"Quest for God" June 21, 2016
     It has been my experience throughout the years of my Christian life to witness the many believers who come to Christ, and also the many that don’t continue with the same fervor serving the Lord. I am sure there is more than one single factor responsible for this lackadaisical attitude of so many modern Christians.

     I am of the persuasion that as a Christian begins his walk of faith will depend greatly on how he fares in his quest for God. My observation rests in the fact that many converts are being brought into the church under false and unrealistic expectations. I have always considered myself a practical man therefore I prefer a realistic approach to faith and the Christian walk.

     People have said to me, “I seem to have more problems now than before I was a Christian.” I say praise the Lord you must be doing something right! People are told, by well-meaning individuals that all they have to do is receive Christ and all their problems will be solved. Their world will turn just wonderful and all their troubles will be resolved and God will not allow anything bad to happen to them. I agree that much of that can happen but to expect that to happen just like that is unrealistic.

     Never in the Bible before or post Calvary has this taken place. Battles and trials and tribulations are par for the followers of Christ. Paul said, “Many are the trials of the righteous.” Ancient Job said, “When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” David, the psalmist said, “This poor man cried out and the Lord heard him and delivered him out of all his troubles.”

     The point I want to make is this - that Christians are called to fight the good fight of faith. Christianity is not some cake walk, or a “tip-toeing through the tulips.” It is not a lazy man’s religion nor for those who want to settle for the status-quo. It is neither for the religious or the moralist who figures that as long as I don’t do anything wrong I’m okay. The secret to living an overcoming Christian life is by taking in the word of God and then applying it to our lives. That means doing it, living it and not expect God to do everything for us. This is what I mean when I say the gospel needs to be presented as realistic and not so idealistic. “Work out your own salvation with trembling and fear." (Philippians 2:12)

~ Pastor John