Over two decades ago, Juan Carlos
Ortiz criticized European and
American evangelists for offering a 'carrot stick gospel'
that focused on the pay off,
the good pleasant things to hear...
but not the daily true lordship of Jesus in all our ways,
Or the fact that we can believe the truths of the gospel...
and still be condemned to hell.
reminds us that grace does not dismiss discipleship
and mercy does not release
us from our need to genuinely repent
to the point of habit and lifestyle changes.
We must accept the grace that is given us and truly let Jesus be Lord of our
lives.
It's not an either-or proposition, but a both-and call
from God to receive grace and to follow Jesus as Lord.
