Guilty but Free: Christ Our Advocate

Imagine this:  you've been arrested and indicted for a very serious crime. The prosecution has done its homework. They’ve gathered the evidence, lined up the witnesses, reviewed every moment leading up to the crime. There’s no escape—they’ve got you dead to rights.

So now, you are called into court to stand trial. The judge enters the room, and everyone rises. The jury sits down, ready to hear testimony. The air is thick with tension. You know the facts. You know what you’ve done. And worst of all—you know you’re guilty.

The Consumer Mindset in Church

We live in a consumer-driven culture. Whether you’re shopping for shoes, a phone, or even deciding where to eat, we are constantly presented with choices designed to cater to our preferences. 

A recent example from my own life:  I spent an entire week researching the perfect deck box. I visited Walmart, Fresno Ag, Home Depot, and scoured Amazon—comparing sizes, materials, reviews—wanting to make the right choice. It made sense; I was the customer. I had a need, and I was determined to find the product that fit my criteria.

This kind of decision-making defines much of how we live. Our culture says:  “Find what suits you best. Customize it. Choose what makes you happiest.” And that works fine—until we bring that consumer mindset into the church.

More and more people today approach church like they would a restaurant, gym, or streaming service:  “Does it meet my needs? Do I like the worship style? Is it convenient for my schedule?” If expectations aren’t met, they move on. But is this how God intended us to relate to the church?