Listening to Alistair Begg this morning on the radio, one of the few I listen to anymore, tired of yada, yada, and personalities dominating more than God speaking.
Speaking to the professing Church he spoke of those who have learned a way of life but have not come into the life of Jesus Christ.
Because we don’t use the same criteria that God does, many of us think that playing a certain role means we are Christians. We have heard this before, but some of us refuse to surrender our false assumptions about the Christian faith. Some are very serious about this role they play, in fact it seems that many people are, so I am not saying that effort and resources are not invested in this role.
But I think Begg is right. Many people have learned how to “do” the Christian life.
But what about the blessings?
I am truly blessed by being a part of my local fellowship. Answer: The members of the local Lion’s Club, or Mason’s or the county sewing club could and surely do say the same thing. There is something powerful about the dynamic of the unity of the human spirit whether God is involved or not.
In ancient Israel the idol manufacturers and the rest of the people involved in religious rebellion against the one true God all encouraged one another saying “it is good” right up until the last nail is driven in to keep the idol upright. How about a little irony, sheesh!
(Isaiah 41:5-7 NIV) The islands have seen it and fear; the ends of the earth tremble. They approach and come forward; (6) each helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” (7) The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer spurs on him who strikes the anvil. He says of the welding, “It is good.” He nails down the idol so it will not topple.
Review:
No! Studying the Bible does not mean I am a good Christian or a Christian at all.
Going to church does not mean I am a Christian.
Being immersed in the work of the church does not mean I am a Christian.
Listening to Christian radio, attending Christian seminars, reading Christian books. No, no, no!
But all of the above will help you excel at the role.
