I think it's fair to say that so much of Christianity has been somewhat manipulated to suit the modern lifestyle of today. Rather than conforming to the will of Christ, Christ's will must conform to what is socially and morally acceptable today.
It is of vital importance that what I say about this topic is true and correct without manipulation or distortion because The Word says that false teachers will be judged more harshly as they have the responsibility of speaking the truth to others.
It's a sad reality but Christianity has become a profitable commodity worldwide. We now have "self help" books talking less about the truth of Jesus and more about encouraging a person to become a "more successful you."
THE TRUTH:
When Jesus in particular preached, the conclusion was one of two outcomes; either the mass were offended or they were blown away by the hard core truth. When Paul (disciple) preached, he was hard core. He even went as far as to point out fellow disciple's wrongs. Isn't this surely the guideline to preaching?
Have we not somewhat "altered" preaching over the years by addressing the body of Christ with "grey" messages which don't cause any offence (if needed) and just "tickle the ears of what people want to hear?" Or are pastors (as a whole) generally too scared to preach on messages with a harsh truth because it will cause people to leave which means a drop in tithes?
So much of the new testament (in fact probably 90%) is about living a holy life. To hate what's evil, to love what God loves and to live a righteous life worthy of Christ.
If we are honest with ourselves, most "Christians" today are living a hypocritical lie in many ways because they don't fully know Christ, I say this firstly because it's true and secondly because if you fully know Christ, why would you sleep with your girl friend before marriage, murder someone, manipulate someone, be dishonest in your dealings, talk with foul language, have racism against others etc.
Titus 1:16 - "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
Matthew 7:22-23 - "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Revelation 3:15-16 - "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
These are hardcore truths about our faith, what makes it more powerful and frightening is the fact that it is meant for Christians and not unbelievers, yet many do not have their eyes opened or they do not want to believe it.
The most common misconception of Christianity is God's Grace. God's Grace is for falling short in doing what is pleasing to The Lord in acts of righteousness, trying your best to be like Jesus; not becoming a Christian and doing/acting how you'd like to.
Just like an employee is the reflection of the company it represents, so are Christians. We represent Christ. We show which kingdom we belong to and sadly, to the world, Christians in general are viewed no differently than atheists in how they act and in their speech.
We need to help our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. James 5:20 - "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
Matthew 10:38-39 - "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
These scriptures are truth. Yes, God is love, but we can't deny the truth of His love. Jesus is coming for His spotless bride; the righteous who live by faith and who live holy lives through Him.
1 Peter 2:12 - "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Thank you for reading this message.
KBP
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