I’m seeing more and more “quasi Christian” posts on the internet these days. Maybe you don’t recognize them, because you consider it “understood” that it’s Christian, because of where it’s posted or who it’s from? Sadly, that isn’t enough anymore, because fewer and fewer people understand that. They don’t have a frame of reference that tells them a nice saying, that means well and it trying to help you comes from a Christian source. Sadly, few people recognize when the source isn’t Christian.
Have you looked at our society lately? Have you heard their music, whether you wanted to or not? It’s similar to the rebellion you went through when you were young. Do you understand them when they bother to speak to you? You don’t understand them and I doubt they understand you, even if they want to. So do you really think they understood the coded Christian phrases you and others post?
But those rebellious young people will get over it in time! They will change, but not that much. They will move on to more subtle forms of rebellion, whether it’s I’m too educated, or cool (do they still say that?), or street smart to fall for that “old time religion” if they recognize it at all. Cults and mental health professionals have adapted Christian-like terms and methods that have a “form of Godliness.” They use everything but GOD! It’s a self-centered, self-help, you-can-do-it solution. Sadly, this has even gotten in to the Christian Church.
No wonder they don’t understand the subtle Christian message! We aren’t preaching the Gospel, so they have never heard it! We have relied on the Church to tell them, but it is moving away from the “Full Gospel” message. Don’t forget, we are the Church! JESUS said “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17 KJV). Could you spiritually survive on what you fed His sheep? We not only want them to survive (get saved), but mature into victorious Christians, so they can share with others.
Why use subtle or coded messages in your witness? We don’t want to offend anyone, because it will drive them away! You are losing them anyway! Those raised in the Church are leaving in record numbers. Most have never been to Church, other than for a wedding or funeral. Even if you reach them, but they are not rooted in the Word, they will become offended when hard times come (Mark 4:17) and leave. Satan won’t give up his people without a fight.
JESUS said “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Mat 28:16-20 KJV). But they won’t listen to Bible verses! How do you know if you haven’t tried it? Revival is breaking out in Moslem countries and Communist China and much of that is because someone told them about JESUS! Romans 2:4 says, “the goodness of God leads thee to repentance” so let’s go with that. Tell them “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 KJV). But it’s understood that everyone knows that! No, it’s not understood, but we can make sure it is!
Wayne Lance