The questions asked are not difficult but ones that even a cursory knowledge of Christianity will suffice. Like: Who fell off his horse on the way to Damascus and became a follower of Christ?; Where in the Bible will you find the story of Samson and Delilah - the Old or New Testament?; Who could interpret dreams and was sold as a slave by his brothers?; Who fought Goliath?
It seems that this level of ignorance is due to people not bothering to learn or even attempt to find out more. Just like not bothering to learn a language or how to cook. Religion, or Christianity to be precise, is not seen as a way of life leading to eternal salvation.
We have the situation where a living Creator God offered Himself to humanity on the Cross; and humanity is totally oblivious of His presence.
Christianity does not teach that we should climb up to God for our redemption. God has come down to us, and offered Himself as sacrifice on the Cross and we are unwilling to acknowledge or accept His priceless gift.
If someone gave you a Christmas gift or a birthday present and it remains there on the shelf unopened; it is not a gift. All it is is a packet wrapped in fancy paper.
You have to open the packet, appreciate the gift and accept it with thanks to the donor.
We have to accept God's gift to all of humanity. Each one of us. His invitation of salvation and eternal life with Him in Paradise is open to everyone.
We have to respond. Not just take it for granted. It is not just an automatic salvation for the lazy, the ignorant or those who cannot be bothered.
We have to reply to the Divine RSVP offered to each one personally.
Merry Christmas Victor: Excellent post, I am amazed at some of the people I have met that tell me they believe in God but only go to Mass on Christmas and Easter, we here call them the (Creasters) Christmas and Easter only, I have had a few friends tell me that they do not need to practice religion, God knows that they love him, what a mixed up world we live in, I can only Pray for them and hope that someday their eyes will be opened, and not when it is too late.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have an amazing New Year Blessed with good health and prosperity.
Catherine❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
It's the same over here, Catherine. In the UK, regular attendance in church every week, (all denominations), is about 5 % of the population. As you say, people think they don't need to practice "religion". How would they feel if their so called "friends" visited them or phoned them only once or twice every year?
DeleteBest wishes for the New Year to you and yours. God bless always.
...but there are so many flavors of Christianity. People love to pick and choose the scriptures to suit their own needs.
ReplyDelete... and therein lies our problem. We want to pick and choose. God's Word is not a chocolate box selection. You either accept it or not.
DeleteGod bless, Tom.
What a timely message! I'm grateful to have finally come around to realizing, Christianity isn't merely a subject but a state of mind. Blessed to answer, "Yes, please."
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mevely. Sadly, too many people treat Christianity as a subject to be learnt at school or college. Not as a way of life. A reality. Jesus is real, not a character in a movie or a theatre play. He was/is a real person in history who actually changed history for ever.
DeleteGod bless you and your family.
You confide in your friends, well, Jesus is your friend and always beside you. Talk to him and listen, your needs and concerns will come from him. It's sad when you have someone like Jesus walking along with you and you ignore him. He is life and without it there is nothing. People who don't believe and have faith are lost but it's never too late to find the right path.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Bill. The sad thing is that some people do not want to try to believe in God.
DeleteGod bless you.
Good thoughts here, Victor. Yes, it is shocking how increasingly it appears the average joe is ignorant of Bible stories, not to mention that Christianity is a way of life and not just a hobbit pursuit.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. Over here in the UK it seems that Christianity is in retreat.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
I did hear some encouraging news today on the news about Christianity making true inroads with Hollywood and the American demand for wholesome, Christian-centered movies. Oh, I do hope that will come to fruition! I know I'd love to see more faith-based films. Maybe, that would help those understand more about Jesus, our greatest gift ever. Blessings, Victor!
ReplyDeleteThat is good news, Martha; and I hope it does happen. Films these days seem to want to discourage people with their negativity.
DeleteGod bless you and your family.
Love and kindness always. ❤️
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I agree with it all!!
ReplyDeleteAs we look ahead to 2025, there seems to be a growing sense of hope on the horizon. I've noticed that many individuals I've encountered lately are increasingly drawn to conversations about Jesus. It feels as if a spiritual awakening might begin to take root, with people eager to explore faith in Jesus and discuss its significance in their lives.
ReplyDeleteIt seems my friend y9u have the ability to hit it out of the park. WE were discussing the other day it is a shame the ignorance of children today of even the simple Bible Stories that were just common many years ago.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you worded this and yes it is very true.
Love from over here
jack and Sherry