THE CHRISTIANETTES

by Charles Robey
(Trussville AL USA)

This morning as I was sitting with my glass of chocolate milk and powdered donuts in hand, I just happened to glance over at the donut bag. The advertised heading read, "Donettes", which obviously stood for small donuts.

And the thought hit me, like a ton of bricks. Is this not like us Christians, by comparison ? Are we not often times just small Christians. Just "Christianettes". Just a brief cosmos of God's grace. Do we give in to adversity when the going gets rough ? Do we throw in the towel, when giving out testimony gets tough.

And most importantly, how do we stand with respect to the basic Christian doctrines ordained by God? Do we believe in God's Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (1John 5:7) ? Do we believe that Jesus Christ is both God and man (John 1:1) ? Do we believe that all mankind is born in a state of inherited sin (Romans 5:12) , and in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23)? Do we believe there is only one way to God, through the person of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Do you believe in the literal death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4) ? Do we believe there is a literal Heaven, the final resting place for all believers and hell a literal Hell, which is an abode for all non-believers (Romans 2:6-8) (Matthew 25:46) ? Do we believe there will be a literal return of Jesus Christ to earth some day to set up his kingdom. (Acts 1:10-11) (Rev 1:7) (Rev 19:11-16) ? There you have it, the true gospel in a nut shell.

I am currently reading two wonderful books, written by Dr. David Jeremiah, "The Revolution That Changed The Word" and 'The Bible Continues, The Book Of Acts". The early church was not without dilemma from all sides, the civil authorities and the staunch religious leaders. But, with the help of God's Holy Spirit,the church grew by leaps and bounds (Acts 2:47).

If only we would pattern our churches, and our lives after the early church (Acts 2:41-47). You see, the living God still calls us all to by Holy, as he is Holy (1 Peter 1:16). For from the beginning until the end, mankind will all be l made in His image (Genesis 1:26).

Author's Post Script
I guess you can tell, from my writings, I am concerned with the modern day church. Not the bricks and mortar, but us individuals who make up God's church (Hebrews 10:25). Are we turning into "Christianettes", big people with small Christian views ?

Yes, we are now living in a day when the message of the church is changing. Churches, and even whole denominations, are moving away from the old message of salvation through the blood of Jesus (1 Cor. 1:17-18), and are moving toward a message of salvation through social activism and good works. The old bloody message of the cross is quickly being replaced by a bloodless message that lacks power and that lacks hope. Instead of hearing the devastating, but life changing news that men are sinners, we now hear the "ear tickling " name it and claim it sermons. Beloved, there is no salvation in "nursery rhymes" (Acts 4:12).

Amen !