Purity and holiness maintained vs Gospel messiness

The Gospel is about good news invading the messiness of terrible brokenness, corruption, far-apartness, far-offness, stubborn rebellion–and redeeming it.

When we’re taught “not to smoke, chew or run with those who do” – to “avoid the appearance of evil” – that “a man is known by the company he keeps” – it is difficult for someone to be a good member of the church and be in the midst of messy situations.

Making a safe space for people to be Gospel influences in society may require very different support, encouragement and accountability structures within a church than those required for people to be “set apart” as we typically perceive it.