5 Fearsome Facts of Christianity

My wife and I host a Community Group (small group Bible study) at our house every week. Currently, we are reading through a study by Ed Young, Jr. called "I Need to Change." Tonight's topic is VERY interesting as he offers what he says are "The Five Fearsome Facts of Christianity." All 5 facts go against culture, but all 5 facts go with what Jesus said clearly. I just thought I'd list these 5 facts below, along with the words of Jesus on which they are based. If a few of these facts make you a little uncomfortable, that's okay. A lot of what Jesus says causes a little discomfort.

FACT #1 > Not everyone is going to heaven.
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"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

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FACT #2 > More people will go to hell than heaven.

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Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

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FACT #3 > Many who think they are Christians aren't.

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"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' " (Matthew 7:21-23)

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FACT #4 > You will not get another opportunity after you die.

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Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)

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FACT #5 > This could be your last chance.

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"When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ " (Luke 13:25)

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These facts/truths would sound pretty arrogant if they came from you or me. But they didn't. These facts are from the mouth of God Himself. Our response to these facts has eternal implications. What's so amazing about God is that He offers eternal life while there's still time:

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"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Obvious Living

Obvious, adj. > easily perceived or understood; quite apparent

Yesterday, I showed a video about a couple with two young children (one newborn) who recently decided to leave the comfort of home and move to Indonesia. Why would they want to do that? Well, for them it is a matter of fulfilling God's purpose for their lives: showing and sharing the love of Christ with those who are not yet followers of Christ. In the video, this young couple said something that I found very thought-provoking:

"We need to live our lives in such a way that demands an explanation."

What they mean is that we (Christ-followers) ought to be so in love with Jesus that our lives are radically different from those who do not yet know Jesus. In other words, our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members should notice something obviously different about us--about the way we spend our time and money, about the way we talk, and about the way we love others. And noticing this OBVIOUS difference in our lives, they should be inspired to ask: What's so different about you? Why are you so crazy about this Jesus guy?

I hate to admit it, but I'm just not sure I'm obvious enough. If I were to interview my neighbors or friends, I'm not confident they would call me a radical, crazy, sold-out follower of Christ. Sure, they might say I was a good guy or a nice neighbor. But following Christ goes way beyond the good guy or nice neighbor kind of living. The world desperately needs to see unmistakable Christ-followers, followers who OBVIOUSLY love God, love the church, and love the people around them. God, give me the desire and the courage to be more obvious.

To see the video I showed yesterday, go to http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/special/media_player.html and view the message by Francis Chan titled "What Do You Need in Order to Be Happy?"