Have you ever felt embarrassed to share that you’re a Christian because of the baggage that accompanies the word?
It seems that over the years, the brand of Christianity has been tainted. According to a study done by David Kinnaman and the Barna Group there are many who have been turned off by Christianity. (For further information check out the book, Unchristian.) Kinnaman argues the biggest disconnect for people is that followers of Jesus oftentimes do not look any different from those who aren’t. If Christianity isn’t changing its adherent’s lives, then what does it really have to offer those on the outside looking in?
On Sunday, Rev. Paul Rasmussen opened up a new sermon series titled Identity Crisis by surveying the growing tension in the Christian brand. He shared the tension we feel today was not true for the early Christian church. In fact, early followers of Jesus lived a compelling and attractive life to outsiders. We read of this in the Book of Acts,
- “each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved (Acts 2:47),”
- “many of the people who heard their message believed it (Acts 4:4),”
- “more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women (Acts 5:14)”.
- “the believers rapidly multiplied… So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1, 7).”
These early Jesus followers did not repel others, but rather compelled them to take part in the Jesus movement. Paul shared this was the case because these early Christians didn’t just claim to be Christians but lived as disciples of Jesus. The word disciple means to be a learner, follower, or pupil of another. These early Christians followed Jesus’ example – they did the things they saw Jesus do. And the number one thing Jesus called them to do is found in the gospel of John, chapter 13,
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” –John 13:34-35
Jesus has given the same commandment to us who desire to follow him and become disciples. As Christ has loved us, we are called to love others. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we got this right?
Discussion Questions
- Do you know anyone outside of the Christian faith? What do you think their perceptions are of Christianity?
- Paul asked us to, “Think about what you think about when you think about Christians.” What comes to mind when you participate in this exercise?
- Paul shared this quote from the book, Unchristian, where someone states that Christians are… “conservative, entrenched in their thinking, antigay, anti-choice, angry, violent, illogical, empire builders; they want to convert everyone, and they generally cannot live peacefully with anyone who doesn’t believe what they believe.” What is your reaction to this comment? Why do you think some people come to these conclusions?
- Can you recall a time when you heard a Christian spokesperson misrepresent your view of a social or political issue? Why did you feel miscast?
- Part of what attracted people to Christians in the early church was a faith that was compelling. What does it mean to have an attractive or compelling faith? How can you begin to cultivate this kind of discipleship in your life and faith community?
- How has Christ loved you? How will you love others in the same way?