How can we decipher between an authentic church and a false church?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: After reading the book of Acts about the beginning of the church started by Jesus, it seems that the church has wandered a good distance from those days. It’s difficult to decipher between an authentic church and a false church. What’s lacking today? – F.C.
A: The Bible tells us that the early church was filled with the Holy Spirit. They had no church buildings, no Bibles, no automobiles, no planes, no trains, no television, no radio. Yet they turned their world “upside down” for Christ. A spiritual revolution shook the very foundations of the Roman Empire. These young Christians were vigorous and powerful. What was their resource? The Holy Spirit.
The new believers lived their lives daily for Christ. They suffered persecution and even death gladly for their faith in Christ. They hungered and thirsted after righteousness. And those with whom they came in contact could not help but be impressed by the quality and purity of their lives and their love.
The reason certain false philosophies and religions are making such inroads in the world today is that somewhere along the line, the people who were supposed to live Christian lives failed. We have failed to meet the standards and requirements that Jesus set forth. If we would live for Christ, we must be willing to count all else as nothing. We must be as dedicated, as committed, and as willing to sacrifice all as the followers of false religions do. The great masses of the unbelieving world are confused as they gaze upon the strife that has nothing to do with Christ. Instead of a dynamic, growing, powerful, Christ-centered church, we see division, strife, pettiness, greed, jealousy, and spiritual laziness – while the world is standing on the brink of disaster. The great need in Christendom today is for Christians to learn the discipline and wholehearted commitment to Jesus.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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