The Relevance of Christianity in a Modern World
The church has discussed the importance of relevance until we’ve exhausted the subject… or have we?
Does Christianity have relevance in a modern world?
Seems that most in the church today believe relevance has more to do with music then it does message. Relevance has nothing to do with a particular style of music played during worship set, or the building’s modern design, nor the order of service or the fact that minister wears his shirt untucked when he ministers. Rather relevance has everything to do with the message and the spirit by which the message is delivered.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the LIFE…’” John 14:6
Jesus is extremely relevant. He met needs while He walked the earth. He met eternal needs but also the day to day needs of the people. What Jesus offered was life changing… what Jesus offered was LIFE.
Jesus ministered to people right where they were at. He never came with a condemning attitude or message but rather He was always looking to impart LIFE – the abundant life that only He can give. You see “good news” to a lost man is being found. Good news to a woman dying of cancer is that God wants her well. Good news to a family of six that hasn’t eaten in a few days is an abundant supply of food. So, I think you get the gist of what I’m saying. Relevance is all about connecting with people, meeting needs and encouraging hearts.
Jesus healed the sick and diseased. Jesus called men out of their daily mundane lives into their God-given purpose, turning fisherman, tax collectors, and the like into world changers (now that’s exciting). Jesus lovingly delivered people from their tormented and destructive lifestyles
Jesus provided for their needs… money for their taxes, food for the hungry (and no he wasn’t poor… how many poor people do you know that need a treasurer?) Jesus ministered to everyone right at the point of their need.
No one cared what kind of outfit Jesus was wearing or if He brought a band with him that sounded like the songs on the radio, they just knew that they needed what He had and He was able to deliver.
Relevance has EVERYTHING to do with the message. The gospel is very relevant…
Most people believe religion or God is an issue best left to those final moments just before you die. This is the fault of the church which has regulated the message to only Heaven or Hell alone. Don’t get me wrong, the decision regarding Heaven or Hell is very important but there is more to the gospel.
John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent”.
Eternal life is knowing God – and its God’s desire to show you His kind of LIFE. What do you need today? Jesus is the answer. Experience His LIFE today… as true Christianity is very relevant to the modern world.
2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…”