Christianity Has No Customers

Christianity Has No Customers
Brad Reiches
Dec 7 2006 08:53PM

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Friday, December 8, 2006
GodThoughtsWired!

 

"Christianity Has No Customers"

"May your silver perish with you, becuase you thought
you could obtain the gift of God with money!"
Acts 8:20

The gospel is not merchandise to be bought or sold (Acts 8:18-23).  It is a gift, freely given and received. It is a life to be lived.  Although we must certainly understand the unbeliever’s mindset in order to be an effective witness (I Corinthians 9:22), the gospel cannot be converted into a commercial for Christ.  Effective advertising never chastens or offends its potential customers, however, the true gospel repeatedly offends "Blessed is he who keeps from stumbling over Me (Jesus)" (Luke 7:23).  "If anyone wishes to come after Me (Jesus), let him deny himself...he who wishes to save his life must lose it..." (see Mark 8:34-37).  
To "receive" the gospel is to "crucify the flesh, with its passions and desires" (see Galatians 5:25).  Indeed, the world embraces its pride, but for the sincere follower of Christ, pride is a stumbling block.  "God is opposed to the proud...pride goes before destruction" (see James 4:6; Proverbs 16:18).  The "boastful pride of life" is to be replaced by the "humility of surrender" if we are to succeed in our quest to rest in the sufficiency of Christ (Matt. 11:28-30).
Biblical Christianity has no customers; it has disciples.  Committed followers who have decided (not in perfection but in willingness) to follow Jesus.  Disciples determined to "deny themselves" and take up their crosses daily (see Matthew 16:24-26).  Men and women and children who bow to the name of Jesus.  Individuals who proclaim, "Not my will, but Thine be done!"  
Jesus began His public ministry by exclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (see Matthew 4:17*).  Repentance is fairly alien and antithetical to marketing, is it not?  Yet, this is the gospel of the kingdom of God. 

Anything less than repentance is a compromised
gospel that will land its believers in Hell. 
-Pastor Brad

"How's that for some advertising?"  Marketing and evangelism are antagonists, not allies. A church can be advertised.  Programs can be advertised.  Preachers, books and seminars can be advertised. but the gospel is no commodity. 

*There is only one biblical gospel; the gospel of repentance.  For a comprehensive study, click on:  The World's Greatest Invitation.