Why We Are Called The Broken Church
Ultimately, every church on the face of the earth is broken. Churches are broken because they are made up of broken people—that is, people who are not perfect. In the Bible, the inability to continually reach the high standard God sets before us is called sin, and it separates us from a holy God.
Okay, So You Say I Am Broken. What Exactly Is Sin?
The word "sin" is often used as an archery metaphor to mean "missing the mark" or "falling short of the target". This describes a failure to achieve a goal or intended purpose, which is understood in a religious context as falling short of a divine standard.
Of Course I'm Not Perfect, what's the Big Deal?
While the metaphor suggests error, the theological concept of sin often includes the idea of a deliberate choice or voluntary mistake, not just an accidental miss. That means our sin has the same weight as an intentional act against God. We have broken the law and it is our imperfection that keeps us from being in the presence of a holy God. The relationship we were meant to have with our Heavenly Father, now and through eternity, is broken.
How Can We Get to Heaven If We Are Broken?
What We Used to Do:
Old Testament Solutions - B.C.
Sacrifices
The sacrificial system established by God served as a primary method for atoning for sin and restoring a person's relationship with God. Different types of offerings were prescribed for different transgressions and purposes.
- Sin Offering (𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑎ℎ): Required for unintentional sins, such as when someone broke one of God's commandments without realizing it. The specific animal required varied based on the status of the person, with a male goat for a common person and a bull for the whole congregation.
- Guilt Offering (𝑎𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑚): Mandated when a sin involved a quantifiable wrong against God or another person, such as theft or neglecting a holy item. The offender was required to offer a ram and make restitution, including a 20% penalty, to the wronged party.
- Burnt Offering (𝑜𝑙𝑎ℎ): A voluntary offering to express thanks and devotion, but it also atoned for unintentional sins. The entire animal was burned on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
What We Do Today:
New Testament Solutions - A.D.
A Better Way
- What Changed: The New Testament people paid for their sins by trusting in Jesus Christ's atoning death and resurrection. This salvation was not earned by works but received as a gift from God through faith. The key practices for resolving sin include repentance, confession, and the forgiveness of sins.
- The cornerstone: Jesus's sacrifice: The central New Testament teaching is that Jesus's death on the cross served as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, replacing the need for animal sacrifices under the Old Testament Law.
- A new covenant: As the ultimate "Lamb of God," Jesus's shed blood established a new covenant, offering a permanent solution for the forgiveness of sins.
- The fulfillment of the law: While the Old Testament law could only expose humanity's inability to overcome sin, Jesus fulfilled its righteous requirements. Through faith in him, people could be counted as righteous.
Yes, It Really IS That Simple.
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About us
Broken is a faith-based community committed to fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. We believe that every individual has a unique journey, and we are here to support that journey with compassion, understanding, and love. Our mission is to create a space where people can begin their relationship with Christ, grow in their spirituality, form meaningful connections, and contribute positively to the world around them. With a focus on inclusivity, we welcome individuals from all walks of life to join us in our pursuit of a deeper understanding of the One who created us as we walk this journey together.