Why does it seem so important for Christians to try and lead others to know Jesus Christ? In a world that largely has the mentality of “live and let live,” the prospect of actively sharing one’s faith is often frowned upon by modern society. We don’t want to “push” people’s buttons, or make someone “uncomfortable.” We also don’t want someone to accuse us of being judgmental or “holier than thou!”
Perhaps the reason we as a Christians have become so docile about sharing our faith is because we have forgotten the true purpose of discipleship. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking at this point. This is where Pastor Mike goes into a long winded explanation of how it is our job to SAVE people from the wrath of HELL! How our testimony must lead people away from the fire and brimstone of Hades!
Well, I actually think our task is much bigger than that.
Faith in God must be based on a desired relationship with Jesus. There can be no other authentic form of conversion. Those who come to God simply because they fear hell or simply because they want to go to heaven, come for the wrong reason. We should not come to God because we want something from Him, we should seek God because He is God! We should seek the all knowing creator because he is in fact, the all knowing creator!
The place for judgement belongs in the hand of the Heavenly Father, it is the job of the church to be the most authentic replication of Christ as a beacon to the world. It is the job of Christians to be living and speaking testimonies and witnesses of the love and grace of Christ.
The great German Pastor and Leader of the Confessing Church (a Church that opposed Nazi Germany and Adolph Hitler) wrote: ““The Church is the Church only when it exists for others…not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.” We exist as a church to build followers of Jesus Christ. Not followers of heaven or fearers of Hell, but followers and fearers of Christ.
In other words, we exist to help make Disciples of Jesus Christ. Pure and Simple.
Your brother in Christ.
Pastor Mike
—
Pastor Mike McVey
Minister – First Methodist Church, Fairfield TX
ACS Chaplain – United State Coast Guard, Station Galveston TX
Cell: 919-935-2513
Email: pastormike@fumcfairfield.org