Recently I’ve been contemplating about people’s responses to the gospel.  People object to the Good News for many different reasons. Let’s list a few:

  • Some people say that the Bible is not credible. But it contains historical facts the can be verified. Anyone that’s a student of history or that is willing to read a book or two written about the historical accuracy of the Scriptures, would find that argument shallow. What throws people into turmoil is the supernatural events in the Scriptures. Yet our God is a supernatural God.
  • People object by saying they’re satisfied with the life they have now. They seem to think they have no need for a savior. I think this is shallow and Pollyanna type thinking. We are all going to be facing situations out of our control, or that we can’t figure out. Disease, death, and broken relationships all point to the fact that we need someone outside of ourselves. As C.S. Lewis says, “…God shouts to us in our pain.”
  • However today I want to concentrate on the objection that many unbelievers tell us often – Christians are hypocritical. It is one of the top reasons people don’t believe. Certainly this is nothing new. We are all flawed, and Christians represent Christ in hurtful, wrongful and less than flattering ways. We desire to point people to Christ, His life, His teachings and His atoning sacrifice for us. But we mess up. I wish I could say with Paul, “the things you have seen and heard from me – do.” (Philippians 4:9)

Do we throw out the baby with the bathwater because they are bad examples? There are many pro and college athletes that have less than stellar lives, but do wonders on the field or on the court. Do we abandon sports or not believe in competition because of this behavior?

The sad fact is I know parents exasperate or even abuse their own children. Do we give up on parenthood because of bad parenting? In the same way children are rebellious against their parents and abandon their happy upbringing. Do we never have children again?

The list could go on and on. If we make Christians following Christ perfectly the precondition to our belief, we will never follow Him. But God uses both our successes and failures. Likewise, we sensationalize the bad examples, when there are many good examples of faith.

As believers one of the best things we can do is go to people that we’ve hurt or have misrepresented Christ to and apologize. Ask them for their forgiveness and show the humility of Christ. People still may not respond, but in our brokenness we point people to the supreme Healer and the Author and Finisher of our faith. He uses flawed vessels for His glory. Thank the Lord He does.

We have our last Summer Series coming up in a couple of weeks. The attendance and the content of these meetings has been phenomenal. Thank you for praying and attending.

I would also ask you to pray for our cities that are in transition, particularly Jackson and Cincinnati. There are some major decisions that need to be made in both.

I am extremely grateful for your continued faithfulness towards this ministry. May we strive to be the godly example to draw others to Christ. In every situation point others to Him.