 WHY CHOOSE CHRISTIANITY?
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. |
| Some may ask, "What kind of question is that?, when the purpose of the Church is to see people saved. Well, I believe it is a reasonable question in todays society and many are seeking an answer to it. We live in a very undisciplined society and unfortunately that lack of discipline has crept into the organized church we see today. Because Christians, for the most part, lack true discipline the church is without power and testimony. This renders the visible church to be classed with all other so-called religions. It has taken on the caste of "religious life" a life of ceremony and rituals. A non-believer can very well ask, Why should I become a Christian when they are no different than anybody else? I know you have heard that before. Herein lies the important difference between religion and Christianity. Religion involves ceremonious attendance and the such while Christianity demands a changed life, new life. Although the world sees Christians going to church, professing faith in Christ, when it comes to the issues of life many respond to those issues and situations like the world would respond. 2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. A new creation of God means a new life, a life that responds and conducts itself within the realm of the Spirits leadership. A Christian is one who's character and attitude is different and separate from the world. Being separate does not mean to be segregated. It involves a totally different way of thinking and acting. Discipline is an important part of discipleship. This concept is a mandate that Christians must discipline themselves. 2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. The exhortation is for our part. Filthiness or soiling of the flesh involves the actions of the five sense while filthiness or soiling of the spirit involves character traits such as, anger, malice, envy, jealousy and the like. Although we might appear morally clean on the outside, our character within is not a true reflection of Christ. To choose Christianity is to accept Christ as our Lord, and begin a new life, (His life in us). As we mature and grow in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:22) begins to blossom or manifest itself in our life. It is the harvest of this fruit that the world is seeking today but has a difficult time finding a good harvest because of the weeds. These weeds are the many religious and man-made doctrines that have been imposed. These different doctrines show the world a divided church when it is supposed to be one Church. If the organized churches are divided, is it any wonder that the unbelievers are confused. Christ died and rose again from among the dead that we might have life and that life involves living in today's world. The principles taught in the Scriptures apply as much today as they did in the early church. Why choose Christianity? Because true Christianity is peace, love, joy, patient, kind, self-controlling. It is new life at its best. It is truly the Abundant Life the father wanted us to have. You can have that life right now by trusting Jesus Christ as your redeemer, by depending on Him in all things, by trusting His word and being directed by it. Trust Him today. Your views are important to me. Let me know what you think. |