(He Came to Raise the Dead, Not Manage Their Behavior)
I saw one of those viral Facebook posts again.
You’ve probably seen it too, it starts with:
If you’re having sex before marriage, go to church anyway.
If you’re addicted… go to church anyway.
If you were drunk last night… go to church anyway.
If you aren’t sure what gender you prefer… go to church anyway.
Sounds compassionate, right?
But here’s the thing:
It’s not the Gospel. It’s religion in disguise.
Church Isn’t the Goal. Jesus Is.
You don’t need a moral rehab center.
You need a resurrection.
That post makes it sound like church is the place where your mess gets managed. But Jesus didn’t come to help you cope with sin. He came to kill it, bury it, and raise you up new.
Church isn’t a hospital for the broken.
It’s a home for the reborn.
A training ground for the called.
A launchpad for the sent.
The Problem with “Go Anyway” Christianity
Let’s be honest , it’s not a real invitation. It’s a backhanded way to say “you don’t belong… but we’ll tolerate you.”
“You’re disgusting… but we’ll smile and wave.”
“You’re confused… but don’t make us uncomfortable.”
“You’re lost… but sit in the back and be quiet.”
That’s not love.
That’s legalism in lipstick.
Jesus never said “Go to the synagogue anyway.”
He said, “Come to Me.”
All who are weary. All who are burdened. All who are stuck, addicted, or ashamed.
Not to be tolerated, but to be transformed.
Jesus Isn’t Soft. He’s the Rock.
He’s not shifting to fit your life.
He’s not impressed by church attendance if your soul is still dead inside.
Jesus is either:
- Your Cornerstone — the one you build everything on.
- Or your Stumbling Block — the one you keep tripping over trying to keep your pride.
You don’t need a pew.
You need a resurrection.
Real Church Doesn’t Coddle Sin. It Confronts It.
You can sit in church for years and still be in chains.
Religion will let you fake it.
Jesus will call you out of it.
So if you’re out there sleeping around, drinking to cope, stuck in addiction, confused about who you are, then please COME.
But don’t come for validation.
Come for TRANSFORMATION.
Don’t go to church anyway.
Come to Jesus. And don’t look back.
So if you’re tired of fake welcome mats and guilt-wrapped grace,
You’re not the problem.
You’re just awake.
And you’re not alone.
– Trish 💛
