It’s imperative that we reconsecrate ourselves to intercession and make whatever adjustments are necessary to align ourselves, our families and our churches with the Jesus model laid out in the Bible, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount.

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“I believe it’s a great mistake to present Christianity as something charming and popular with no offense to it.” —Dorothy Sayers, author

In our local church, Bible teacher Ray McCollum is leading us in an exposition of the greatest teaching ever given by the greatest teacher who ever lived. Here Jesus, in His masterpiece Sermon on the Mount, succinctly lays out in an orderly fashion exactly what is the normal Christian life.

Who Are Real Believers?

They are “poor in spirit … mourn … meek … hunger and thirst for righteousness … merciful… pure in heart … peacemakers” (Matt. 5:1-9).

What Will Happen to Them?

They will be “persecuted for righteousness sake” (v. 10).

How Do They Affect the World?

They will be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (vv. 13-15).

Question: For the past few decades in America, have we practiced our faith the way Jesus outlined, or have we substituted a church-growth emphasis, which is a more comfortable, convenient, consumer-oriented and “seeker friendly” one? The content of our message determines the quality of our converts and subsequently the condition of our churches.

Lest anyone misinterpret, I am radically committed to being intentional and missional in seeking out and reaching unsaved people. Jesus “came to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10b).

I arrange my life to connect with unbelievers daily and usually share the gospel verbally or via my testimony tract with 20 to 25 people each week. I love equipping people in lifestyle evangelism, which is natural, relational and enjoyable. For 44 years, I’ve planted churches and mentored folks to be winsome and engaging, never obnoxious or manipulative in outreach.

I agree that apart from open-air mass evangelism, we should not prematurely confront or unnecessarily alienate the unsaved and unchurched. But in our attempt to reach people, are we at times guilty of sugarcoating the message and shirking our responsibility to accurately declare and demonstrate authentic New Testament Christianity?

Here’s the deal: Millions don’t have respect for what we say because they’re not attracted to who we are. So at this critical time in church history, soon commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther launching the Reformation, isn’t it time for a second reformation wherein we come to terms with authentic New Testament Christianity reclamation as our top priority?

• read this entire article from IFA Board Member, Larry Tomczak, CLICK HERE.