In a world where extra effort is made to make things similar, it’s good to be different. Whether it’s your brand of toothpaste, your doctor, or your wife or husband, you chose them and you value them because they are unique, different, and therefore better than any thing else out there.
Biblical Christianity is precious because it is unlike anything else in this world. Our God is not their god, our worship is not their worship, our Book is not their books. The one and the only Almighty God created the free-willed man that invented the religions of this present evil world. “Come out from among them and be ye separate” was the cry of many preachers to their congregations for consecration.
Unfortunately, as the god of this world, the devil, pressures Saved and unbelievers alike to constantly blend, unite, work together for the common good, etc. etc. following Jesus Christ and believing the Bible have been cheapened to ‘not wanting to get along’ and ‘just trying to cause trouble’.
But if we are ever to show Christ to a confused world we must embrace what makes our Saviour and his Book distinct.
The center of Christianity– The Bible is the final authority on all subjects. Science, history, religion, even nations must all submit to the prophetic and heart-searching Word of God. “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away.”
The cross of Christianity- The cross is the crux of Christianity. We believe Jesus physically died on one, (unlike the belief of Mormonism) that the believer spiritually (not carry it on his back during lent) must bear his own, and “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
The change of Christianity- Salvation is a done deal. For any man to convert to Christianity, he must only trust in the finished work of Christ. No baptism, no alms, no membership, no penance, just faith alone, in Jesus alone. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”
The culture of Christianity- The joyous music produced by knowing Christ is unequaled in its talent, the wideness of its influence, and the sheer number of songs about one man, the Lord Jesus. His Majesty deserves every voice, every instrument(not a capella) be sounded in the symphony of praise. The Psalmist says, “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands” and they do!
The currency of Christianity- Preaching keeps the passion of a living Saviour new in every way. Whereas psychology and psychiatry deal with ancient and irrelevant paths to peace, preaching exalts the Prince of peace, and every discussion of Him from the Bible and the pulpit bring all things to light. “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
The Christ of Christianity- To have a God to obey is one thing, to have a God who talks with you, fellowships with you, and lives in you, is another thing completely. Paul prayed, “That I may know him”- and they that seek Him, find Him. No other God would be born of a virgin, completely GOD and completely MAN, and surrender His eternal life to buy my freedom.
The call of Christianity- No other religion so freely invites “whosoever will”. There is no stipulation of race, worth, status, age, or ability. “All have sinned” is the curse, and “he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
And this is just the beginning of the DIFFERENCE God will make of any one who accepts and adores him. Ezekiel 44:23 says, “And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Stand up and stand out for Jesus Christ, because there IS a difference!
Spiritual Reload 