Sometimes Church Feels Like A Cage

I was reading 2 Timothy 2 today. I was struck with Paul's perspective, how even though the church has failed Him in some ways (1:15), even though now he is literally chained like a criminal for preaching the gospel  (2:9), Paul endures and holds fast still for the sake of the true Church that they too might obtain salvation in Jesus Christ. And He endures it all with one certain saying in mind. Paul writes,

"I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him. If we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; if we are faithless He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. Remind them of these things ..." 
--2 Timothy 2:10-14a


I relate to it, because I'm a minister like Paul. And I have tough times with my church myself. And while I'm not literally chained, sometimes I'm frustrated by the spiritual, emotional, and relational chains of the world around me that hinder the work of the gospel in their lives and mine.

But Paul endures remembering that one saying. So I want to endure remembering that one saying and having others learn it as well. I wrote a song to remember it. Here are the lyrics, a recording may come later:


SOMETIMES CHURCH FEELS LIKE A CAGE
By: Justin Ahlgrim

sometimes-church-feels like a cage
and worship sung just onstage
and my faith's bound up in chains
to a pulpit that doesn't understand me

the pews are filled with criminals
who steal and lie for themselves
and we pretend we're not in hell when
the shiv of gossip stabs us in the back

but the Word of God is not bound
Jesus Christ is not underground
Therefore let us endure
and make our election sure

if we have died, we will live
if we endure, we'll reign with Him
If we deny Christ, He will deny us
yet when we're faithless, He remains faithful

so let us put away these chains
confess our crimes and mend our ways
and make peace with those profaned
by me the man who was only born once


if we have died, we will live
if we endure, we'll reign with Him
If we deny Christ, He will deny us
yet when we're faithless, He remains faithful



we don't have to be criminals anymore
cause we're born again, you see
a new life awaits us
It's for freedom that Christ has set us free
It's for freedom that Christ has set us free
It's for freedom that Christ has set us free
It's for freedom that Christ has set us free


if we have died, we will live
if we endure, we'll reign with Him
If we deny Christ, He will deny us
yet when we're faithless, He remains faithful