Want a better understanding of who you really are? Instead of wondering how God fits into your story, see yourself in His story.
When Jesus began His ministry, he shot to 'rock star' status. "Immediately His fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee" (Mark 1:28). One time "He told His disciples that a boat should be ready for Him, because of the crowds, lest they crush Him" (Mark 3:9). Think of it as a cultural Christianity, some following because they believed Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:45) but others following Him because it was the thing to do. Where are you in the story?
Some time later, Jesus dissed popular cultural religion, saying His words are spirit and life, "but there are some of you that believe not. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, 'Will you also go away?" (John 6:64, 66-67). Do you go or stay when following Jesus' words gets harder than it used to be?
Pointing to Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner, the Confederate flag, health care and same-sex marriage, Jonathan Martin wrote, "The past week and the month that preceded it have been nothing short of a route in the culture wars" ("New York Times," June 28; A17). Most of us grew up when biblical Christianity was woven into American culture, but now we're starting to see a clear difference between popular cultural beliefs and God's truth in His Word. Culture demands conformity; God wants us to be different by our obedience to His Word (Romans 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22-25; 2:9). Where are you in the story?
The "route" is helping sort out true believers from the convenient followers of cultural Christianity. This a great time for the church, a time to recall who we are and Whose we are. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:67). If you believe that, go to church Sunday. A lot of us Bible believers need your encouragement.
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