21 Contrasts between Commercial and Biblical Christianity
After Pentecost (Acts 3 and later), Christ-followers were first involved in something called “the Way” (Acts 24:22). After the gospel progressed to the non-Jewish world with the planting of the church in Antioch, the world called Christ-followers “Christians” because they were made up of both Jews and Gentiles who exhibited a radical devotion to be like Christ (Acts 11:26).
Since Christianity was legalized by Emperor Constantine in the Edict of Milan (313 AD), Christianity went from being “the Way” to an institution that included nominal members who knew nothing regarding the radical faith of their early forbears. Since that time, Christianity has become a popular, commercialized entity with only a remnant of followers with a biblically-based, radical commitment. (By “radical” I do not mean extreme or fanatical with odd anti-social and/or violent behavior; I mean the dictionary definition: “radical: affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough”.)
Unfortunately, what many today deem as radical was considered normal Christianity in the early church, and what is considered normal in the present church would be considered compromising to the early church.
The following are contrasts between commercial Christianity and biblical Christianity:
1. Commercial Christian pastors preach culturally accommodating messages. Biblical Christian pastors preach culturally convicting messages (Acts 2:37-38; Acts 24:24-25).
2. Commercial Christianity encourages adherence to the status quo. Biblical Christianity encourages reformation of the status quo (Acts 17:6).
3. Commercial Christianity invites. Biblical Christianity proclaims (Acts 17:23).
4. Commercial Christianity converts people to their churches. Biblical Christianity converts people to Jesus (John 1:12-13; Acts 8:35).
5. Commercial Christianity encourages congregational membership. Biblical Christianity develops world-changing disciples (Acts 6:7; Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 2:2).
6. Commercial Christianity separates faith from public policy. Biblical Christianity applies the gospel to policy (Matthew 5:13-16).
7. Commercial Christianity is defined by the state. Biblical Christianity redefines the state of affairs (Daniel 4:19-37; Acts 8:4-8).
8. Commercial Christianity is complicit with the powers that be. Biblical Christianity casts down the ungodly powers that be (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
9. Commercial Christianity is a sweet-smelling savor to those who are perishing. Biblical Christianity is a sweet-smelling savor to those who are being saved (Philippians 2:15-16).
10. Commercial Christianity is not distinguishable from the world. Biblical Christianity lives in the world but is not of the world (John17:14-15).
11. Commercial Christianity often uses biblical language for secular reasons. Biblical Christians often uses secular language for biblical reasons (1 Corinthians 9:20-23).
12. Commercial Christianity is man-centered in its goals. Biblical Christianity is God-centered in its goals (Colossians 1:15-18).
13. Commercial Christianity elicits praise only from people. Biblical Christianity brings favor from both God and people (Acts 2:47).
14. Commercial Christianity leaves a temporal imprint. Biblical Christianity leaves an eternal imprint (Hebrews 11:4).
15. Commercial Christianity leaves a legacy of compromise. Biblical Christianity leaves a legacy of sacrificial commitment (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
16. Commercial Christianity attracts followers by compromising the truth. Biblical Christianity attracts followers through the promotion of the truth (Acts 2:40-41).
17. Commercial Christianity is one step away from being irrelevant. Biblical Christianity is always in or near revival (Acts 9:31).
18. Commercial Christianity accommodates a backslidden lifestyle. Biblical Christianity accommodates a lifestyle of faith, fidelity and freedom (John 8:31-36).
19. Commercial Christianity emphasizes hyper-grace without moral obligations. Biblical Christianity preaches a radical grace that produces radical sanctification (Titus 2:11-12; Romans 8:3-4).
20. Commercial Christianity brings about a commitment to Sunday services. Biblical Christianity brings about commitment to a life of service (John 13:13-27).
21. Commercial Christianity invites people to make Jesus our personal Savior. Biblical Christianity admonishes people to surrender to Jesus as our Lord so He can save us (Romans 10:9-10).
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Sad, but we really do need to “preach to the choir”. Thank you Bishop for propagating the truth.
A wonderful and eye opening comparison.
The problem is with pastors/preachers. See http://www.insectman.us/misc/panty-waist-pastors.htm. I pity America without pastors with the power of those who have preceded them. See them at http://www.insectman.us/testimony/text-book-war.htm.
I saw nothing wrong with this message
Oh what a difference. Which side do we want to be on (Matt. 7) ?
One of the main problems with Commercial Christianity is their refusal to address the issue of sin which then leads to the most unbelievable immoral life of the minister, adultery, homosexuality, divorce, child abuse, pornography Rom 1:20 and following
God Bless You, Brother Joe! I spoke with Pastor Mike Faulkner yesterday and found out you guys are going to stand up for NYPD! If I didn’t have a scheduling conflict I would be there with you! Please re-connect with me so I can serve with you again ok? My email is [email protected]
Sad.Unfortunately I could recognize myself in Commersial Christianity.I feel I don’t live commited to Jesus Christ.Recently I have been praying for change.But Thank you, any way.That it good post for waking me up spiritually
Don’t you think some of these are not as dichotomous as the list makes them seem? For example, aren’t we supposed to invite and proclaim?
Thank you for this very timely and critical article that separates the sheep from the goats and the tares from the wheat.
Good to know bishop Joe
Incredible dichotomy. Praying God will free us from mindsets that keep us from biblical Christianity and not cultural Christendom
This is so true. Everything with commercial Christianity is accurate and very compromising.
Wow so profound.It makes one to take a deeper look into who you are and what you preach n teach.
This is DEEP
Oh God, forgive us and help us to seek only after You!
praise God I am grateful that this article was a blessing to you all!
Wow. God bless you