As my wife and I were having breakfast this morning she made this comment. “Did you every notice how fruit is like people calling themselves Christians - they can look really great on the outside but be bad on the inside?” Although this truth wasn’t a new thought, it certainly made me stop and reconsider this issue.
ABC did a poll June 20-24, 2008 asking Americans whether they identified themselves as Christian or some other group. When the results were tabulated, 13% claimed no religion, 4% non-Christian religion, and a whopping 83% clearly identified themselves as Christian.
This is the problem – perception! Just because I am a member of a church, attend a church, grew up in a church, have a Bible in the house, said a prayer once, was baptized, take communion, do lots of good deeds, and ….. - doesn’t mean I am a Christian.
Doing those things don’t make me a Christian any more than riding in a car makes me a car.
These things are the result of being a Christian, not what makes me a Christian. To be a Christian you first have to follow the process of being right with God which is stated in Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” That means you make an agreement with God and let it be known that Jesus is the Master of your life and put your faith and trust in the fact that He is the only sacrifice for sin – then you’ll be saved (have a relationship with God).
Christian is not a title, it is an action and behavior of life. A lot of people are angry at the church and “Christians” because they do not display a Christ lifestyle. Being a Christian is to try to be the best disciple of Christ possible. That means studying the Bible, holding to His values & morals, sharing lives with others who are dedicated to follow Christ, and seeking ways to allow His life to show through our actions.
But, without a personal relationship with Christ we don’t have the power to do any more than be some of that rotten fruit that looks so good on the outside, but undesirable once you open it up.
If you call yourself a Christian, but it is only an outward appearance, why not ask Christ to truly be the center of your life. If you are not finding fellowship with other believers, decide to join a fellowship that will help you grow in Christ.
Don’t just try to look good on the outside, let Christ change the inside.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
To Die For
The two thousand member church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning. The preacher was ready to start the sermon when two men, dressed in long black coats and black hats entered thru the rear of the church.
One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons.
The one in the middle announced, "Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seats!"
Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor.
After a few moments, there were about twenty people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit.
The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, "All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service."
Over 77% of people in America call themselves Christians according to a 2001 Gallup Poll, with 41-43% attending church every week. That means that over three fourths of the people in Independence, KS, which would come to 7581people, are Christians and on any given week 4037 are attending church.
Why do I state these figures in relation to hypocrisy?
First, If 77% of us were truly Christians (i.e. Webster definition - 1 a: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1): disciple) and lived according to Christ’s teaching and example Independence, KS would be a different city. The “good old boy system” would be gone, people would be trying to bring about change that was not centered on self – rather on the needs of people around them, and we would have a tone of love and compassion from our community.
Second, if 4037 people are attending church any given week – that would have each of our 42 churches averaging 96 people a week. Obviously, this is not close to reality.
Why do we have these unreal stats? It’s because the answers come from peoples opinions rather than facts. People want to look good so they answer accordingly – hypocrites!
When the actual church attendance is surveyed, only 17.4% of the population (1724 people) of Independence are regular in church attendance. That means the average per church would drop to about 42 people. Remember – these figures only include the city, nothing beyond the city limits.
So what’s the point?
We just can’t help ourselves, we want to be identified with a group we admire, and we want to look good.
The problem is not church attendance, or lack thereof, rather it is the first part – being a Christian. If I am truly a Christian I am a follower of Christ and want to be around others that also desire to grow and learn more about how Christ can help me to change the world around me.
You may be saying – but all those churches and Christians are hypocrites, so how can I join with them? I say you are right! Many people are hypocrites right along with the churches they attend. Christ is not the center, and if the story above happened, no one would be left in the church. On the other side, there are churches and people that they are committed to Christ so strongly they will die for Him.
If you want to be identified with a group that really believe God is God, the Bible is true (every last word), and Christ has answers for the toughest issues of your life – keep looking. There are several churches that preach Christ, not rules, and care about people and not power and position. Find one!
I guess the real question may come down to – are you willing to die for what you believe?
“For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Phil. 1:21 NLT)
One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons.
The one in the middle announced, "Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seats!"
Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor.
After a few moments, there were about twenty people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit.
The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, "All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service."
Over 77% of people in America call themselves Christians according to a 2001 Gallup Poll, with 41-43% attending church every week. That means that over three fourths of the people in Independence, KS, which would come to 7581people, are Christians and on any given week 4037 are attending church.
Why do I state these figures in relation to hypocrisy?
First, If 77% of us were truly Christians (i.e. Webster definition - 1 a: one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1): disciple) and lived according to Christ’s teaching and example Independence, KS would be a different city. The “good old boy system” would be gone, people would be trying to bring about change that was not centered on self – rather on the needs of people around them, and we would have a tone of love and compassion from our community.
Second, if 4037 people are attending church any given week – that would have each of our 42 churches averaging 96 people a week. Obviously, this is not close to reality.
Why do we have these unreal stats? It’s because the answers come from peoples opinions rather than facts. People want to look good so they answer accordingly – hypocrites!
When the actual church attendance is surveyed, only 17.4% of the population (1724 people) of Independence are regular in church attendance. That means the average per church would drop to about 42 people. Remember – these figures only include the city, nothing beyond the city limits.
So what’s the point?
We just can’t help ourselves, we want to be identified with a group we admire, and we want to look good.
The problem is not church attendance, or lack thereof, rather it is the first part – being a Christian. If I am truly a Christian I am a follower of Christ and want to be around others that also desire to grow and learn more about how Christ can help me to change the world around me.
You may be saying – but all those churches and Christians are hypocrites, so how can I join with them? I say you are right! Many people are hypocrites right along with the churches they attend. Christ is not the center, and if the story above happened, no one would be left in the church. On the other side, there are churches and people that they are committed to Christ so strongly they will die for Him.
If you want to be identified with a group that really believe God is God, the Bible is true (every last word), and Christ has answers for the toughest issues of your life – keep looking. There are several churches that preach Christ, not rules, and care about people and not power and position. Find one!
I guess the real question may come down to – are you willing to die for what you believe?
“For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Phil. 1:21 NLT)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
GPS for Life
Several weeks ago I helped my brother in law set up his new GPS (Global Positioning System) so they could use it on their trip. What a wonderful tool for navigation, just tell it where you want to go and it will show & speak directions, tell how far to your destination, and how far you have come so far. And, if you pay for certain subscriptions, it will also warn of things like traffic problems & road construction.
There are also some real downsides to GPS, one of which is the fact that if it can tell you where to go and how to get there – it also knows exactly where you are at all times! For those who like utmost privacy, this is a real problem. You can’t have it both ways.
Another downside is that if the wrong information is entered, all the guidance and timing will be completely useless and steer you wrong.
That’s the same way it is in life. God built in a GPS when we were created that is intended to be set according to His directions. He knows where we are and what we are doing at all times.
However, He has given us a free choice to choose any setting we want. The problem is, if we don’t choose His settings we find ourselves turning in directions that lead us to broken relationships, lives filled with anger & bitterness, drugs, loneliness, and many other bad situations.
How wonderful to have an aid to guide us on our journey, but how frustrating to rely on something that is using false settings. But remember, you have a choice of what the settings will be. If you want to have a joyful, complete, and fruitful life – but then enter data that will lead in the opposite direction, sorry about your luck!
The only true source for setting a course for our lives is through a personal relationship with Christ. In John 14:15-17 it say, “If you love Me you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” Only through Christ and the Holy Sprit can we have a true course of navigation, and only as we respond to the directions can we stay on course. If we make a wrong turn He is there to redirect us to the highway so we can complete the journey.
If we do not have Christ’s true settings for our GPS we will not only fail in this life – but we will never reach our eternal destination with God. There is only one way to be saved and that is through Christ.
There are also some real downsides to GPS, one of which is the fact that if it can tell you where to go and how to get there – it also knows exactly where you are at all times! For those who like utmost privacy, this is a real problem. You can’t have it both ways.
Another downside is that if the wrong information is entered, all the guidance and timing will be completely useless and steer you wrong.
That’s the same way it is in life. God built in a GPS when we were created that is intended to be set according to His directions. He knows where we are and what we are doing at all times.
However, He has given us a free choice to choose any setting we want. The problem is, if we don’t choose His settings we find ourselves turning in directions that lead us to broken relationships, lives filled with anger & bitterness, drugs, loneliness, and many other bad situations.
How wonderful to have an aid to guide us on our journey, but how frustrating to rely on something that is using false settings. But remember, you have a choice of what the settings will be. If you want to have a joyful, complete, and fruitful life – but then enter data that will lead in the opposite direction, sorry about your luck!
The only true source for setting a course for our lives is through a personal relationship with Christ. In John 14:15-17 it say, “If you love Me you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” Only through Christ and the Holy Sprit can we have a true course of navigation, and only as we respond to the directions can we stay on course. If we make a wrong turn He is there to redirect us to the highway so we can complete the journey.
If we do not have Christ’s true settings for our GPS we will not only fail in this life – but we will never reach our eternal destination with God. There is only one way to be saved and that is through Christ.
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Bondage of Religion
Have you ever thought about how controlling and stifling religion is to our lives, all the do’s & don’ts that are included in this “path to God”. And look at the rules & regulations, why even a saint can’t meet those high ideals!
So, why bother at all? Better to not even try, than to try and be a hypocrite, right?
That would be absolutely a correct statement concerning religion. Religion has been aptly described as man trying to reach God. He does this trough all kinds of rituals, rites, and sacrifice. Each form of religion has it’s own set of rules and ways they think can help them reach God (or gods), but they always fall short – nothing works!
Even the ”Christian” branch of religion finds themselves caught up in man made doctrines and practices that keep them either from reaching a relationship with God, or having a fullness of life with Christ. A lot of church doctrines are encumbered with man’s misinterpretation of what God has tried to share with us in the Bible.
We have laws on when to pray, how to pray, what rituals are acceptable for salvation (such as baptism - immersion, sprinkle, dip, dry clean..), who is acceptable to do certain functions in our church body, who can be married in our church, what qualifies us as “spirit filled”, how to tell if you are “Holy”, and the list goes on … !
The truth is – religion is man reaching out to God, while “true Christianity” is God reaching out to man. God has offered us the ability to have a new life set apart from rules & regulations that is centered in love and freedom. Christ came to “fulfill the law” that we cannot fulfill in and of ourselves. If we accept Christ as the fulfillment of all those regulations we are free! Christ said, ”That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Ro 10:9) Nothing more to it – just that simple.
As I was rereading Romans 8:1-2, I appreciated how Paul stated very clearly, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death!”.
Paul goes on to say if we live with our minds set on Christ, all those man made rules and regulations have no effect or worth in our lives. If we are a Christian with our minds centered on Christ, we are set free from the bondage of laws, and made free in Christ. Remember, Christ said, ”So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
If you are serving a religion, sorry about your luck! All you have are laws, rites, and a lot of unfulfilling pain. If you are serving Christ, choose to serve Him (not the church) and let Him give you the guidelines to follow.
Should you be in a church, or religion that is centered in bondage, and not bringing freedom in Christ – choose today to make a change. If you don’t know where to go, or don’t have a church home that helps you celebrate freedom in Christ you are more than welcome to join our church family at any time. We celebrate the love of God and freedom in Christ.
Monday, June 16, 2008
The Truth About Dad
One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, "Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?"
The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. "I can't, dear," she said. "I have to sleep with Daddy."
A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice: "The big sissy."
This story carries a big message. Our children interpret life by how they have been trained to deal with life from their parents, and expressly fathers.
What is the message that we have been conveying to our children as fathers? Is it one of fear, self centeredness, harshness, greed, addictions, ????? - or, is it one of a life centered in Christ and His truth?
The Bible clearly places the father as the spiritual leader of the home and calls us to teach them at all times in everything that we do, just as it states in Deuteronomy 6:
“ 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. 8 Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
As we train our children in this manner they will not see us as a self-centered sissy, but rather a loving, caring, man of strength that helps them mature into complete adults.
How do your children view you, and what are they learning?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Clocking In
When I was in college one of my summer jobs was being a welder’s helper at Crane Company in Alliance, Ohio. We made bathtubs, sinks and other house and bathroom fixtures.
Every morning I would clock in with the rest of the men at 7:00 am and head to my department to find the head welder and start my day of great adventures. I had worked at my uncles welding shop in High School, and was looking forward to honing my skills as a welder – what an opportunity! The task I was hired to help with was constructing a new overhead conveyer track that would be needed for a new automated line once they got it up and running.
I was soon to find out that what I was hired for was not what we did! Our routine went something like this. We would go directly to the break room and get a cup of coffee and a roll. Then, we would make our way down through the shop talking with everyone and anyone who would talk. By noon we usually made it to the area where we were suppose to work on the new conveyer – but hey, it was noon so we would head back and have lunch. Following lunch we would go back a different direction with some of the same process.
After arriving in the area after lunch we would only have a couple hours of the day left, so, we really couldn’t start anything serious by that time. I would spend my time sweeping the area, moving parts around, and whatever else it took to look busy while he talked to everybody in the area and those who walked by.
After a month of this I asked him when we were going to start the work. His answer amazed me – “Don’t worry about it kid. When they really need it done they will send a crew over here and we will have it up in no time, till then just look busy.” He also told me later that if I would just play my cards right and follow him – once I was union I wouldn’t have to really work the rest of my life, just clock in, look busy, and collect my pay check.
Obviously I didn’t stay around long. The money was great – but I was literally getting sick from the stress of doing nothing.
I think a lot of people treat church the same way, they just clock in and out feeling that in some way they will appease God by just showing up, hoping it will give them a paycheck in the end. Unfortunately, this attitude misses the mark in a huge way. God doesn’t want people who clock in and out, He wants people who are always active and involved with Him and His ministry.
Just going to church means nothing, God does not take attendance at meetings – He takes notice of relationship with Him and our active involvement in worship and ministry. Worship is not something we do, it is an experience we have through the power of the Holy Spirit. Every person should be involved in worship.
Christ demanded that we go and make disciples. This doesn’t mean we put signs up inviting people to church. Rather it means that we personally get involved in people’s lives to help bring them to Christ, then nurture them into a solid relationship with God.
When you head for church, read your Bible, sit on a committee at the church, …. – are you actively involved or just clocking in with the hope you’ll get paid?
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