In this Age of the Church, the Body of Christ is faced with so many issues that influence how effective we are in ministering to the lost world. Today we are confronted with lawlessness, evil, and chaos. "Cancel Culture" and "Wokeism" threaten to drown out our message. And the deterioration of the family, the confusion over sexual identity, and the usurping of parents rights all threaten the very fabric of Biblical Christianity. It is imperative that we take a united stand in our faith and become active in turning back the tide of disorder and mayhem in our lives.
Yet, it is sad to say, the Body of Christ can't even agree on precepts of the Christian doctrine! Get a roomful of Christians together and begin talking about topics such as the Mark of the Beast; the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; Once Saved, Always Saved; or the interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4, and watch how fast the sparks begin to fly. Watch how little time it takes before the word "heretical" is used.
If you've ever found yourself on the receiving end of that word when in a supposedly "Christian" conversation, it can be disheartening. Ask me how I know! I remember being stunned in the infancy stage of my faith walk when I saw the atmosphere in a Sunday School class change from warm and welcoming to acrimonious and angry during a discussion on whether the doctrine of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture was correct or not. Fast forward to the hostile comments I have received on this blog from Christians who have disagreed with my opinions, and the truly hateful and dishonest review on my book, Through A Kingdom Lens: Rediscovering What The Church Lost. It's one thing to disagree on what I've written, and another to misrepresent and take my words out of context, while claiming to represent "the truth" of religion.
Now, there will be those who say we shouldn't worry about what others say, or that we shouldn't even worry about having an opinion on such topics -- that it is for the clergy, pastors, and leaders of the Church to define the deeper meanings of the Bible. But, I respectfully disagree. Proverbs 25:2 says, It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search it out. You see, I believe God is delighted when we search for the Holy Spirit's revelation of His Word. That is evidence that we want more of Him, and shows the world how we revere Him, honor Him, and acclaim Him.
So, as we begin to seek more of God, we begin a personal journey of discovery. And depending on where we are in the growth of our faith, we are going to understand as God reveals what we are capable of comprehending. Therefore, an immature Christian is going to understand differently than a mature Christian. But, oh, how stimulating that conversation can be! I can testify that my knowledge and relationship with my Lord and Savior, with the Holy Spirit, and with my Father in Heaven is so different now than it was when I first started on this journey 36 years ago. And my Biblical perspective and worldview has changed along the way as a result of the Godly discussions I have had with my fellow seekers.
Yet I have not been satisfied with just having the "head knowledge" of my faith. Mind you, that is important so that I can communicate and defend the truth about who He is to non-believers; to be able to contend and reason as to why they need Jesus, as their Savior. But I think that it is equally important to show them what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus; to do the things that He did that changed the lives of the lost and down-trodden.
Ultimately, to rightly know doctrine and the principles of Christianity is necessary in a world that is increasingly ruled by false hope and flawed ideologies. But it is also absolutely essential that the world sees Jesus in us; in our actions, our words, and lives that are inspired by Christ's model. We cannot afford infighting over religious, man-made doctrines, but must join together in simply doing what Jesus did ... healing the sick (physically, emotionally and spiritually); casting the demons out of people's lives; cleansing the lepers (bringing the socially unacceptable into relationship with Christ); raising the dead (yes, we have the same Spirit in us that raised Jesus, Himself, from the dead!); and spreading the Gospel to the world (both the Good News of Salvation in Christ, and the Good News that the Kingdom of God is available on earth!).
And here is a thought that I'm pretty sure some of my Christian brethren will disagree with, but I hope all will take it to the Lord and get His opinion. We don't have much time left to make an impression on the ungodly of this world. Scripture says the Age of the Church will fade away as persecution rises to stamp out our influence. We don't have time for arguments over which denominational doctrine is correct, or whether there will be a world-wide revival before Jesus comes back. We have an Enemy who will be defeated in the end, and to that, I say Hallelujah!
But between now and that glorious victory in Christ, this enemy will wreak havoc on the world and the only thing standing between men and either eternal life or eternal damnation is the Body of Christ -- each of us as individual representatives of King Jesus, and collectively as His mighty army on the earth, chosen to stand [at this time] against Evil and be willing to lose our life in the process. When that time comes, I don't think we're going to care about winning a religious argument. So, join me in determining what you believe about the character of the God we serve, who you are in His Kingdom, and what your purpose is in this coming battle for the world. Let's agree to disagree on the small stuff and stand together as living examples of Christ, following in His steps!
#Christianapologetics #Christianunity #Persecution #Christiandoctrine #Thegreatcommission
John 17:22-23 I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected and completed into one, so that the world may know [without any doubt] that You sent Me, and [that You] have loved them, just as You have loved Me.
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