Christian Living
There are several reasons why the church generally lacks influence on the world today. Why? Surely because of a “half in, half out attitude.”
There are no half measures with God. We are either born again or we are not; we serve either God or mammon (money); we are in the Kingdom or we are not. No-one can swim far with one foot in the pool and the other outside it.
There are many working for the church, doing things within the church, socializing within the church. Yet few are actually doing the ministry of Jesus – going out with the gospel, healing the sick, casting out demons; doing it publicly like Jesus and the apostles and disciples of the Early Church!
Today we are focusing on ourselves - and the rest of the world can go to hell, literally, as far as many Christians are concerned.
I live in a city in Australia of about 60,000. The bookshop in the town doesn’t have gospel tracts any more. The proprietor said “because there is so little demand for them.” This in a city having at least twelve churches. How tragic. Ah, you say, Christians produce their own tracts. No they do not, or they’d be seen on the streets handing them out.
In the US there are churches with 5,000 or more members. The numbers are impressive, but what about the quality? The effect on their city will be minimal unless they go public with an accurate, hold-nothing-back gospel. Anyone born again will be motivated to do it.
One can only speculate on this existing lack of impact. Are all Christians really born again? Have they ever truly understood what repentance is – to turn from the old life and do as Jesus says? Are some, perhaps many, who profess the faith still clinging to money, possessions, worldly security, sexual immorality, pornography, alcohol, drugs? Have they simply joined a church but not joined the Kingdom? Not all are like that, thank God, but even some in that situation puts them into the half in, half out category. Most of us sin sometimes, but we should not be sinning most of the time!
The latter hinders us, breeding lack of desire to spread the gospel. Believers have the task of doing something about the general ignorance of Jesus’ great salvation. You may be in a democratic country where churches are plentiful, but the gospel message stays within the walls. Therefore Mr & Mrs Average on Main St remain ignorant.
Is the teaching and leadership within the church the root of the problem? Where are the preachers today who will use the language of the Bible: sin, hell, holiness, righteousness, repentance – and spell out their meaning? Where are the pastors who will lead by example in evangelism? If that were happening on a broad scale, surely Christians would act on 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Notice it says “all.”
Where in the Bible do we read of socializing by way of Men’s Breakfasts, Ladies’ Dinners, Teen Suppers, picnics, barbecues, conferences, seminars? Is this being On His Majesty’s Service?
Yes, Jesus said He would build His church – but not the kind of church we have now!
Dear friend, if you are half in, half out, then get serious with God – for heaven’s sake!
I'm not in Private Messenger. Contact me at [email protected]
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
Yes, many say they are a Christian, but truly do not know what it really means to be a Christian. Two roads, a broad and a narrow. I like what you said about either your saved or not. Good Call.
As usual, an article that speaks to the heart. My pastor preaches similar to this - why we must be focused on Jesus and preach HIS word to the lost. Thanks for sharing this.
"Have they simply joined a church but not joined the Kingdom?" -- This question hits the target dead center, perhaps. Thank you for this article. Thomas, www.dustonthebible.com
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 759 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Rod Smith or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 759 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.