While working at a Christian conference I asked a venue employee what he thought about the conference. He enthusiastically replied "You guys have changed the atmosphere of this place." Not only did we change the inside of the civic center but I also noticed many attendees reaching out to the homeless people outside.
Former Beatle, John Lennon wrote a popular song called Imagine. I wonder if he really imagined a world without Christianity. The next time you hear someone blame religion for being the main source of the world’s problems or criticize Christians for being hypocrites, just take a moment and think about a world without Christianity. Imagine our world with no Christian hospitals, orphanages, or relief charities. Think about how many universities, colleges or educational institutions from around the world would not exist. Could you comprehend our world today without the humanitarian work of William Wilberforce or Martin Luther King Jr.? Imagine the great void if the world had never experienced Christian inspired art, music and literature. Again, pause and think about… no Salvation Army, Y.M.C.A, Emory Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital NYC, Yale University, Duke University, music from Bach, writings from C.S. Lewis and art from the renaissance era. As unthinkable as it may be to imagine a world without these influences the most horrific thought imaginable is a world without Jesus. Thankfully, Jesus did step down from heaven to enter our world. He took on the form of a human to experience life as we do and teach us His truth. His influence upon this world is like no other. What about all the Christian atrocities and Christian hypocrites? For something to be false or counterfeit you must have the genuine article to make that comparison. Jesus actually warned us of wolves in sheep’s clothing, those who would be Christian in name only. Anyone acting out murderous or unjust ways is in contradiction to the teachings of Christ. A real born again Christian has a new nature that is continually conforming to the image of Jesus. The teachings of Jesus and His followers has brought forth monumental benefits to this world. However, Christianity is not here just to make the world a better place. It's here to show the love of Christ and to tell the world how to receive eternal life through the redemptive work of Jesus. He died on a cross to pay the price for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Whoever believes in Him will be accepted by God and granted eternal life. Our time on earth is temporary. Choosing where you spend eternity is of the greatest importance. Note: Some of the organizations mentioned above have not held to Christian orthodoxy but were originally established by Christians.
2 Comments
While sharing our faith with others, we all have moments of fear or times of doubt. These are great reminders that we need to rely on God’s power through prayer. The fear of being mocked, rejected or persecuted is common but take comfort in knowing that God rewards those who are reviled and persecuted. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you. Truly according to them, He is blasphemed, but according to you He is glorified. 1Peter 4:14 Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 No matter what happens while witnessing, know that something good will take place; the person could get saved or they could have a seed of truth planted or watered within them. Even if they insult or persecute you, rejoice because of the heavenly reward you will receive. It’s very rare that I have negative encounters while witnessing to strangers, but when it happens just keep in mind that their issue is with God and not with you. I’ve even had someone, within 20 minutes, go from cussing me out to thanking me for taking the time to speak with them. Don’t give up to quickly if the conversation gets off to a bad start. Another obstacle to overcome in evangelism is the fear of not being able to answer a difficult question. These situations are easily handled by being honest. Just say, “That’s a good question, I don’t have an answer for that, can I get back in touch with you, what’s your email?" No one really expects you to know everything so relax and see it as a chance to grow in your faith as you look for the answer. You will hear people proclaim many false ideas about God, Jesus and the Bible. Here are some great questions to put the burden of proof on them. What do you mean by that? How do you know that to be true? Where did you get your information from? What if you’re wrong? While witnessing to a man who was strongly criticizing me for believing in the Bible, which he claimed was just a book written by men, I asked him “what city are we in?” He answered and I said “How do you know that to be true?” to which I answered for him, “because you have seen it written down by men on signs and maps” to which he quickly realized that his argument was not as strong as he thought. Frequently you will hear the assertion that "there are many paths to God" or that "there are so many different beliefs, how can only one be right?" I will ask them "How many right answers are there for 2+2? How many wrong answers for 2+2? Just because there is a multitude of wrong beliefs about God doesn't mean that there can't be one absolute right answer. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 No matter what outlandish or ridiculous assertion someone throws your way, remember that you are on the side of Truth. Blessings, Scott |
Scott MyersFollower of Jesus Archives
June 2023
Categories
All
|