keeping the doors open...

the truth of the matter is we all have a terminal illness called sin.  the reason that those of us who are CHRISTians cling to JESUS CHRIST is because HE is the great physician.  HE’s the only one who has the medication that can cure.  we can try to scrub away our sins by doing good deeds.  it’s not going to work.  we can ignore it and hope it all goes away.  but it won’t disappear.  we can sincerely think there is another way of dealing with it.  but we will be sincerely wrong.  the truth of the matter is, only the great physician offers the treatment that will erase the stain of our sin.  and we turn to GOD, JESUS CHRIST, as that one way it’s not being narrow-minded.  we’re acting in accordance with the evidence. 

CHRIStians aren’t putting on airs by saying this is the only way.  

the way i picture it is two country clubs.  one country club represents every other religious system that i’ve ever heard of.  and this country club says, “if you want to have a membership you have to pay for that membership if you want in.  you have to achieve a certain level of SPIRITuality.  you have to perform a certain number of religious rituals.  but the truth of the matter is many of you are not going to make it.  you’re going to fall short.  you’re not going to achieve the appropriate level and the door is going to be slammed in your face.”  that’s what every other religion i’ve ever seen essentially says. 

CHRISTianity is different.  CHRISTianity is like a country club with the doors wide open: “you want in, come on in.  you don’t have to buy your membership.  JESUS CHRIST has already bought and paid for it with his death on the cross.  coming into our country club is not based on your qualifications.  it’s just merely based on you accepting the invitation of JESUS.  the doors are open.  i don’t care if you’re rich or poor.  i don’t care if you’re black or white.  i don’t care what part of the country you’re from.  i don't care what you age is.  it’s up to you.  you decide if you want to come join our country club.  it is your decision.  but i'm going to keep the doors open.  i'm going to keep them open because i really hope that you will come in and experience what we’ve experienced in this way.”

that is what CHRISTianity is about.  you tell me which approach is snobbish.  i don’t think it’s CHRISTianity.  in fact, JESUS in the bible tells us very clearly as CHRISTians we’re to be anything but arrogant in what we believe.  we’re to be humble.  the bible says in 1 peter 3.15-16 (niv), always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.  what that means is all CHRISTians should be able to tell people about the credibility and the credentials of JESUS CHRIST and why it is that HE is their hope for eternal life. 

but then it says, do this with gentleness and with respect.  we are to respect people of all cultures, in all places.  we’re to love them and we’re to be humble.                         

just a thought from the front porch…