It’s time to push boundaries again….something Sherman and I have been known to do.A boundary is a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. A limit is a point or level beyond which something may not extend or pass. The owners
of Urban Artifact decided they would do some ‘boundary pushing’ in the eclectic Northside Neighborhood in Cincinnati by making an old Catholic Church into a Concert Venue, Event Center, Brewery and Bar. Each night, Urban Artifact serves up various styles of musical expression along with their custom beers. In an appropriate turn, New Life Covenant for 3 weeks in July, will make Urban Artifact a church again, holding our Sunday services there on July 5, 12, and 26, at 11:00 AM. Yes, there is a bar. There are also bars at Fridays, PF Changs, the Playhouse and the Aronoff Center, at the Reds and Bengals games, and at the movie theater…and I could go on. Yes, we’re having church there. Yes, we’d like for YOU to join us!
This past week has been all about dividing lines: the funerals of the Charleston 9, the burning of several black churches since then, and the Supreme Court’s Decision on same sex marriage. We now clearly see the stark polarization that exists in our country along racial lines, and between the ‘sinner’ and the ‘saint.’ Everyone is grappling with how to respond. Christians, take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 5:9-12.It clearly states that the church should, as the song says, ‘Sweep around your own front door, before you try to sweep around mine.” I think we too easily forget that EVERYONE has sinned and that we ALL can ONLY be made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. (Rom 3:22-23)
Jesus drew a contrast between Himself and his prophet-cousin, John the Baptist. John was austere in his approach. He and his disciples were strict and severe in manner and behavior. Jesus, not so much: no Nazarite vow, hanging out with folks. In Matthew 11:18-19, Jesus said it didn’t matter which approach was taken, because the religious Pharisees condemned them both: “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
JESUS – “A glutton, and a drunkard, a FRIEND of tax collectors and sinners.” Let that sit for a moment. Somehow Jesus was able to
befriend and live with all kinds of people doing all kinds of things WITHOUT losing His identity as God, or sinning as man. He endeared Himself to those in the world because He came to save them! He has given us that same Great Commission. One day, the church will realize that influence comes through relationship, and there is no relationship without connection. Our Christ is not just credible, but INCREDIBLE! Those we desire to know Him will never experience the love, healing, deliverance, and power of His presence unless we GO and show them! So join Us THIS SUNDAY 11:00 AM Urban Artifact 1660 Blue Rock St. Cincinnati OH 45223
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street
