Christianity Is Not Business As Usual

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY NOT MARKETABLE

For a long time I have been disturbed with what seems to me to be marketing of Christianity by churches and religious organizations. Surveys are taken and strategies are developed based upon techniques that would fit any worldly based organization. The gospel is mentioned, prayer is acknowledged, and God is given lip service. But there seems to be little deep conviction of soul that impacts lives unto holiness.

If our goal is to produce a culture that merely practices Christian principles in public, then marketing and multi-media packages may work. Excitement will generate human participation. Multi-level marketing businesses thrive in this way. Charismatic leaders are able to package a positive message that stirs the emotions and multitudes rally around, feeding off the positive energy of this environment. Many churches in our day have long used this approach and are satisfied by the results measured by money,  men and methods.

But is our goal under Christ to be the creation of a positive "Christian" environment? Should we be satisfied as a church if we are seeing additions, increased bank account, new ministries and better facilities? Jesus said that the goal of eternal life is to know God (John 17:3). It is possible to have all of the form or trappings of religious appearances and not know the God of Scripture and the power of His life in us.

True Biblical Christianity cannot depend upon man's marketing skills and new programs. Biblical Christianity is dependent upon God. We must know Him. He must make Himself known. That cannot be accomplished through marketing and multi-media, or any human production. God makes Himself known by the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the Word. If we are not dependent upon His ordained means, why should we reasonably expect Him to bless in life changing ways?

As a church, we must not be swayed by the influences of our day that tell us we must be more relative and must become like the culture to influence it. We must remain true to the call of God upon our lives to make Him known through our lives and His message. His life must be lived through us. His message must be ours. We must be determined with the Apostle Paul to glory in nothing else except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world (Gal. 6:14).

What is the Bible to you?

THY WORD IS UNTO ME…

What does God’s Word mean to you? Christians talk about how significant the Bible is, yet I wonder if our attitude toward it and relationship to it corresponds to our declaration about it?

As I was conversing with a Muslim recently, he spoke of the devotion of a true Muslim to the Koran (their holy book). He said they read it daily and hide it in their hearts. He mentioned that in month of Ramadan they read the entire Koran. Their holy book is the central part of their lives. He noted this as a point of difference with Christians, who, according to his take, have multiple “Bibles” and are not devoted to reading it.

After the initial reaction of, “that’s not true for all Christians”; and, “I bet all Muslims don’t read the Koran faithfully”; you may have cause to reflect on the possible truth of what this Muslim is saying. Faithful Muslims are devoted to knowing and living by their book. Are you as devoted to your book—the Bible?

What is the Bible to you?

• Could you say as Jeremiah: thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart?
• Could you join David is saying: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path?
• Do you grasp the significance of God’s word in overcoming sin? Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
• Do you find God’s word to be satisfying to your taste: How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

It is possible to dutifully read a holy book and be devoted to its laws and yet not see beyond the duty and devotion. The holy book that you possess as a Christian reveals much more than a way of life. Your book reveals the way, the truth and the life!

The sweetness of the Bible comes to those who see not only a righteous way of living, but the righteousness of God that comes through Jesus Christ. When He is seen, will not our hearts burn within us?

While Muslims are drawn to their book as part of their duty-bound religion, Christians are drawn  by the Spirit to their book because there we see God, and His will made known through Jesus Christ! While our devotion is motivated differently, may it be no less!