Thin Gruel

Someone has emailed me the aims and objectives of a large, evangelistic event which I share, below. This is what the organisers hope will to happen to those who 'respond':

Clarity about your calling that will shift your entire future

Freedom from struggles that have followed you for years

A tangible encounter with God's presence that will become your new normal

Is this the sum of the gospel? A counterfeit one, for certain. This event sounds like a self-help weekend with a bit of spirituality thrown into the mix. It will surely, if successful, improve your lifestyle, but what of averting the holy wrath of a righteous God who is preparing to judge the living and the dead? Where is Christ's victory upon the cross and His conquering of death?

So much that passes for Christianity is wine turned to water; a thin gruel of emotional well-being and soothing experiences instead of the rich meats of redemption, adoption, justification and grace.