Christian Living

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The Book of Acts – it’s full of action. There is life, dynamism there. The people described in Acts were fearless, bold. They had faith, backed it with action – and saw supernatural results.

Back then, people came to Christ because they were told what they were to believe. Not only that, they saw believers do what Christ did!

Some Christians do spread the gospel today - but they are too few.

Most believers sit constantly at church meetings, seminars, conferences, socials. Seat-oriented Christians will never have an impact on the world at large. No tennis player ever won the US Open whilst chair-bound on the court.

We (but not this writer) habitually sit and listen to sermons, but fail to spread the gospel. We are head knowledge Christians only. Oh, the seminar speaker might fire-up a few – but the fire evaporates at the exits.

Christians can memorize Mark 16:15 but it will never impact others if there is no action. A person cannot obtain a driving licence by doing only the theoretical knowledge test in the office. He has to get on the road and pass a driving test to get the licence. In the same way we can never be soldiers for Christ if we don’t get on the road.

A would-be lawyer studies for several years: upon graduation he practises what he has learned. A wannabe highway patrolman goes to the police academy to sit and learn theory, but after that he’ll be in action on the streets. He has an end result.

Our problem is that too often there is no end-result. We are perpetual students, never graduating to become God’s instrument in saving others. We never get out of the seats and climb out of the swamp of learning. A theological degree is okay. Yet if it isn’t backed by action it does nothing for those outside the church heading for an eternity without God.

Some say the church is dying by degrees.

Study the Word, yes – but then influence the world by our actions, spreading and proclaiming the gospel. We have to “be” Christianity rather than watch and listen to others. As James said, we must be doers and not hearers only. We must be more than spectators.

Pastors, change the “church retreat” to a “church offensive.” The church’s program is usually self-centered, but Christ’s program would have us people-centered. “For God so loved the world…” Remember? Thank God for those who are concerned – and do something - about those around them.

Can a Christian “love his neighbour as himself” while failing to warn people of the biblical lake of fire?

Pray? Yes. However, Jesus said “Go.” We are to do it, backed by Him! It has to be important because in Mark’s gospel it’s the last thing Jesus said before ascending.

There can be no harvest without sowing. We will not see results unless the gospel seed we have (which will bring a harvest of souls) is scattered in the town and city streets.

We have to be much more than sanctified, self-centered souls sitting smugly in the sanctuary.

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