As you read the following words from A. W. Tozer, remember that he wrote 50-60 years ago. He sometimes comes across a little harsh, but his passion for being a sincere disciple of Jesus cannot be questioned.
Here again is seen the glaring discrepancy between Biblical Christianity and that of present-day evangelicals, particularly in the United States....
To make converts here we are forced to play down the difficulties and play up the peace of mind and worldly success enjoyed by those who accept Christ. We must assure our hearers that Christianity is now a proper and respectable thing and that Christ has become quite popular with political bigwigs, well-to-do business tycoons and the Hollywood swimming pool set. Thus assured, hell-deserving sinners are coming in droves to "accept" Christ for what they can get out of Him; and though one now and again may drop a tear as proof of his sincerity, it is hard to escape the conclusion that most of them are stooping to patronize the Lord of glory much as a young couple might fawn on a boresome but rich old uncle in order to be mentioned in his will later on. Born After Midnight, 17.
I believe that in these difficult times, when the number of Jesus-followers is diminishing as a percentage of the population, we need a fresh approach. Now is not the time for more Joel Olsteen-type promises of prosperity and ease. Rather, now is the time for us to return to a call to discipleship. Jesus never sought quantity, but quality.
1 comment:
I have a strong belief that in the coming days and years, Christians will be called to give and will be persecuted in ways many of us have not experienced. I think his words or not harsh but a sincere warning of the days to come.
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