This coming Sunday, we are beginning an in-depth study of various world religions and cults. I am so excited about this study, as it is one that is so important, particularly in this day and age. There is no question that we are living in a spiritual world. People are desperately seeking sustenance to satisfy their spiritual longings, and it doesn’t really matter how they get it just as long as they get it and it makes some kind of sense to them. I kind of liken it to a mirage. People are so hungry for the spiritual realm that they will wander around in the desert to what they think is water and when they finally realize that it is not water but sand, they will bend down and eat the sand anyway in the hopes that it will satisfy them. The result is a cafeteria-like buffet of religious options, allowing people to pick and choose what sounds good to them and what makes them comfortable. The problem with this rationale is that, as Christians, we know that the sand will not satisfy folks. They will continue to be hungry. But they will continue to seek, and that provides us with a unique opportunity.
As Christians, we have an obligation to point people to the truth that can change lives. It is not optional for us. It is our duty. The illusionist Penn Jillette, who is an avowed atheist, tells a story of an encounter with a fan after one of his shows. The fan approached Penn and gave him a pocket-sized Bible. Penn said that the man was sincerely nice and genuine in his approach, and he also said that he believes that the man knew that Penn is an atheist. Penn went on to say that he still believes that there is no God and that religion had done a lot of bad things. However, he has no respect for those who do not proselytize. “If you believe that there is a Heaven and Hell and people could be going to Hell or not getting eternal life and you think ‘well, it’s not really worth telling them because it would make it socially awkward’….how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?” Wow! What an indictment upon Christians.
So that made me think. If we have the truth that can change lives, and if we are called to share that truth, not only do we need to know what the Bible says and what we really believe, we must know what others believe as well. Gone are the days of handing a pamphlet to someone about the Bible and saying “Read this. Have a great day.” We are going to have to invest and build relationships with people. It is going to take time. You must get to know them and what they believe so that you can effectively dialogue and engage them with the truth, which is the Word of God.
In this study, we are going to take a look at the beliefs and doctrines of various major world religions. We are also going to look at cults-what they are and how to combat them. Why is this important? The Bible says in Matthew 7:15, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (NIV). In other words, these various world religions and cults will seem appealing and enticing to people on the outside, but inwardly, they will destroy and corrupt. It is up to us as believers to make people aware of this and to share with them the truth that can change their lives for the better.
So how is your heart? Is it full of love for others? Do you have a desire to share the truth? Or is it full of hate and indifference? Come join us beginning this Sunday evening at 5:30 so that we can begin to learn how to truly engage people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hope to see you here!
Until Next Week,
Pastor JP
