What is Christianity?

The question was recently proposed to a group of pastors, church leaders and mission board leaders. No one answered. Perhaps people thought it was a joke. A rhetorical question, maybe? But, as I thought about the question, I realized how far we in Christendom have drifted. Drifted, you ask? I don’t think it was overnight but we’re definitely not in a position of power or of credibility—not in society and not even within Christendom. When was the last time you openly professed your allegiance to Jesus Christ and what were the circumstances? Consider whether or not you would even bring it up with others—under what circumstances would you even entertain conversation about Jesus, your lifestyle, your spending habits or your daily decisions to live in a matter worthy of the calling of Christ?

There is a vagueness that crept into the hearts and minds of Christians. I’ve been threatened and told, “you can’t say that” people don’t like that word or want to be associated with that anymore. Pastors were told that we can’t preach ‘that’ because people do not want to be offended. The giving will go down. People will leave. You will be a failure, a laughing stock or irrelevant. No one really believes that ‘stuff’ anymore…anyway. I’ve heard this during my entire ministry—this rhetoric was shared by previous and present clergy colleagues, church leaders, seminarians and generally…by many Christians.

Consider the rise and decline of Christianity over the past twenty years. The attacks of 911 briefly inspired many to find their way to faith in Jesus Christ. However, 911 threatened more than our financial and societal freedoms. It became dangerous to mention you were a Christian in certain parts of the world—even in circles here in the US. Not long after the 911 events, the ethical breaches preceding the 2008 crash made it clear that leaders are not willing to speak up or stop the freight train from jumping the tracks. Reports about the sex scandals and moral failures of major Christian leaders happened almost on a daily basis and it felt like there was a significant shaking up or breaking down of what we always knew as Christianity and Christian influence in society.

Are we better off?

If you did a quick research study, you would discover that historically Godliness and specifically Christianity isn’t something that only impacts life within Judeo-Christian circles—Christianity influences every facet of humanity. Wealthy to poor, care and compassion, business, education, ethics, law, leadership and scholarship are all effected by Christianity. If we eradicate all the elements of Godliness and Christianity…what are we left with? Someone who is biblically savvy might remind you that seasons of Godlessness are included in the Bible. Here are a few of my own selections:

1. Genesis 6:5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.

2. Judges 21:25 In those days Israel wasn't ruled by a king, and everyone did what they thought was right.

3. Deuteronomy 28:15 “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you."

4. 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

Come out of the fog.

The alarm is sounding but so few people pay attention. I pray we are the few. Whether it was Noah loading up the ark or Deborah leading the Israelites. Whether it was Mary and Mary Magdalene standing at the foot of the Cross of Calvary or Stephen standing at the Lion’s Gate in Jerusalem professing the Christian faith. Perhaps it was Paul imprisoned and facing death who implored those yet to take a public stand who carefully and quietly met to encourage one another ‘to fight the good fight of faith.’ Think of the countless Christians that will never be known publicly but are celebrated throughout eternity as those who were faithful and true to the Word who became flesh. The Reformers, the Defenders, the Great Debaters, the Called, the Brave, the Chosen, the few…all these people throughout time took action—they responded—to something that resonated in their mind, heart, soul and strength. It is our time. God has already selected you.

Evidence is my next series which begins Sunday, January 3 at 8:00 AM on Wheatland Salem Church’s Facebook Live.

But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 The Amplified Version

Pastor Jen