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21 Contrasts
between Commercial and Biblical Christianity
Joseph Mattera
After Pentecost (Acts 3 and later), Christ-followers were first involved in
something called “the Way” (Acts
24:22).
After the gospel
progressed to the non-Jewish world with the planting of the church in Antioch,
the world called Christ-followers “Christians” because they were made up of
both Jews and Gentiles who exhibited a radical devotion to be like Christ (Acts 11:26).
Since Christianity was
legalized by Emperor Constantine in the Edict of Milan (313 AD), Christianity
went from being “the Way” to an institution that included nominal members who
knew nothing regarding the radical faith of their early forbears.
Since that time,
Christianity has become a popular, commercialized entity with only a remnant of
followers with a biblically-based, radical commitment.
(By “radical” I do not
mean extreme or fanatical with odd anti-social and/or violent behavior; I mean
the dictionary definition: “radical: affecting the fundamental nature of
something; far-reaching or thorough”.)
Unfortunately, what many
today deem as radical was considered normal Christianity in the early church,
and what is considered normal in the present church would be considered
compromising to the early church.
The following are contrasts
between commercial Christianity and biblical Christianity:
1. Commercial Christian pastors preach culturally
accommodating messages.
Biblical Christian pastors preach
culturally convicting messages (Acts
2:37-38; Acts 24:24-25).
2. Commercial Christianity encourages adherence
to the status quo.
Biblical Christianity encourages reformation
of the status quo (Acts
17:6).
3. Commercial Christianity invites.
Biblical Christianity proclaims (Acts 17:23).
4. Commercial Christianity converts people to
their churches.
Biblical Christianity converts people to
Jesus (John 1:12-13; Acts
8:35).
5. Commercial Christianity encourages
congregational membership.
Biblical Christianity develops
world-changing disciples (Acts
6:7; Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 2:2).
6. Commercial Christianity separates faith from
public policy.
Biblical Christianity applies the gospel
to policy (Matthew 5:13-16).
7. Commercial Christianity is defined by the
state.
Biblical Christianity redefines the state
of affairs (Daniel 4:19-37; Acts
8:4-8).
8. Commercial Christianity is complicit with the
powers that be.
Biblical Christianity casts down the
ungodly powers that be (2
Corinthians 10:3-5).
9. Commercial Christianity is a sweet-smelling
savor to those who are perishing.
Biblical Christianity is a sweet-smelling
savor to those who are being saved (Philippians 2:15-16).
10.
Commercial Christianity is not distinguishable from the world.
Biblical Christianity lives in the world
but is not of the world (John17:14-15).
11.
Commercial Christianity often uses biblical language for secular reasons.
Biblical Christians often uses secular
language for biblical reasons (1
Corinthians 9:20-23).
12.
Commercial Christianity is man-centered in its goals.
Biblical Christianity is God-centered in
its goals (Colossians 1:15-18).
13.
Commercial Christianity elicits praise only from people.
Biblical Christianity brings favor from
both God and people (Acts
2:47).
14.
Commercial Christianity leaves a temporal imprint.
Biblical Christianity leaves an eternal
imprint (Hebrews 11:4).
15.
Commercial Christianity leaves a legacy of compromise.
Biblical Christianity leaves a legacy of
sacrificial commitment (2
Timothy 4:6-8).
16.
Commercial Christianity attracts followers by compromising the truth.
Biblical Christianity attracts followers
through the promotion of the truth (Acts 2:40-41).
17.
Commercial Christianity is one step away from being irrelevant.
Biblical Christianity is always in or near
revival (Acts 9:31).
18.
Commercial Christianity accommodates a backslidden lifestyle.
Biblical Christianity accommodates a
lifestyle of faith, fidelity and freedom (John 8:31-36).
19.
Commercial Christianity emphasizes hyper-grace without moral obligations.
Biblical Christianity preaches a radical
grace that produces radical sanctification (Titus 2:11-12; Romans 8:3-4).
20.
Commercial Christianity brings about a commitment to Sunday services.
Biblical Christianity brings about
commitment to a life of service (John
13:13-27).
21.
Commercial Christianity invites people to make Jesus our personal Savior.
Biblical Christianity admonishes people to
surrender to Jesus as our Lord so He can save us (Romans 10:9-10).
Dr. Joseph
Mattera is an internationally-known author, consultant, and theologian
whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding
pastor of Resurrection Church, and leads several organizations, including The
U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. Dr. Mattera
is the author of 12 bestselling books, including his latest “The Jesus
Principles,” and is renown for applying Scripture to contemporary culture. To
order his books or to join the many thousands who subscribe to his newsletter
go to www.josephmattera.org.
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