discouraging reality is, I spend so much time explaining to people that I'm not interested in returning to Galatia (non-essential religion) as a resident slave of the traditional laws, man's law and its legalism.
Because of Jesus "love-work", we were moved past 'judgment', offered something beyond 'mercy', now drenched in a great gift of 'grace'.
To clarify, judgment is getting what we deserve. Mercy is 'not getting' what you deserve. But in Jesus, "grace" is getting what you don't deserve. This is where I want to focus - the "essentials" of the life of a Christian, especially as it relates in "contemporary relevance" to today's culture.
Here are my "Essential for Graceland", core beliefs to focus on as we relate in relevance, in love.
The Inspiration of the Bible. I'm not a literalist as it relates to scripture, but I fully believe that the Bible was fully inspired by God for the purpose of revealing His plan in Jesus to a fallen world.
The Trinity of God. I believe in the Father (Abba), the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. The Creator Father, the Son and the Spirit are in constant communion and love for each other and mankind.
The Deity of Jesus. Jesus is all man, and all God. He was born of a virgin birth and chose to lower Himself to enter into creation's fallen state for the purpose of redeeming mankind through His sacrifice and victory over sin’s hold.
Salvation in Jesus. Many are 'spiritual', and this is a positive to me. I believe they are seeking the path to Jesus. They may not know Him by name, or recognize the Spirit that is calling them, but it is Jesus' love and truth that constantly promotes salvation. Our job is to add flesh to this love, and to show Jesus as the only way.
Fruit of Spirit Life. The Christian is not noticed by his or her perfect (religious) life. Actually, a Christian is noticed by his and her imperfect, ragamuffin lives of authenticity. Fruit filled lives shine the love and desperate need of Jesus in, and through us to others in the community. Faith, hope and love for everyone – and the greatest is the love.
Atonement for Sin. Jesus' work (death on the cross and bodily resurrection) has overcome the hold of sin in our lives, when we place our faith in Him and His work for us. Jesus is the antidote to our sin situation, by means a right standing relationship that begins at my faith in Jesus for 'me as a sinner' in creation.
Covenant of Marriage. I believe marriage is a relationship that God has created for the purpose of displaying His further image in creation. In marriage, male and female, you see the complete image of Abba Father for life and reproduction.
Return of Jesus. I believe that Jesus is coming back. I don't know when, I don't know how, I don't know what to look for...I just believe that Jesus is returning to His seat of perfect judge over a creation that hails Him as it's deliverer and King.
Serving in Deeds. I believe we must serve others. We have created many religious 'creeds', but we've been instructed that creeds are not good if they are not established for the purpose of deeds of love, charity and self sacrifice. We are created for relationship, with God and with others.
