It’s Singapore and a lady on the side of the street meets a kind stranger. The stranger tells her about Jesus – a man who was also God. There are four spiritual laws, the stranger tells her, and he fills her in on these. All you have to do is pray a prayer to “receive Jesus” and you will be assured a place in heaven, she is told. The lady goes home; at the end of the day she makes an offering to Jesus on her God Shelf, her new God.
In London in the middle of a busy intersection is an old English church. Inside the church is an elder – a seasoned man of the faith. He is glad to be a Christian, he says. Yet, he does not believe in the resurrection or miraculous conception of Christ. Nor in the miracles recorded in the New Testament.
In Rwanda a man is taken to court for murder. Why did you do it, they ask? “He put spirit strings on my baby son,” the man replies. “Please mister, I’m a good man. I belong to Jesus. That other man, he deserved it.”
In China, in a room under a house, a group of Christians meet. They quietly sing songs to Jesus and pray. A man stands up; he is the pastor of the group and yet he has no Bible. He tells them what he remembers of Christianity and they all clap.
These and thousands of other stories can be told across the world.
The Christian faith has grown and expanded across the twentieth century in an unprecedented manner. And yet, for what cost? This seemingly urgent desire to spread the “good news of Christ” across the globe has lead to unhealthy ministry patterns, manipulation, violent coercion, and a misrepresentation of the original message.
In many ways numerical expansion has trumped authentic change. Being a Christian is not answering yes to a prayer which states: “Do you want peace, joy, prosperity, and healing?”
What is the truth about the Christian faith?
Christians have done many things in the name of God which have not represented him or his heart fairly. They have created disasters and pain.
There is no “strategy” for gaining converts to Christ. An encounter with the living God requires an open heart and a move of God’s Spirit. It’s not something which should be taken lightly. It’s not a box you tick when you sign a form. It’s a divine appointment.
Selecting to follow Jesus involves a life of commitment and obedience. Being a Christian means a life of submission to Christ. It’s a life which shows evidence of Christ in every day. It’s not a selfish life, nor is it a complex life.
Being a Christian is about far more than “the prayer.” The prayer is the start of a long life of learning to be like Christ, being involved in healthy Christian community, and changing the way you do things so that they reflect an eternal mindset.
The Christian faith isn’t based on a few select verses but on the complete message of the Bible. In its eternity the Bible speaks of good things and hard things, but ultimately points us to Jesus Christ.
People who call them selves Christians should reflect God’s character. If someone is dishonest or lacks integrity you have every right to question the authenticity of their faith.
To know and follow Christ is to find hope and purpose for your life. It’s walking into a real relationship with the creator of the universe. It’s wonderful, challenging, rewarding, and the only way to live. Don’t let a “Christian salesman” convince you of anything else.