Is Christianity a Participatory Sport?

 

 

 

How many of us went to "Club Church" today? Did we daydream through a "touchy-feely" sermon about grace without accountablility, sin without consequence, right without wrong? Did we then rush to a restaurant for lunch and then home for a lazy afternoon nap? Were we satisfied, even pleased, with this routine? Easy, routine, predictable.

I heard a very different sermon. Truth is, we are called out of the routine of this Sunday rut. Part of our birthright as Christians is a call to action. Our Christianity is meant to be lived out. We are called to take Christ into the world, not hide him Him under a bushel basket. Christianity is meant to be a verb, a plan for action.

Many of us are dissatisfied with the state of our nation, and even of our world. We blame politics, finances, and even global warming for what bothers us. Perhaps the problem lies with none of these. Perhaps our problem is a problem of the heart. I don't personally ascribe to the theory that the date of the Apocalypse can be calculated by counting blood moons and monitoring the actions of Gog and Magog. I do, however, feel an urgency to pray for open hearts, open minds, and open mouths concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Christians we are called to take action to improve the world's situation by changing minds, attitudes, and hearts. The solutions we offer don't come with a new election cycle, quantatative easing, or reducing our carbon footprint. God doesn't want to be anyone left behind. We need a plan of action. This is what was laid out for us this morning by Rick Pigott:

1. We are called to share God's word with the world, showing how our lives have changed and how this change can work in the lives of others. How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel. Romans 10:15. Always be ready to defend Jesus Christ and tell the truth. 1 Peter 3:15.

2. The persuader is not us, but the Holy Spirit. He will convict the world of sin. John 16:8. It is the Father who draws people, not us. John 6:44.

3. Our authority is the Holy Scripture. How we "feel" is of no value. We need to just share the Word of God, our commentary is unnecessary. God's word is like a fire, like a hammer. Jeremiah 23:29. We just need to pass God's word on. Isaiah 55:11. The Word of God is living and powerful. Hebrews 4:12.

4. Our message is Jesus - not church, religion, or Christianity. We usually find it easier to talk about church than Jesus. Philip proclaimed the good news of Jesus to the eunuch. Acts 8:35. We are to preach Christ, and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2.

We need to keep our eyes open always. We have an important message to share about being in a relationship with Jesus Christ, having our sins forgiving, and receiving the gift of eternal life.

Our mission is clear and the call has gone out. Who will answer?