WHAT IS TRUE CHRISTIANITY?
True Christianity is not simply ascribing to certain biblical beliefs and doctrines. True Christianity is real world actions based on and grounded in biblical beliefs and doctrines.
Let me clearly illustrate. Let’s declare—You must believe in exercise to be saved! Millions will say, “I believe in exercise. I have read books all about exercise. I have quotes about exercise up on my wall, written in my journal.” Ahh, but true belief in exercise would result in actual physical action to exercise in some way, every single day of your life, for the rest of your life. True belief would be seen in your walking, or biking, or running, and in your strength training as a vital part of the daily routine of your life.
This is what’s missing in the lives of countless millions of Christians. Their so-called Christian beliefs and doctrines are not resulting in real world actions in daily life. They simply, mentally ascribe to certain biblical beliefs and doctrines. They show up at a church service, hear about those beliefs and doctrines, sing about beliefs and truths, smile and shake the hands of others who ascribe to similar beliefs and doctrines, thinking to themselves, “I’m a good Christian. I am so glad I believe the right things.” The result of this, more times than not, is self-righteous arrogance. The by-product: millions become Christian Pharisees.
As a young child and teenager, I grew up going to a denominational church filled with these kinds of people. They carried their big Bible, they claimed the right doctrines, ascribed to the right beliefs. There was lots of talk but very little action. Very little Christian love. Very little lifestyle obedience to God. Very few examples of families raising their children effectively in the ways of the Lord. In fact, it was this empty, hypocritical “Christianity” that caused me to leave the church, to walk away from Christianity as a young man. It was repulsive to me.
Jesus said, “Not all who call me Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. If you love me you will keep my commands.” God tells us in James—“Even the demons believe there is one God. Fool, when will you ever learn that faith without good deeds is useless?”
True Christianity is not about sounding religious. True Christianity is a life of devotion to God—a life of obedience to our Father in heaven. It’s obedience to God to read and treasure His Word. It’s obedience to God to believe Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, to repent of our sins and trust Christ for our salvation. It’s obedience to God to pray, to live a life devoted to prayer. It’s obedience to God to discipline our minds, to think righteously and biblically. It’s obedience to God to share our faith with others. It’s obedience to God to love other Christians. It’s obedience to God to live out our God-given biblical roles in marriage as husband and wife. It’s obedience to God to raise and train our children in the ways of the Lord. It’s obedience to God to discipline and train ourselves for the purpose of godliness. It’s obedience to God to courageously stand up for what’s right. It’s obedience to God to live a life devoted to good deeds for others. It’s obedience to God to fellowship with other Christians, to encourage one another in our faith. It’s obedience to God to share the Lord’s supper. It’s obedience to God to genuinely thank God every day, multiple times a day, for all He has done for us, and given to us. It’s obedience to God to live your life serving others, starting with your spouse and children.
True Christianity is seen in our generosity to others. True Christianity is seen in our speech that encourages and blesses others. True Christianity is seen in our boldness to speak out against lies and injustice. True Christianity rejoices when justice and retribution are swiftly carried out against evildoers and the wicked. True Christianity is seen in our love of righteousness. True Christianity is seen in our unwillingness to compromise with evil people. True Christianity is a life of steadfast faith in God, of faithful perseverance through trails, suffering, and hardships.
May we each redouble our efforts to earnestly practice True Christianity in our daily lives, our families, and our marriages.
This series—James: Grow Real Faith, Take Real Action will be a great blessing and stimulus to your faith. Please take the time to hear it.
https://strongdisciple.com/
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
