I have encountered many people throughout the course of my life so far, who acquaint Christianity with religion. I personally believe that Christianity is much more than just a religion; it is a LIFESTYLE!
Religion nowadays has a very negative connotation. Unfortunately, Jesus Christ has been misrepresented. Many have used religion as a label to hide behind, in order to get away with things that God himself, would never approve of. Such as genocides, suicide bombings, and so on. Therefore, those who do not know Christ for who he truly is, are led astray, or remain skeptical; because they associate such acts of cruelty and injustice, performed by "religious" people, with the character of Christ. And NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!
Christ is loving and kind, merciful and compassionate. He's full of grace. He's always ready to forgive, eager to save, redeem, restore, and heal his creation. He wants nothing more than for us to come to him and receive the gift of salvation with open hearts and open minds. Such a gift, is given to us by God's grace, and received by faith in Christ Jesus.
Still, there are many who are resistant to believe, and to receive such gift of salvation, due to the fact, that they may have witnessed hypocrisy within the church. As a result, they may generalize and assume that all Christians are hypocrites. While I must admit that there are some who claim to be Christians, (and are anything but), there are also those who genuinely love God. They strive to lead a life that pleases Him, and are eager to share the Good News with others. Not because they want to show off or anything of that nature; but because they want to share the freedom that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. Yes, you read right: FREEDOM.
A few years back, before I accepted Christ's sacrifice on the cross for me, (and for you), the last word that would have crossed into my mind when I thought about Jesus or Christianity would have been: freedom. You see, I was raised in a christian home. My parents were Christians, and as a child, I attended a very conservative Christian church. There were many rules to be followed: Men and women sat across from one another; in separate sections of the building. Women could not cut their hair, and had to wear long skirts in service. They could not wear pants. The list goes on, and on. Therefore, in my mind Christianity was full of restrictions, full of religiosity. To me God was a very distant God. Someone way up in heaven, observing me, keeping track of my many sins, and of the many times I had failed. But I was VERY, VERY WRONG about Him.
In time, I learned that God was not, and is not distant at all. He knows me better than I know know myself, He loves me, He cares for me, He forgives me, and He understands me. He knows my pain and understands my suffering. He's not indifferent to it. He gives me grace to get through it. He comforts me, and encourages me. He gives me strength to carry on, and faith to believe. He hears my prayers attentively. My name is written on the palm of His hand. He never forgets about me. His plans for my life go beyond my wildest dreams. He's my best friend. He's the Rock on which I stand.
And He loves you too. He cares for you. He's not distant or far away. He sees all that you do and everything you go through each and every day. But you have a choice to make: You can either choose to go through life alone, trying to make it on your own, or you can allow Jesus into your life. First, by believing in your heart, that Jesus is the Son of God-who came to earth to earth to pay the ransom for our sins on the cross-and then, by repenting of them and asking for forgiveness. Once those steps are taken, you will embark on a new, exciting, and adventurous journey. You'll begin your walk with Christ. This marks the beginning of a gradual transformation from the inside out. As a new-born Christian, your mindset will be gradually transformed by the Holy Spirit of God; who dwells within the hearts of those who have been saved, and adopted as God's children, through Christ Jesus.
All Glory to God Forever & Ever!
Amen
To be Continued...
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