A major problem within the church · 10:21pm Jan 31st, 2020
Consider a recent study which found out that four out of five Americans identify themselves as Christians. In this group of self-proclaimed Christians, less than half of them are involved in church on a weekly basis. Less than half of them actually believe the Bible is accurate, and the overwhelming majority of them don't have a biblical view of the world around them.
The pollsters went even deeper, though, to identify men and women who are described as "born again Christians" (as if there's any other kind). These are people who say they have a personal commitment to Jesus and who believe they will go to heaven because they have accepted Jesus as their Savior. According to the research, almost half of Americans are "born-again Christians."
But out of this group of "born-again Christians," researchers found that their beliefs and lifestyles are virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the world around them. Many of these "born-again Christians" believe that their works can earn them a place in heaven, others think that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, others think that Jesus sinned while he was on earth, and an ever-increasing number of "born-again Christians" describe themselves as only marginally committed to Jesus.
"Follow Me," by David Platt, Chapter 1, "Unconverted Believers," pgs. 16-17
This is obviously a real problem. And, while it's not said in this passage of the book, there are numerous "Christians" who claim that Jesus isn't the only way to salvation and eternal life. This is blatantly false, as the Bible makes clear (Deuteronomy 18:19, John 8:24, 14:6, Acts 4:12), and yet people who believe themselves Christians believe it.
The Christian Discipleship professor for my class quoted an evangelist (I think it was Billy Graham, but I don't remember for sure), saying that maybe 75% of the people within a church are in need of saving; they fall into the categories Mr. Platt notes regarding the results of the research, as quoted above. Or, as he writes a little later on;
"As I was praying through the countries of the world recently, I came across Jamaica, a country that is supposedly almost 100% Christian. The prayer guide I use made this statement about Jamaica: "It enjoys one of the world's highest number of churches per square mile, but the majority of self-proclaimed Christians in Jamaica neither attend church nor lead a Christian life." As I read this, my heart was overcome by the unavoidable conclusion that multitudes of men and women in Jamaica think they are Christians when they are not. They join scores of people in countries around the world who call themselves Christians yet don't follow Christ."
This is bad.
When people truly choose to follow the Lord Jesus, their lives will change. Significantly. They won't hold to the same things that they did before. Things that once seemed enjoyable to them are now hated (such as adult cartoons, pornography, very offensive online material, and more), and what was once held as worthless is now held as priceless (Jesus and His kingdom). They act not out of (ungodly) fear, but out of love for Jesus (and the other two members of the Holy Trinity of God) and their fellow human beings. They will willingly give up what God has given them so that others may be granted a chance for life, both here and in eternity beyond. Their conscience will convict them of things that prior to their conversion would not have bothered them (bad language, harmful thoughts and words, putting people down, hypocrisy, and more). They will be notably different, both on the outside and the inside.
This doesn't mean we become perfect. There are times we have relapses, we lose our tempers and our patience when under pressure, and we have difficulty forgiving others, especially when we are hurt badly by those we trust(ed). It does mean, however, that true believers are forgiven, their sins washed away by the blood of the Lamb of God. Jesus is the only living Holy Teacher.
Jesus is the only way. No other way to salvation is available. Works meant to gain salvation don't save. Mohammed, Buddha, and other supposed spiritual teachers don't save. Just believing isn't enough, as the disciple James wrote; "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!" (James 2:19).
We have to accept this. That Jesus is the only way. That only Christ can save. That we must accept His invitation to eternal life. We must also repent (turn our backs on sin) and change for Him. Such changes should not come out of fear of hell, nor feel compelled, but rather be done because our desires have changed to reflect Him, and because, most importantly, we truly love Him.
Christ is still offering salvation; will you accept His invitation?
Against my better jugement: I'm gonna go ahead and ask.
Do you actually do anything that marks you as a Christian: something that contributes to the benefit of society in a way that inspires others to follow in your chosen way of life?
Do you offer anything to your peers or neighbors, something that your faith calls on you to do, just for the sake of being a positive force in this world?
Please tell me that your 'Doomsay' isn't it and that you do much more that shows your faith than just complain about everything you see as wrong.
Should I interpret your silence as a firm 'no' and that criticizing others is the extent of your efforts?
At the very least, please consider making a Blood Donation.
Most hospitals will even buy plasma if you would prefer to be compensated (no judgement there, please don't take it as such) for your effort.
5199091
When I write these, it's usually because I feel inspired to do so by something I've thought of or read.
"Criticizing others" is not the extent of what I try to do. I don't feel like boasting about "my" accomplishments, given that all good things come from God and not from us.
Furthermore, this "Criticism" is meant to bring people to the true teaching, to salvation. If that means other people see me as an enemy... so be it. If even one person is saved from eternal hellfire from them seeing these, its worth it.
5199242
Well, I certainly can't fault your conviction anymore than I could fault anyone of other faiths doing the same thing
But I can say from personal experience that extending yourself in acts of charity and crediting your faith nets more interest from possible converts than by using words alone to argue that you are right and they have it wrong; especially when interacting with people of different faiths whom are steadfast (if not moreso than yourself) in their beliefs.
People learn better by example.