The writer C.S. Lewis observed, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance, the only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” (C.S. Lewis). And yet that is exactly what many people in our culture think about Jesus, that it is somewhat important.
As we come to final church in our “Flickering Lamps” series, we read about a church that is perilously described as lukewarm; they are neither hot nor cold. Abut this church Jesus has nothing good to say. The situation is so bleak that Jesus is seen as standing outside the door, as if he is a forgotten guest, or worse someone who has been deliberately cast out. It is a tragic picture, but it is too often a picture of American churches and American Christians.