Which is why we see so many dead congregations popping up across this land. They preach a gospel of "me" instead of Him. They do not deal with sin and repentance because those subjects are not deemed "seeker friendly." Their model is all about making converts but it is a conversion into a way of thinking, not a faith. They may even produce many "good works" within the world. They may build playgrounds in Central America or help orphanages in Mexico but they do so because they want to be seen doing it. Because that is what Christians are supposed to do. It provides a semblance of Christian cover. If they get questioned, they just point to their pre-conceived works. That is still dead faith however.
Works are an outpouring of who Christ is inside of us. I am not suggesting that if we do not stop for every single person we come across that our faith is somehow compromised. The issue, as with Simon, is our heart. Injustice should bother us now. People in need of mercy should move us to compassion now. Not because we should but because it is who we are now as a Christian. It never ceases to sadden me when I see whole congregations chasing after false prophets and lying signs and wonders while our families are still unsaved. While our friends remain unsaved. While our co-workers remain unsaved. Then I hear the usual Christian refrain of this one or that one has a "heart for the lost." No beloved. If we are truly saved we have the Spirit of Jesus Christ on the inside of us, leading us into all truth and HE has a heart for the lost. That should be obvious in that He went to the cross for the lost. The result of this is how can anyone who calls themselves a Christian not have a heart for the lost? How can we walk past that person in need and say something trite and useless to their current state? That is a dead faith. Works is not required for salvation; it is an indication that genuine salvation has occurred.
Reverend Anthony Wade - June 10, 2014
