I recently read a blog where the writer mentioned something about being ashamed to identify with other Christians (sorry I don’t remember the link, let me know if it’s you). Basically, the point they were trying to make was that the type of people who call themselves Christians are usually anything but.
Many have labeled themselves Christians because they believe in God, they pray when things go wrong, and they want to imagine grandma in a better place. Unfortunately this false view of Christianity has damaged the Truth, and it has made it very hard to reach out to people who already think they are Christians.
I had a Christian man the other day tell me that he doesn’t believe Jesus is the only way to heaven. He doesn’t think it is fair that people who don’t believe should go to hell. His view is very similar to Barack Obama’s who believes his mother is in heaven even though she didn’t share his faith (which is supposedly Christian). It is also very similar to Joel Osteen’s, who recently said in an interview that it is not his place to say whether or not atheists are going to hell.
Unfortunately, all these men are wrong, and unless they believe in their heart that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, they will sadly perish with the rest of them. How can I say that so boldy?
Because it is the clear and obvious message in the Bible! There’s no point on tip-toeing around the harsh reality. Nobody is going to thank you for being gentle about it when they are chained down to the dark abyss, and the place that is completely void of God’s Presence.
The response to these individuals can be tricky, and has to be modified depending on their level of surrender. What I said to the particular individual above was, “if you aren’t going to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, then why call yourself a Christian?” If you don’t know me, now is a good time to tell you that I’m not good at holding back my thoughts. I’ve gotten better, but when it comes to confused Christians…watch out! However, what I was saying was truth, and I continued with, “why don’t you just make up your religion which is basically what you are doing already.”
To which he replied, “I’m not making up my own religion.”
Then I said, “sure you are. You are taking the parts of the Bible that you agree with, and mixing it with your instincts, and a little bit of all the deceptions in the world, and violà! You have got your own religion.” When you think about it is kind of like a Satan Soup, or at least a taste of what He has been doing since his appearance in the Garden of Eden. Twist the scripture, rebel against God, believe a lie, and warm in the microwave for eternity. Yummm…
Anyway, I am starting to wonder if calling myself a Christian is the best label for me. Christ-follower might be better, and is what a true Christian should really be.
The term Christian is used only twice in the Bible…follower of Jesus Christ or a believer in Jesus Christ would be better.
Or simply citizen of the kingdom of heaven/God. =)
Sid
Comment Submitted: May 2nd, 2008 at 10:00 am
I know what you mean. You tell someone you’re a Christian, and it doesn’t mean much, or it might even have negative connotations. I think it’s best if we can keep the conversation away from labels / titles and actually be a witness — that is, telling people what we have experienced. People can debate doctrine, but we have a testimony of what God has done in our lives. (That’s not to imply we leave out doctrine.)
Back on topic,
I’ve also wondered why some people make up their own religion but call it Christianity. I suppose it’s safer that way, and they feel part of the mainstream group instead of being considered a cult. But it’s bad for our witness to have all these people claiming and preaching Christianity yet not believing the Bible.
It may get tedious to confront these “religious” people, and they may get offended, but we have to share the Truth, in hope that they may be freed from the deception they’re living. So many people in America think they are okay, that being good will get them to Heaven, and they’re going to have a rude awakening some day!
Comment Submitted: May 6th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Sidharth - I like that title!
Beppo - That makes so much sense about being a witness and leaving labels out of it. You know, it’s easy sometimes to get preachy with people, and often times I forget about just sharing the wonderful things God has done in my life. I think sometimes we feel like we have to get them to believe first before they’ll understand our testimonies, but maybe they would believe quicker if they heard our testimony first!
Comment Submitted: May 8th, 2008 at 8:31 am