Christian Living

Superficial or Genuine?

by Paul Taylor
01/23/21
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ARE YOU A SUPERFICIAL, OR A GENUINE CHRISTIAN?

By Paul Taylor

Pollster George Barna of the Barna polling group of religion and it's institutions had this to say concerning America's Christianity: "I am quite confident you will agree that Americans are religious people. Personally, I am less persuaded that we are truly a Christian people, regardless of our self-perceptions" (George Barna, The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators, 1996, p. xvi).

In one of his polling statistics of a survey consisting of  11,122 people across six Christian denominations, the survey indicated, what in all respects should be apparent to  those calling themselves Christians, and those leading these institutions, that churches are not doing their job when it comes to inspiring faith among their members. Whoa! What a shocker.

Religion, even to those who profess to be Christian, more often than not is merely superficial. Most because of a lack of the study of God’s word  and thereby lacking a basic knowledge of the teachings of the Holy Bible, and or their denominations articles of faith.

It’s easier just to pretend, go along, don’t rock the boat, never ask questions, never check the scriptures to confirm if they are of the scriptures, after all, most believe, “The preacher is very knowledgeable of the facts.”  Is he?   This has led to the hundreds of various Christian denominations (1200 in the USA) and each teaching a different version of the Bible’s message. Some are blasphemous in content and actions, yet the people continue to follow like sheep being led to the slaughter without even a whimper or a question.

If a lie is only printed often enough, it becomes a quasi-truth, and if such a truth is repeated often enough, it becomes an article of belief, a dogma, and men will die for it. (Isa Blagden- The Crown of Life 1869) this quote has been erroneously attributed to Hitler and Lenin.

 Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

 Now it goes without saying , if you don’t study and search for the truth, you will be led astray by the lies and propaganda spewed forth by the many motivational speakers posing as Christian Pastors, Evangelicals, and leaders as they lull the unsuspecting illiterate into a false sense of security  and safety, and will be much as the 5 virgins, without sufficient oil, and therefore locked out of eternal life. ... Jesus warned us of this in Matthew 24:4 Take heed, that no man deceive you.  

And, again in Matthew 7:15                                                                                                

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

In todays Christian world the quest for political correctness, prestige, materialistic gains, and personal pleasures leaves God out, and in last place.    He’s only remembered when there is a crisis. Then, and only then, will you remember God and call on Him for help, but alas, it’s not a sincere plea, and God knows this.

Isaiah 1:15,16 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. 16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

We continuously refuse to hearken to God or follow His commandments daily, instead thrusting Him out of everything so as to be politically correct and not offend anything pagan or anti-god. The lack of faith in the Christian culture, and the complete Biblical illiteracy of the ones calling themselves Christian has created a trap from which most will not escape.

Isaiah 1:15 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

I could rewrite this verse and place the word Christian for Sodom, and Gomorrah for the  USA, and it would fit perfectly, because both have abandoned Gods commandments and laws for mans commandments and traditions. Sadly, the Christians love the world  more than they love Jesus Christ and His commandments.

God’s heart breaks and weeps for His people to repent and return to Him and His ways so He can pour out the many blessings He has stored up for those that love Him.

Deut.5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for-ever!

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

1^st John 5:3,4  3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

May God add a blessing to the going forth of His word and to those willing to read.

Paul Taylor

January 23, 2021