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03/03/2005: "Are Christians really Christians?"

In an article today discussing the findings of a recent Barna Group poll, there were some pretty startling results. Only 30% of the "Born Again" Christian parents replied that they thought it was important that their children would grow up as believers in Jesus Christ.

What are some conclusions we can take from this?
1. The poll was totally out of line and not indicative of the true situation. (Doubtful)
2. Parents care, but education and making money is more important.
(I know this one is going to get me in trouble but I will say it anyway.)
3. Many of those that call themselves Christians are really not Christian at all.

There, I said it. I laid out my real thoughts.
I have thought for a long time that only about 20 to 30 percent of professing Christians are really Christians.

What do I base these thoughts on?
I look at the fruit of people lives. No I am not judging their eternal condition, that is God's job, but I am perceiving the reality of the situation.
- Many professing Christians live in fear.
- Many professing Christians live with no joy in their lives.
- Many professing Christians are running after all of pleasures of this world.

While it is true all Christians sin and on a regular basis, if you are a Christian, the "Fruits of the Spirit" will be showing up in your life.

So, maybe this is a wakeup call for the Church. Or maybe it is just an opportunity to blast me.

Wayne

Replies: 2 Comments

What it shows you is that most people are not what they say they are, and they do not even know it. On that note, I got to go run this country.

Poll results said @ 03/03/2005 03:06 PM CST

If you review the studies we have been doing in the book of James, you will see that he is addressing this exact audience; professing Christians. The entire epistle presents a series of tests by which one can determine the validity of their faith. Is it dead faith (not producing fruit, thus not saving faith), or is it genuine, active, and living faith? This is a serious question, and one which should give us pause to examine ourselves. Granted, the amount of spiritual fruit in one's life may vary, but there will nevertheless be fruit (Galatians 5). Evaluate the direction, not perfection of your life. If you have not repented of your sins and turned to the mercy and grace Christ alone for salvation, now is the time. As James says, "Even the demons believe; and tremble."

Steve Budd said @ 03/07/2005 08:18 PM CST

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