“What is a Christian?” If you were asked that question by a reporter on the streets of downtown Oklahoma City how would you respond? Is a Christian someone who simply believes in God? Not exactly, the Bible says even the demons believe in God, but they don’t submit to Him. Is a Christian someone who goes to church regularly? Maybe, but also may not be. Christian singer and songwriter Keith Green said years ago, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian anymore than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger.” No – it’s more than simply going to church, though that’s a good place to start. Hebrews 10:24-25 does remind us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” What is a Christian then? We could give lots of other partial definitions, but how about this one? A Christian is one who has a personal, loving, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Period. So … are all Christians the same? No.

I read a very helpful and insightful article by Rev. Rich Jones, Stan Cosby’s former Associate Pastor. I’ve included a portion of it here for your prayerful consideration. It asks the question: “Am I a cultural Christian or a Kingdom Christian?”

I believe that the church in our part of the world has no greater challenge than cultural Christianity. When the church becomes enmeshed in the surrounding culture it loses its vitality; its robust missional focus, its very heart. When this happens the church becomes something of a spiritual Wal-Mart; a purvey of spiritual products and experiences; a one-stop-shop for all things holy. Inevitably, cultural Christianity turns the church and the individual Christian, inward. And when we turn inward, we turn away from the face of Jesus; we become the focus of our worship. Let’s be clear about the differences between cultural Christians and Kingdom Christians. The cultural Christian asks ‘what’s in it for me?’ while the Kingdom Christian asks ‘where can I serve?’ The cultural Christian cries out for relevant sermons and worship services. The Kingdom Christian lives a life of passionate, transcendent, worship. Cultural Christians shop around for the best church programs while Kingdom Christians create ministries to impact the community for Jesus. The cultural Christian joins the church in order to list ‘church involvement’ on their resume. The Kingdom Christian joins the church to be a part of something greater than themselves that will impact the world. The cultural Christian goes to church because ‘that’s what we do.’ The Kingdom Christian understands that we don’t go to church - we are the church. We could go on and on with these differences, perhaps this last one will summarize it best. The cultural Christian goes to church primarily to get their needs met; while the Kingdom Christian sees the incredible need in the world and goes out, in the name of Jesus to meet those needs. It is not enough to be cultural Christians; we must become Kingdom Christians. We must turn away from self in order to see the face of Jesus.

I want to be a Kingdom Christian, don’t you? To realize this life is not about me and my preferences but all about the Lord Jesus Christ. According to Oswald Chambers, His primary goal for me is not my happiness or health but holiness. Living an engaging, challenging and rewarding life in Christ should be our goal. Focusing not on my own needs but the needs of those outside the Body of Christ whom Christ loves and came to save.

Sunday we took some time to literally “practice hospitality” in our worship services. Why? To underscore our need to reach out to others in love every day, so that we might have the privilege and opportunity to introduce them to Jesus Christ. There’s no greater calling and no greater joy! Why not take time now to ask Jesus who He wants you to invite back to church on Sept. 12? “Each one; ask one.” Your invitation may be the first step in someone coming to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Blessings!

Yours for The Kingdom,
Mark