It might seem cool to talk about grace, or to call your church or mission “grace-based,” but such an identity is unbalanced and can become unhinged. What about truth, in addition to grace? Eventually, the knowledge that Jesus embodied both grace and truth will sink in.
It might seem cool for Christians to show support for the so-called Jewish state, but that geopolitical entity is not inherently more important than any other one. That realization will come. If it turns out that there is some kind of “millennium” in the future, and some kind of kingdom iteration with Jesus sitting on a throne on this planet, that eventual scenario will have nothing to do with the nation-state of Israel as we know it.
It might seem cool for non-Roman Catholics to give attention to Mary, but that can go too far. Eventually, the thrill of anti-Protestant rebellion ought to wear off. For centuries, Mary has gotten too much attention, and it is entirely off-base to adore her or pray through her or to her.
It might seem cool to be assimilated into Christendom’s terminology, using titles like “Pastor” or “Elder” or “Father” ineptly, but that practice leads to more than meets the eye. It’s not merely showing yourself “above” things you think are non-essential. Eventually, if not immediately, unhelpful power structures will be instantiated into your church, too.
It might be cool to do or say any number of things, but cool is not always the best thing.
Earnestly Speaking 