I wasn't going to name this post what I named it, I had a couple of other ideas which kept switching in my head. When this phrase dropped into my mind, I knew it described how I'm feeling about things being said in the American church at large. For several years, I've heard people describe the necessity of programs in the church in the following way. We need these programs to be a bridge to bring people to Jesus. Or maybe this: We need to get them in the door so that they can learn about Jesus. I have great problems with these statements because I think they oppose Scripture. There is also another trend in churches these days where we are afraid to use words like "sin" because we're worried that people will be offended and not "get saved". Jesus addresses this in the Bible as well.
First, let's address the bridge theory. Now, I'm not well versed in this theory; I've never actually had a long conversation with anyone who claims this theory. But, I do know what the Word of God says. John 9: 39- 10:5 is a fascinating story. After all of John 9 discusses the blind man who was given sight, Jesus makes the statement in vs. 39 (Amplified Bible) "Then Jesus said, I came into the world for judgment [ as a Separator, in order that there me be separation between those who believe in Me and those who reject Me], to make the sightless see and to make this who see become blind." The Pharisees then asked, "Are we also blind?" And Jesus told them that because they insist that they have no sin, their guilt remains. Immediately following that verse is John 10:1, an extremely powerful verse which struck me about a year ago. It reads, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way (elsewhere, from some other quarter) is a thief and a robber." And Jesus makes it even clearer in verse 9 "I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture."
When I look at this passage, I think I see what Jesus is trying to say, and it applies to the above topic. The Pharisees did NOT want to be compared to that blind man. They thought that they were so much further ABOVE him, that they totally missed the point. Until they admitted their need like the blind man, they could not accept the gift of salvation. They were trying to get in some other way. The way of good works, of perfect keeping of the law. Jesus said that only those who enter through Him would be saved. That means they have to admit their need. Need is not something that's acceptable these days. No on wants to look "needy". We've cultivated a society that wants to be "self-reliant" and "self- sufficient". And this philosophy is in direct opposition to God. So, the deeper into this self philosophy you are, the harder it will be for you to see your need of God, and actually cry out to Him from that need for salvation. And, as Christians, we cannot make a more comfortable door for people who are too embarrassed or proud to admit their need for Jesus. That is not what the Great Commission is about.
Jesus also said in Matt. 11:6 " And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." This is a powerful statement. If you are offended by being called a sinner, then you don't really need a Savior. The Bible calls us sinners, and if we are offended by this, then salvation is not for us. I am frustrated that people are calling certain terms "Christian speak" and in actuality they are Biblical terms. Saying that someone sinned is in the Bible. Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." If you talk about being "born again" or say that you are a "born again Christian" people look at you funny and think you are speaking some sort of secret language. Well, maybe that's true if you think that the Bible is some secret language. Jesus said the words himself. John 3:3 (amplified) "Jesus answered him, I assure you, I most solemnly I tell you, that unless a man is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with and experience) the kingdom of God." I'll be honest with you, I want to see the kingdom of God! I am not going to get my pride up and refuse to be honest and miss the kingdom of God.
When all of this is brought into the Church, I really feel that we are missing the point. I have said it before, and I'll say it again. The church was not meant to be for unbelievers!!! This is a modern day phenomenon brought on the the "seeker" movement. The definition of church in the Strong's Concordance is from the word Ekklesia meaning: It designated a new society of which Jesus was the founder, being as it was a society knit together by the closest spiritual bonds and altogether independent of space." There is nothing in here that says it is a net being cast out to gather up people. There is nothing in here about it is a service to attract people. It is a society knit together in the bonds of Christ. I have to wonder what we've really got going on today. I personally see a lot of 'towers of Babel' where people are saying "Come let us build a church and let us make a name for ourselves." Of course they don't really say that, but if we are denying what Scripture tells us, and we are making our own doors for people to come through as comfortably as possible, what are we doing???? I understand that people just want to see others "get saved" but the truth is, if they don't go through the True Door which is Jesus, they aren't really saved. Jesus was the one who said we must be "born again" so what's wrong with saying those words? I don't care if it's hip or current, they are the words that get you into the kingdom of God.
The truth is, we are only required to bring the message. The True message. We are not required to bring people to church, or get them to say a prayer or sign a commitment card. It may be that in these times, not very many will "get saved". There may be many that reject your message of sinners needing a Savior. The Bible says in Matt. 7:14 "But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straightened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it." I'm concerned that we are not showing the narrow way (Jesus only) and that we are taking people down a broad path with our bridges and programs.
If I had to pick one verse in the Bible as most important, I would choose John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." That makes it pretty clear. To come through Jesus, you have to admit that He did something that you couldn't do. He died on the cross so that you could have fellowship with the Father. To come through Jesus you must drop all ideas of doing it your way, of earning your way to God. When you truly believe that Jesus is the only Way to Heaven, He is the only Truth and that in Him is Life; your own life will become so much more simple.
I challenge you to think about what is going on in American churches. Really stop and challenge what's being said by searching the Bible. I don't think that the Christian life is as complicated as people are making it, but I don't think it's as commercial as they are making it either. Yes, if you choose the narrow path and there are few on it, you may feel uncomfortable and lonely at times. You may wonder if you're on the right path. But if you abide in the Word, which means hold fast to Christ's teachings and live in accordance with them, you cannot be ashamed.
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