The Subject Matter(s)
What is the subject matter of Christianity? Is it about Christ and His entrance and exit from this earth and known time? Does it consider all things that happened in the short visit God made to humanity through the Incarnation? Does it seem pointless that Calvary produced redemption through suffering and death, prolonged by the immense clarification of who Jesus actually was? Could the empty tomb be subjected to criticisms of religions and skeptics without the first mentioned Resurrection by Christ Jesus?
Actually, all these should be the main subject matter of Christianity. However, as the past blasts into the future we have witnessed nothing that is consistent except performance by men! They have made themselves superstars of Christianity. Offering invitations to compete against the “mega” results of heavy finance and media popularity. Ministers have been competing and taught to compete by comparing success ratios per the count of each assembly and the amount of offering received!
Let’s not forget the obscure reign of political hoopla that is only obscured by the paradox that it produces. Competitive pressures have blurred what really matters and uncanny stress put on churches that desire to be like the “mega” superstar across town. Then there are the many authors who have made millions off their popularity and self-made charisma. Authoring books and having agents seek out the right publisher to place the “new” book on shelves. Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the Bible could be the one book that should be on the book tables at conferences and revival sideshows?
By no means am I stating that books should not be authored. I am in process of writing my first one even as I blog this. It is that all the subject matter used continues to engage and double up on resources already available. I truly believe in getting the message out there. Yes, everyone should write if they have something to write about! But let get centered on Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, not the author of the book
The concern comes full circle! What is the subject of Christianity? It is Jesus Christ and Him crucified! It is the Resurrection and the Ascension! It is the gift of Repentance and the absolute forgiveness of sin! It is the reconciliation of mankind back to God!
It is about destiny and purpose not performance. This competitive and political arena that has been labeled the “Church” is not the Church at all. The Church is that which is called out from and into evangelizing the world for Christ one soul at a time.
Best
Dennis