Captivated by Christ or Culture
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition (Col. 2:8).
Jesus packed a punch with His words to knock out dead religion in the hearts of people. He chose His words carefully when He called the Pharisees hypocrites and compared them to “whitewashed tombs which outwardly appear beautiful but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean”(Matthew 23:27). Today, if Jesus walked through our communities and churches, He would pack that same punch. And what would He suffer for it? Many would revile Him; slander His name, and mock Him while they take their seat on their favorite pew on Sunday.
People that appear to be godly by their position or title but at the same time deny the power of godliness by their thoughts and intentions are empty in heart and purpose. Our lives must confess the Lordship of Christ. People do not know Jesus Christ without a personal revelation of Him that is supernatural in scope. Once that takes place, you are forever changed, and you will never fit in again with the world. The true church, “the called out ones” are captives of Christ, His slaves in fact, and their passion is to fulfill His desires on earth. The interest of the true believer is to further and advance the Kingdom of God on earth, not an organization, ministry or denomination.
No one can deny the state of humanity’s darkness. Jesus’ agenda was not to sugarcoat the truth but to state it in such a way to offend. Sin is offensive but in today’s world what is good is called evil and what is evil is called good. The lives of countless children, ruined by substance abuse, worship of devils, pedophilia, punishing poverty, and soul squeezing guilt call us to account. Who is to blame? Judgment begins first in the church. The church must stand against sin and be vocal about it without fear of repercussion. Why should our lives be any different from the life of Jesus, who willingly bore reproach as He went outside the camp. He was radical, and His life calls forth radicalized believers who find their purpose in tearing down structures of sin to build up the lives of people.
Who's taken you captive Jesus Christ or cultural Christianity that smoothes and soothes the guilt of your conscience when you take a seat on your favorite pew on Sunday?
