Articles/Bulletins
Following the Mainstream
When asking someone what religion they are, or what they are affiliated with, the common answer is, “I’m a Christian.” Today, you almost need clarification on what it means to be a Christian. The popular trend today is called, “mainstream Christian.” What does that mean? Is there a “not-so-common stream Christian?”
The word “mainstream” is anything to do with the common current thoughts and opinions of the majority. It’s whatever is popular in the culture or in mass media. I wonder if Jesus would have been a mainstream Christian.
If He were alive today, do you think He would call Himself a mainstream Christian? Would He be more interested in a Christian rock band or singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs? Would He be interested in what the popular belief is in the world or would He want to take a stand for truth? Would He think it’s ok if you are a homosexual, living in sin, cussing, drinking, smoking or going to places you shouldn’t be going, just as long as you love Christ?
The Jesus I read about in the New Testament would not stand for any of these things 2000 years ago, so why would He stand for them today? But yet, too many churches and Christians are accepting these things today because society and mass media has told us they are ok. More and more people are becoming accepting of things because they don’t want to hurt feelings.
I think it’s interesting that Jesus addressed this issue during His ministry. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt 7:13-14). Sometimes there is the easy path because that’s what everyone else is doing, the mainstream way. But then there is God’s way, the path of life.
Try going against the current. Mainstream isn’t always the best way. Jesus stood for truth no matter what the consequences were. So should we!
~ Kevin
- Bulletin 5-20-12.pdf.zip (1.80 MB)
