Cultural or B bl cal Christians?

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

Looking into history helps give perspective to events in our lives. Likewise, looking to the future brings hope, and humanity cannot live without hope. The Bible offers perspective and hope. Perspective and hope are needed to live and thrive in our fast-changing culture.

“Culture” is the patterns of living, arts beliefs, institutions, customs and accepted norms. The American culture is changing with increasing speed every day. What once was estranged is now accepted, what once was resisted is embraced and not all for good.

“Christianity” is a set of beliefs and practices based on the teachings of Jesus the Christ. The Holy Bible is, I believe, the authoritative, inerrant written Word of God.

“Cultural Christianity” is a mindset of many people. The belief that America was founded on Judeo-Christian values (it was) makes many believe they are “Christian”. The beliefs and practices such as a first communion, going to church on Easter and Christmas, donating money to a church or being nice makes one a Christian.

None of these make one a Christian. Cultural Christians do not let their faith inform their actions.

Many say they are Christian but their lives prove otherwise. To these and others Jesus gives the ultimate and severest warning possible; “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; Depart From Me, You Who Practice Lawlessness’ (Matthew 7:21-23).

These three verses give me pause to examine my life. My conclusion is that I am a sinner, saved by God’s grace through His Son Jesus the Christ. My heart is deceptive and like the bit and bridle are used to turn a horse one direction or another, my own sinful heart and desires easily turn my attention away from God.

As good as any person is their heart is deceptive and easily led astray (Jeremiah 17:9-10; Romans 7:15-25; James 1:14-15). It is easy to claim to be a follower of Jesus, but as Scripture teaches it is more difficult to live as a follower of Jesus.

Whatever the sin committed for whatever reason; Jesus has paid the price for all our sins. Jesus’death on the Cross was a gift of grace and life for us.

We read, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Every day I ask God to forgive me of my sin. I ask for His strength to be in me to endure the difficulties and temptations every day brings. I ask for wisdom for decisions, patience for those who try my soul, and Clayton Adams grace, much grace, to share with others.

Many days I fail my own expectations and I know I fail God but I know He loves me whatever state I am found. His grace is greater than my sin, (Romans 5:12). I am counting on this truth.

Cultural Christians place their trust and faith in money, things, position, privilege, being accepted and relative in todays culture.

Cultural Christians may go to church and acknowledge God but have not accepted Jesus as the only begotten Son of God and do not believe or act like Jesus is the only way to heaven.

Biblical Christians trust in Jesus for salvation.

Because of their faith in Christ and His salvation, one becomes obedient to Jesus’ teachings as given in the Holy Bible. Following Jesus’ teachings tells us that nothing else saves a person, it is Jesus Christ alone that saves.

Are you a Cultural Christian or a Biblical Christian?

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.