Cold Christianity

INTRO

Cold: marked by a lack of the warmth of normal human emotion, friendliness, or compassion 〈a cold stare〉 〈got a cold reception〉 also: not moved to enthusiasm Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.

Visitor posted online in 2023: “We visited Shelbyville Rd while visiting in the area. We did not receive a warm, friendly atmosphere.”

Churches often think they are friendly—and they are, but with each other.

DISCUSSION

The heart of Christianity is the heart

Mk 12:29-30

The heart grows cold

Is our Bible study cold? (Heb 5:11-14)

Is our worship cold?

Cheerful giving (2 Cor 9:7). Recent visitor: Where’s the contribution? Did we have it? (Ben 3)

Joyful singing (Ps 100:1;

A cold church—Ephesus Rev 2:4 c

Are we cold in our benevolence? Mt 5:42

No greeters

The cure for a cold heart

40 Days to the Cross: Reflections from Great Thinkers Reflection

The only cure for a cold heart is to look at the heart of Jesus.

—ROBERT MCCHEYNE

Did not our hearts burn within us?

We do not need to be afraid of emotions

Love the Lord with all our hearts—emotions

EXHORTATION