“So Many Christians, Why So Little Change?”

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?  -  Luke 6:46

Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.   -  Matthew 7:14

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  -  Matthew 7:18

In my various dealings with people I find that if I don’t say anything it appears that there are NO Christians around me at any given moment.  But when I do tell people I’m a Christian, it seems so many, with all sincerity will say, “I’m a Christian, too”.   

I don’t want to judge these people, as I do NOT know them.  But according to a Barna study of Americans, an amazing 41% (based on 2001) claim they are born-again Christians.  

This concerns me.  If ALL these people claim to be Christians, why does America have so much sin and ungodliness in it?

I think there are a few reasons:

1. WE ARE AFRAID OF PERSECUTION.  
The average American Christian doesn’t even know what true persecution really is.  In some other countries, being a Christian means beatings, torture, and even death.

2. WE ARE ASHAMED OF SHARING CHRIST WITH OTHERS.
This is so true, yet we have nothing to be ashamed about as  
we have the TRUTH in CHRIST.

3. WE ARE AFRAID OF REJECTION.
Jesus suffered ultimate rejection for us, we can handle a
little for Him.

4. WE ARE UNTRAINED IN EVANGELISM.
Though many say they are evangelistic, they don’t know how to lead others to Christ or how to be a living witness 24/7.

5. WE ARE UNTRAINED IN FOLLOWUP AND DISCIPLESHIP.
If we do lead someone to Christ, that is often as far as we go with them. They need followup and discipling (teaching and training).


6. SINCE THERE IS FORGIVENESS, WE THINK WE CAN WILLFULLY SIN.
This is so wrong and comes either from an unsaved heart or from a deceived Christian.   Galatians say, “Shall we sin that grace may abound – GOD FORBID!”  - That means NO!  When we get saved our WANT-TO’s change.

7. WE GO TO CHURCH AND THINK THIS MAKES US A CHRISTIAN.
You are no more a Christian by going to church than being in water makes you a fish.  We should be going to church, but JESUS saves you, not church!

8. WE ARE NOT EVEN SAVED, BUT THINK WE ARE!
We have such an acceptable message to become a Christian. We have what I call easy believism.  Just say a prayer and you’re IN!  It takes more than a prayer, it takes a changed and repentant heart.  When our lives don’t change, we use the excuse “well, I said a prayer so I’m saved and going to heaven.”  DON’T COUNT ON IT!

9. WE ARE NOT SAVED, BUT WE THINK BEING AN AMERICAN MAKES US A CHRISTIAN!
America is considered a “Christian” nation, but being a Christian is much more than a title, it is to be Christlike!

These NINE are only some of the reasons why America is in such a mess!

The above reasons are enough to lower the number of true
Christians from 41% to maybe 20% or less. IT IS LIKELY LESS!

As mentioned above, some who are saved aren’t living it out at ANY cost.  This is NOT a club we joined, this is a living relationship with the living God.

America is not 41% saved (born-again).  That is a deception!!!

We ALL must start taking Christ more seriously and let our light shine for Jesus!

CHRISTIANITY IN ITS TRUE FORM WILL CHANGE LIVES!

Be blessed in the LORD,
Jim (BibleFood@aol.com)