Here is an unpopular opinion that is Biblically true: “Biblical Christianity will never be popular.” Before you pick up stones to throw at me, hear me out. Christianity that is demonstrated in the Bible is not the same as the seeker-sensitive driven church ministry made popular by large churches in the 1990s. The Christianity that is outlined in your Bible is not the same as the contemporary worship driven experiences that fill up stadiums and mega churches. When you read of the early church in the Bible, you don’t see any platform building charismatic leaders building a following for themselves. The consumerist attitude toward treating church membership like a country club membership is nowhere to be found in the Bible.
If Biblical Christianity is not these things, then what is it?
Biblical Christianity is a Call for One to Die to Self Regularly.
Read the words of Jesus.
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'” (Luke 9:23-24, ESV).
Biblical Christianity is a continual denying, rather continual death of one’s desires and life for the sake of the gospel. To follow Jesus is to die constantly. This isn’t a popular idea or thought and isn’t found in most preaching or popular Christian music.
Paul writes a similar idea to the church at Galatia.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).
For the Biblical Christian, there is a replacing of self with Christ. When this happens, sin flees and healthy churches thrive. What is the state of popular Christianity today? It is full of sin and unhealthy churches.
Most of us in the church want the church to be on the same level as everything else that drive the decisions of people. I have heard it said that the church has to compete with Disney because that is what the world sets as its standard. No. The church doesn’t have to be on the same level as Disney because our message is better.
Biblical Christianity Has a Narrow Gate.
Jesus says,
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matt. 7:13-14).
Popularity is a wide gate. Jesus says the narrow gate is the way those who follow Him should go through. Jesus says that few will find the narrow gate. If you are following a popular Christianity, consider the words of Jesus here. Popular faith is easy, and it leads to destruction and though many people will be with you through it, popular Christianity will not lead to life.
Biblical Christianity is Christ-Centered.
Peter preaches at Pentecost in Acts,
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:36).
The Jesus that was crucified is the Christ, the Messiah, and God has made Him Lord over those who follow Him. Autonomy is a desire that all people probably have and especially Americans. We don’t like for others to tell us what to do. But this is exactly what it means to be a Biblical Christian, to have Jesus tell us what is right and wrong and how to live. Why? Because Jesus is the One who took the punishment our sins demand. Jesus is worthy. Jesus has earned the right to command His followers.
Biblical Christianity is Discipleship Minded.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20).
Biblical Christians go, and make disciples, teaching them all the things Jesus has commanded. We don’t do this alone, for Christ is with us. Discipleship is a core activity for the Biblical Church and it is not visible in much of popular Christianity. Discipleship is hard. It includes evangelism, but it goes further to build up that new believer and walk with them through the ups and downs of life following Jesus. It’s hard. It’s painful. It’s costly. But it is rewarding, and it is the activity of being obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
If you want Christianity to be popular, consider your motives and then examine the passages outlined in this article. Jesus leaves the 99 to find the one. He is not as interested in being popular among the masses as He is in being the center of your world. Make Jesus your Lord, follow Him, then make other disciples, teaching them all that is in the Bible.
About the Author
Gary joyfully serves as Senior Pastor of White Plains Baptist Church in Scottsville, Kentucky and writes books and resources to help you know and follow Jesus. He earned his Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gary is the founder of Discipleship Studio.
Email: gary@floydgarypierce.com
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