Comfort

Christians must embrace the grounding their faith in a local church context; however uncomfortable, awkward, and frustrating it may be. Churches must embrace the uncomfortable aspects of Christianity if they are to thrive in the twenty-first century.

When the Christian church is comfortable and cultural, it leads to weakness. When the church is uncomfortable and countercultural, it leads to strength.

“31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 

Matthew 6:31-33, ESV

“17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” 

Ephesians 4:17-18, ESV

“15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” 

1 John 2:15-17, ESV