ALTAR REALITIES Someone once remarked, "Show me a Christian; and I will show you hypocrite!" Unfortunately for the most part, that analogy rings true. Jesus said: Luke 14:33 Webster defines "disciple" as a 'follower'. Therefore to be a disciple or follower of Jesus, you actually have to give up all you have and walk the narrow road He walked in order to share in His sufferings and blessings. I have only met a handful of people I would actually classify as being Christian. Among them are Mother Theresa and Jackie Pullinger. They set aside their lives to serve others as Jesus did. That is what distinguishes a real Christian from a pseudo-Christian. Pseudo-Christians are deceived into believing they are Christ followers when nothing could be farther from thr truth! I cannot, for the life on me, see Jesus clapping His hands and wiggling His butt to a couple of ditties in church; then listening to a rather anecdotal monologue from a pastor on how to be a Christian. The whole scenario seems preposterous and absurd! The founding church was lead by apostles and prophets. The pastors were way way way in the background (not up front on the pulpit as they are today). The early Christian church did not meet in fancy buildings or synagogues, but rather outside in the town square (viz. the temple), or in smaller home group gatherings. Jesus is presently restoring this order to His church. That is why the burn out rate for pastors is so alarming. We have inadvertantly placed another intermediary between us and God. As for the buildings we call the the church, watch for them to disappear (through earthquake or war) starting with the infamous Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Now returning to the hypocrisy in the church, Jesus plainly stated: Luke 18:25 Many professing Christians fail to recognize themselves as being rich. In the United States (4% of the world's population), we control 70% of the world's wealth. And yet we clamor for more, because what we have isn't enough. To follow Jesus example one would have to: Matthew 19:21 Tough words, but few followers. Furthermore He admonishes us to: Mark 6:8-10 Jesus was talking to all His followers, and not just those who were with Him. He says to pick up your cross and follow Him. Again tough words, but only a few followers. How many Christians do you know who follow this credo. I dare say none. The point is if you follow these simple directives, Jesus will lead your life and provide for you. You will be able to share in His sufferings and blessings as well. It requires faith. However most Christians prefer to lead their own lives and can't understand why Christ isn't there. "I stand at the door and knock", He said. Christ will not inhabit your life until you totally relinquish it to Him. For most Christians their footprint is far greater in this world than in His Kingdom. Do not be surprised therefore, when the rapture occurs and you find yourself 'left behind'. On the back of one of my t-shirts it says: LIVE! ON TV2&7 TONIGHT AT 8" Then on the front is a small square that reads: Or Be Square" (the "T" looks suspiciously like a cross). Matthew 7:14 Today over one billion people profess to be Christian, but only a handful truly exemplify the life that Jesus did. Excuse me, but a billion people does not constitute a "few" either. Matthew 24:22 So who are the elect? The 144,00 who were redemmed from the earth. Revelation 14:3 That is scary! Do you measure up to Jesus standard? Will you make the cut? Or are you really fooling yourself? Which brings us to the conclusion of this essay, and a couple of heart-wrenching questions to boot. DO YOU WANT TO HAVE SOME FUN WITH YOUR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS? Then ask each one this question: "WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF SOMEONE GAVE YOU A MILLION DOLLARS?" Then just sit back and listen attentively as they spout how they would pay off all their debts, buy a new home or car, take a vacation, share some money with their friends and family (bad idea, because they will quickly spend it all and be back for more), and even give a portion to charity. If you are fortunate enough to be in Dyan Cannon's home fellowship, then perhaps you will have to pad the kitty a wee bit to the tune of $100 million to receive the appropriate responses! But what about God in all this? He usually ranks 3rd, 4th or 5th in priority if He appears at all! All Christians know that God demands the first 10% of all your gains. Ooops! It seems they all forget this when the rubber hits the road. Guess they never learned to tithe. Then before you say anything else, rephrase that same question thusly: "WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF GOD GAVE YOU A MILLION DOLLARS?" Now watch as their mouths drop open and their eyes pop out of their sockets. They will be in shock and even outraged that they have been had! Indeed they have been found out and exposed that God is not number one in their lives. Sad but true. |
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