Discover the True Essence of Christianity

As a Christian, the true essence of the religion lies in the teachings and examples set forth by Jesus Christ. It is only when those who claim to follow Christ's teachings deviate from them that problems arise. 

Christianity is not meant to be a source of division or judgment but a unifying force built upon love, forgiveness, and compassion. When Christians exhibit these qualities daily, their faith can be a powerful force for good in the world. 

Only when our actions and behaviors contradict Christ's teachings can Christianity become a problem.

Losing Respect for Someone vs. Losing Faith in Christianity

It is undeniable that there are people who claim to be Christians but act in ways that are contrary to what the Bible teaches. This can be very discouraging and make you question if the faith they claim to practice is worth following. However, it is important to differentiate between losing respect for someone and losing faith in Christianity. Let’s explore the relationship between the two and how we can approach these situations with wisdom and grace.

First and foremost, Christianity is not about following people but following Jesus. Pursuing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, not the actions of other Christians, truly matters in our faith journey. It is important to remember this truth because people will always fall short, regardless of their religious background, and it is not wise to attach our faith to anyone.

When we encounter someone who calls themselves a Christian but fails to live by the teachings of the Bible, we must recognize that they are human and, therefore, imperfect. It is okay to lose respect for someone’s actions or behavior, even if they claim to follow Christ. However, it is not wise to let that affect our relationship with God or faith. It is important to remember that we are all equal in God’s eyes despite our shortcomings.

It is also important to approach these situations with wisdom and grace. Instead of holding onto bitterness or resentment towards someone, we should strive to love and forgive them, just as God loves and forgives us. We can pray for them and ask God to help them grow in their faith journey. Criticizing or condemning them will only push them further away from God, so it is better to lead by example and let our actions speak louder than our words.

Furthermore, it is important to surround ourselves with a community of believers who share our values and beliefs. This can help us stay accountable and provide support when we encounter difficult situations or people who challenge our faith. We can learn and grow from one another and find comfort that we are not alone in our struggles.

In summary, losing respect for someone does not necessarily mean that we need to lose faith in Christianity. It is important to remember that Christianity is about our relationship with God through Jesus Christ and that we must not let the actions of others define our faith. We must approach these situations with wisdom and grace, love and forgive others, and surround ourselves with a community of believers who can help us grow in our faith. Ultimately, our faith journey is between us and God, and we should strive to focus on that relationship above all else.

Christianity Involves More Than Just Outward Expressions of Faith

Many people today identify as Christians, but it's important to consider what that means. Being a Christian is more than just wearing a cross necklace or attending church on Sundays. It's about having a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ and striving to follow His teachings daily. 

Unfortunately, many who identify as Christians don't necessarily meet this criteria. They may have some knowledge of Christ, but they don't truly know Him personally. 

In a way, they're just fans of Christianity rather than authentic followers. While there's nothing wrong with being a fan per se, it's important to recognize that it's not the same thing as being a true believer.

Is Christianity Losing Popularity?

It is a common belief that Christianity is losing its grip on society and that people are moving away from traditional religion. There is no denying that churches are becoming less popular, and people question their beliefs more often. But is it really true that Christianity is becoming obsolete? This blog post will examine the evidence and explore this contentious topic further.

One of the main reasons for the decline in Christianity is the rise of scientific thinking. As people learn more about the natural world, they are less likely to accept the idea of a supernatural being that controls everything. Science has helped us understand the world more rationally, and as a result, many people find it hard to believe in God. However, it is important to note that science and religion are not mutually exclusive, and many people still find spiritual meaning.

Another factor that contributes to the decline of Christianity is the changing demographics of society. The younger generation is more diverse and less religious than previous ones. They are exposed to a wider range of ideas and beliefs than their parents or grandparents. This means that they are less likely to be bound by tradition and more likely to question the authority of religious institutions. As a result, younger people are less likely to attend church and more likely to identify as non-religious.

Additionally, the scandals and controversies surrounding the church regularly make headlines, causing many people to question the moral authority of religious leaders. The sexual abuse scandals, corruption, and politics in the church have undermined the trust in religious institutions. Many view Christianity as an outdated and harmful institution perpetuating intolerance and bigotry.

Despite these challenges, Christianity still has a significant presence in society. Millions worldwide remain Christians and find solace and meaning in their faith. The church is adapting to the changing times and is finding new ways to reach out to people. Many churches have embraced social media and online platforms to connect with younger generations and spread their message to a wider audience.

In conclusion, Christianity is facing challenges in a changing society. However, it is important to note that Christianity is still relevant and important to millions worldwide. While traditional religion may decline, spirituality is still vital to the human experience. It is up to each individual to find their own path and seek meaning in life. Christianity may be losing popularity, but it is not ending soon.

Believer in Christ vs Follower of Christ (Video)

Many people falsely think that they are Christian by simply believing in Christ. Those who follow Him, however--the faithful followers of Jesus- know what it means to have their lives changed and pursued with an unrelenting passion from deep within themselves because He is worth everything they put down for him!

Believers and Not Doubters (Video)

 

In the name of Jesus, we are believers and not Doubters

So Anxious (Video)

 

I think most people who have a calling are so anxious for it to be fulfilled that they don’t want to wait and get prepared for it, so that they can serve God’s kingdom to the fullest.

That may be why the body of Christ is in the shape that it is - we don't want to wait.

How many men have been legitimately called by God to be pastors of churches but decided to go ahead of God and start their own church? How many women have been married to ministry gifts and divorced them while going through seminary school, and now another woman is reaping the benefits?

Stop Being a Benchwarmer for God (Video)

I remember when I went to church early to clean, and when I finished, I went to the sanctuary and began to pray. I was deep in prayer when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Someone told me that the pastor had sat his garbage outside of his office door and that it needed to be emptied. Did I tell them "to wait a minute and let me get this prayer request in?" Of course not. I jumped up and emptied the garbage can. We are to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. There was a problem, and it needed to be solved, and I did it.

When You Love the Lord

 

When a person loves the Lord, they show it by being faithful, doing things for Him, and spending time with Him.

 

It’s just like when a man loves a woman. He’ll do things for her. Sometimes for no reason at all.

 

That’s how we should be with God.

God Will Honor Your Obedience

 

God will honor your obedience by giving you the love, ability, and lack of fear to do it. We will be uncertain at first, but then it will seem as if we were always doing it.

 

That’s how I felt when I started cleaning the church. Thoughts ran through my mind like,

“Am I cleaning everything?”

“Are we cleaning the pastor’s office this week?”

“Did I forget something?” 

“Did we get the children’s room or the finance room?” 

“Let me see if I can get someone else to clean the men’s room.”

 

But after a while, cleaning the church became second nature.  

Amongst the Sheep

 

Some in leadership are so good at hiding among the sheep that they could skip service, and the sheep do not even know they were not there. And often, even the shepherds don’t know the elders are not there.

 

I think about some people in leadership who scream and holler on Sunday morning, but they are nowhere to be found for bible study.

 

I remember when I worked the second shift, and I was always able to make it to church on Sundays, but I would crave the teachings and fellowship of bible study during the week. My manager usually gave me a day off in the middle of the week twice a month, and you better believe I was at church.

 

And that was when I was still, a visitor, long before I even became a member.

 

I noticed that then and I notice it now.

Are You an Eye Pleaser?

 

Some people place a higher honor on one office of ministry over another. 

It’s like no one wants to work behind the scenes with the children, but they wouldn’t mind being upfront ushering.

 

Churches sometimes have to beg people to help clean the church, but I bet if they said that needed someone to fill in for the pastor while he’s gone on vacation it’ll be a stampede.

Some people are just eye pleasers and don’t realize it (or they do and they do not care).

The Needs in the Ministry

 

Sometimes people will get a “drip” of the anointing, raise their hands to volunteer in the ministry, began having second thoughts and then back out.  

I remember when I volunteered to clean the church partly to stay busy while looking for another job, partly because there was a need in the church and partly because it was time for me to stop being a benchwarmer.

And it was the greatest decision that I ever made. I started receiving blessings from God and favors from man.

I also caught a glimpse of the needs in the ministry. It broke my heart at the gaps and made me realize that God's will and plans were being carried out by me being obedient, and I was apart of it.

Why Are Single Christians Turning To The World for a Mate?

Non-Christians will wonder why I seem to be putting you down in this article, but the truth is that I'm writing this for committed Christians, not those who have nothing to do with God or the Church.

So, I am going to ask the question, "Why are single Christians increasingly turning to non-Christians to seek relationships?" I will also deal with the consequences for the Christians themselves and the wider Church. Finally, I will ask what can be done from an individual perspective and what we can do for each other.

If you have been a single Christian for any length of time, you will know how hard it is (at times) to find suitable marriage partners. There are many reasons for this, not least that there are more women than men in the Church. This unhealthy balance leads to a feminization of Christian things when looked at from a male point of view.

Many men consider Christianity not to be the most masculine of religions, and the Church has its fair share of men dressed in long robes and not enough male role models. Make Church life for Christian men more masculine and active, and you will attract more men into the Church.

So with not enough men coming into the Church and the more masculine men being put off the Church, your average single Christian woman's choice is narrowed considerably. So what is she to do? Prayer is a good start, but without action, it is faith "without works," and faith "without works" doesn't work! So what next? This is where the natural tendency is to get discouraged and start looking outside the Church. This is the chief reason single Christians are going out into the non-Christian world looking for relationships. The result is that they are getting pregnant and marrying un-suitable people who don't share their faith or values. So long-term, this is the cause of many people leaving the Church.

So what can be done about this? My first response is to recommend that they start where they are in their Church and try to get to know everyone they don't yet know. After this, a broader body of local Churches may visit from time to time. Start to network with other people from these Churches who are in the same situation. Organize events, ring each other up, and encourage one another.

Finally, the Internet has enabled many to meet suitable people they would not have otherwise met. Please don't dismiss it. With faith and persistence, it really can work. Don't give up too quickly. Many people expect instant results with the Internet, and this is unrealistic. So take your time and get friends to support your activities prayerfully.

Want to know more? Order Inspiration for Christian Singles

Ever Read the Bible All of the Way Through?

That’s a great question! One that many Christians haven’t much thought about! In fact, the vast majority of Christians have never even considered it, let alone done it.

That’s about to change for many of them!

The reason is because of a new reading program called “Through the Bible . . . as It Happened!” It re-arranges the Bible material into a chronological format. That means the events are re-arranged, so the reader reads them in the order they occurred - much like a novel. The normal way the Bible is arranged is “themed.” That means the material is all put together according to the subject, not according the when it happened.

For example, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, and 1 & 2 Chronicles all cover much of the same material. It is a theme: Israel's history from the time of the kings until the country’s dissolution. If read as they appear in the Bible, the reader reads about that history not once, not twice, but three times.  The chronological version puts all of them together seamlessly - so the reader reads that part of Israel’s history just once, and with the ability to compare the nuances of each of the three accountings. And they do differ in many of the details.

That’s just the start of it! Most of the prophets had their ministries during that part of Israel’s existence, but their books appear long after those books, way back in the Old Testament's end section.

The author of the program, David Shreve has put all of those prophetical writings where they belong, verse by verse. It completely changes a person’s understanding of the Bible! The same is true of Job, the Psalms, Proverbs, and the other books of the Old and New Testaments. Each is placed where they occurred. Imagine reading a psalm when the event which precipitated its writing occurred. That psalm just comes to life!

All of the Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - has been re-arranged. It’s just fascinating!

And there’s more. The author has filled “Through the Bible . . . as It Happened” with over 1,200 pages of commentary notes, all written by himself. His education comes from Cedarville University, where he received a degree in Bible and in Greek. He has researched and taught the Bible for nearly 50 years, so he is certainly not a novice in this field. He would be described as an evangelical conservative.

This program began in 1974, when there were no chronological Bible reading systems in place, and has been continually revised since that time. Launched to the general public in 2018, it may become a standard in Christian circles.

It is available here.