It should be our goal to be more like Jesus, but not the "Jesus" who's popular in the world.
You know the one I mean. The world's Jesus never judges anyone, never talks about sin, never says anyone deserves hell, never rebukes anyone. And this fake Jesus doesn't want Christians talking about sin.
Did you know that people have always had false views of Jesus? Paul rebuked the Corinthians saying, "if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached ... you put up with it easily enough." 2 Corinthians 11:4
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." Jesus, John 15:18
The world's Jesus never makes anyone uncomfortable, but the Jesus of the Bible says, "[The world] hates me because I testify that its works are evil" (John 7:7).
The real Jesus spoke the truth in love but He spoke it boldly, completely, and unashamedly even though it made Him unpopular. Let's never be ashamed to do the same.
I encourage you to read The Fake Jesus Series for more insights.
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon. In addition, you can buy the book in Kindle format on Amazon and as an ebook on other sites.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Hi Gail. Such a great truth here. You see it all around, this compromise and desire to please everybody. Its coming to that time when standing up for the truth is going to be more unpopular than ever. I pray the Lord gives us strength when its our turn to speak up.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Yes, Tracy, I pray God gives us strength too.
DeleteGod bless,
Gail
So true. Tragic that this "other Jesus" isn't only popular in the world, but also in many many churches. Or should we rather say "churches"?
ReplyDeleteYes, João. I think the real damage is the way this "other Jesus" has infiltrated Christian thinking.
DeleteJude warned about this very thing. Jude 4
DeleteMy husband talk about this very thing all of the time. Thanks for pointing it out!
ReplyDeleteThank you . . .
ReplyDeleteExcellent post and so appropriate for our times. It has definitely crept into our churches, and I hear it among some of my family members. The sad part is that they get really angry when I try to tell them the truth because they, unfortunately, think they know the truth. Very sad and heartbreaking. We all certainly need the help of our Lord to stand firm in this day and age....Linda E.
ReplyDeleteFar too many churches have taken this road- a watered down Jesus so as not to 'offend' anyone. The only One we should be worried about offending is the King of Kings
ReplyDeletevery true!
ReplyDeleteAnother great article!!
ReplyDelete