Holiness is one of those words that scares people.  And me. It’s a superspiritual word that just means perfect, pure, set apart or “good.”  Many many many times in the bible God tells us to “be holy.” The problem is that for years, I’ve tried. You’ve tried, too probably.  We’ve both failed and it’s frustrating.  Are we searching for the elusive (and non-existent) unicorn? How can God ask us to achieve something that is unachievable. That is so mean.

As KingsWay launches, our launch theme is going to be centered around the word “re,” as in “rethink,” “rediscover” or ”reimagine”  etc, your thoughts on God (and church).  In reading Leviticus this morning, I encountered a life changing, recalibrating, paradigm breaking idea for some people.  Leviticus 21:15 reads “I am the Lord, who makes [you] holy.” 

There it is–that word “holy” again.  But reconsider, for a moment, the source of holiness. Here, holiness seems like something given to me rather than something I earn.  If God makes someone holy, then what is my role?  Do I not have to work for it?  (Admit it, you’ve worked for it and tried hard, hence the guilt when you fall short).

Ephesians says “it is by grace you have been saved (read: been made holy, good, sanctified) through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

Rethinking holiness just might change everything.

Be ready to rethink some things about God (and church) on September 20.  Be at our “grand opening.”