Listen up Christian blogging people, I must speak to something that makes me crazy, something I empathize with and yet I cannot condone. It’s happened about a dozen times now, I’ve read a comment about how you “don’t want religion on your blog,” or “let’s not mention Christ, that tends to drive readers away,” or “I wish to be inclusive.”
Christian blogging people. I don’t want to sound harsh here, but we claim Christ’s name, we declare ourselves to be Christians, and yet we fear that any other mention of our faith might be perceived as exclusive, as impolite, as turning people off? Like Christ is my label but I find Him a bit embarrassing?
So we’re hiding in the closet, praying in secret, afraid to be seen by men? That’s a mangled reference to Matthew 6:1-8, by the way.
I read yet another comment that really pushed my buttons, that said, “let’s leave our faith in church where it belongs and talk about real life now.” Whoever wrote that, Nameless Internet Person, you just shoved bamboo shoots under my finger nails. I felt that one right in the gut and have now developed a little twitch over my right eye.
Our faith does not belong in church, it belongs in the middle of the street, it belongs in every aspect of our lives, it is our real life.
I do empathize. I have spent some 30 years quietly hiding in the closet, keeping my faith to myself, basically trying to avoid offending anyone. My family is made up of mostly evangelizing atheists, we don’t talk faith much. I live in a pretty secular state, in a county that ranks number two or three in the nation for non affiliated, non believers. I can count the number of times I have seen anyone pray in public outside of church, on one hand.
I like to be inclusive too, I like to not offend, I like to be accommodating. The problem is, we will pay a price for that. We are not being true to ourself or true to Jesus Christ. Without even noticing, I soon turned off my praise music, I stopped talking about faith to anyone, I was careful to never mention the bible, there were no religious bumper stickers on my car. I made sure I went to church in another town.
I really was having this somewhat shameful, illicit affair with Jesus Christ, one I kept totally behind closed doors, praying in the closet, worshiping in another town. A clandestine affair, filled with shame and secrecy.
One day at work, I was serving a cranky woman who finds my faith very offensive and my cross slipped out of my sweater. She spotted it immediately and demanded I take it off while I was working for her. I actually apologized, how pathetic is that? I proceeded to take it off for her, when suddenly the gates of heaven themselves opened up and bellowed down at me, Just what do you think you are you doing??
I kid you not, it was a very dramatic, supernatural experience, made all the more profound by some genuine Charlton Heston thunder rocking the whole house at that very moment.
The amount of conviction that hit me all at once was absolutely astounding, it just rained down like the deluge the thunder had brought with it. Deny me and I’ll deny you, that simple, that clear, there was a choice that had to be made immediately in that very moment.
I barely croaked out a, “No, I’m sorry, I can’t take it off for you,” before the cranky woman told me to get out, my epic adventure in standing up for my faith about as impressive as trying to prop up a strand of soggy pasta, but it changed everything, it rocked my whole world.
It was a profound moment, a moment I so clearly heard God speak directly to me, not so gently, not so quietly, but with such power that I had to take a couple of weeks off of work to recover. I wanted so badly to tell them the truth, to just tell them that the gates of heaven had actually opened up and yelled at me, but of course one doesn’t speak honestly about such things in mixed company.
I do declare however, that not only is God very real, He does not like to play second fiddle in our lives and we are not supposed to be conducting an illicit affair with Him. It becomes more and more challenging as the world becomes less and less friendly about it, but you must stand, no matter how poorly, no matter how small.
KIA said:
Agreed. Christians should be openly and unapologetically Christian and Jesus centered in presentation and discussion on the blogs and the Internet, rather than just generalizing about faith in God.
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dpmonahan said:
Don’t be offensive? Learn from the children of this world and grow a spine.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Yes indeed, grow a spine! I love that song, by the way. 🙂
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gmgoetz said:
Amen, Sister. Keep on spreading the Truth of Jesus Christ, and the need we all have of Him. There is Salvation and Eternal Life in no one else, nor in nothing else, fame, wealth, good acts.
God’s Blessings as you serve Him.
George
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insanitybytes22 said:
Thank you for your kind words and for your encouragement. Much appreciated.
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Wally Fry said:
“let’s leave our faith in church where it belongs and talk about real life now”
Huh? What?
For real?
Faith isn’t real life?
Then it’s not faith
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insanitybytes22 said:
Amen, Wally. Unfortunately some have really compartmentalized their faith.
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Wally Fry said:
Yep yep.
Bad enough the atheists and um…not atheists but not Christians say it, but really a shame when we say it to each other.
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ColorStorm said:
Can just say how awesome this is? Your experience speaks for us all.
If we are willing to stand, God will supply the crutches. A limping believer is still a tour de force. Are we sure? Uh yep, just look at the vitriol when you casually speak of the Lord’s marvelous doings. Then there is the land of blogsville, where His truth is harassed night and day, minute by minute.
Besides, His words are always far better than ours. Tell someone ‘He made the stars also………..’ and watch the hoop jumping and squirming to avoid such simple majestic language.
God supplied you with His favor msbytes and your voice is cherished by many and needed by all.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Thank you, Colorstorm. “Even a limping believer,” I love that! I once sprained both ankles and spent a couple of weeks crawling about. It’s not nearly as bad as it sounds, I accomplished a lot on the floor, realized there were dust bunnies everywhere that I’d never seen before, and was reinvigorated to a prayer life. It’s somewhat funny, but “crawling for Christ” was actually a wonderful time in my life.
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Salvageable said:
It can be difficult to choose the right place and time to speak of our faith–because if we are forcing it upon people, we are more likely to push them away from Christ than to draw them to Christ. You are right, though, that in the USA we err too often on the side of not offending people. If a house was on fire, how many of us would be “too polite” to warn the people within of their danger. How can we be so bland about the lives that are facing eternal fire? J.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Good point,Salvageable.
This house is on fire and I really don’t wish to disturb anyone or cause any feelings of discomfort….but you know, the house is kind of on fire. 🙂
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janjoy52 said:
The truth is The Father is about adding arrows to His quiver. Each of His kids are His posse, His weapons against His enemy. The more He has the louder His voice. This is about a beat down to the neighborhood bully. Paul said, basically, in the first chapter of Philippians, don’t let them see you sweat. It’s our brashness, confidence and in your face swagger that seals their doom. I love your fire and I’m passing this one on!
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insanitybytes22 said:
Thank you for passing this on, much appreciated.
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janjoy52 said:
Very glad to!
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SandySays1 said:
Notice it’s amazing that people who claim to want “inclusiveness” are the ones who want to suppress anyone whose ideas differ from from their’s. I guess you’re free to believe what you want …… as long as you agree with them.
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atimetoshare.me said:
With the great news of the Gospel we should feel compelled to share it. Jesus died for everyone. Great post.
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Jim Lantern said:
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
I’ve mentioned before my belief the physical body is like a car, and the spiritual soul is the driver. We need the physical body for transportation while living here.
1 Corinthians 6:19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
A step further, considering the above notes, and more to follow, the “church” is not a building, although such buildings are referred to as churches or temples for lack of better terms or to keep it simple. Otherwise, more accurately, “places of worship.” The real “church” is not the buildings. It is the people – the believers. YOU are the church. I am the church. WE are the church. TOGETHER and with other believers we are the church. Spiritually, WE are “in church” all of the time and everywhere.
Nonbelievers focus more on the physical. They can’t take the spiritual away from us. They can force believers to hide a physical cross. They can’t force us to hide the spiritual one existing in heart, mind, soul, and spirit.
The Internet makes it possible for people physically far apart to gather in His name even if physically far apart and at different times. Spiritually united across time and space.
The truth is we can worship anywhere, anytime – pray anywhere, anytime, even all the time and everywhere. Multitasking – we can be engaged in physical activities while at the same time being spiritually active – worshiping and praying. As the mind and body does the work of the world, the soul and superconscious mind therein engages in spiritual activities.
Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”
I must also point out a difference between US and THEM, which I learned a long time ago during childhood, observing adults at church. What adults at church claimed to be sin, they did the other six days without restraint. As if attending church one morning for an hour or two evens things out and makes it all okay. Such hypocrites. Not all church-goers are true believers. For some it is a social thing. A status thing. A way of judging others who they have no right to judge.
Also there’s the money issue. As if the church with the most members and money, with the biggest church building, is the best and most right with God. Further, fragmentation, denominations, each claiming to be the only church that can save anyone, that people attending all others will fry in hell. Rule by fear. Frighten people into joining their church to be saved, but the real goal is to get more money from more members.
Increasing happiness is always the experience of all who are certain about God.
Having started out on the way of life everlasting, having accepted the assignment and received your orders to advance, do not fear the dangers of human forgetfulness and mortal inconstancy, do not be troubled with doubts of failure or by perplexing confusion, do not falter and question your status and standing, for in every dark hour, at every crossroad in the forward struggle, the Spirit of Truth will always speak, saying, “This is the way.”
WE The Believers are here to Help Light The Way.
One of the reasons why the “Jim Lantern” (my pen name for Internet use and this additional purpose) avatar holds a lantern.
As long as we are able to gather in spirit, the light will never go out.
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Tricia said:
Well said IB on a subject I struggle with myself.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Me too, Tricia!
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Dan Ledwith said:
I lament such lame rationalizations for not mentioning the J word. Sounds as if what is important is exposure, likes, and page view, not really loving God or loving others. We don’t need to dress up to engage the culture, we need to suit up to do that.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Lame rationalizations, hmm, are those called “rational lies?” I like that analogy very much 🙂
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Dan Ledwith said:
Its true isn’t it? Its a great definition. That is certainly what they seem to be doing. They need to read my Lessons from Batman post. Lol!
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kriztal34 said:
LOVE THIS!!!! If we were face to face, I’d high five you. I need an emoji that high fives 🤔. Well one day when you and I go to be with Jesus and are welcomed into the place he has prepared for all saints, I will get that high five from you. Until then stand firm and know that I stand with you.
Sincerely,
your sister in Christ
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insanitybytes22 said:
Thank you for your kind words.
Oh, “high fives in heaven, ” I love that idea, it sounds like the lyrics to a good song!
I’ll be keeping an eye out for you, standing right next to the coffee fountain. Not sure there really is a coffee fountain in heaven, but if so, that’s where I’ll be 🙂
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kriztal34 said:
😂😂😂😂😂 coffee fountain!
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Heartafire said:
A person’s blog is his territory. He is free to write whatever he wants to. Those who are not interested or offended should go away. If one is seeking comments he must be prepared to receive differing opinions. Organized religion is not for me, but I feel anything that gives one hope and comfort is a good thing.
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MJThompson said:
Thank you for your ‘rant’. I fully support and appreciate it! My abiding conviction as a pastor has always been – the church exists FOR the people OUTSIDE of its walls. If my faith in Christ is not severely apparent in ALL my communication (public or private), I am at the very least a hypocrite, or possibly even a heretic. While so many doctrines stress the importance of observance of peculiar rituals and regulations, the only secular thing Christ required of His true followers was to go into the world and preach the Gospel. Focus emphasis on THAT being every true believer’s PERSONAL responsibility. I like the quote from Francis Assisi – “preach the gospel always and when necessary use words”. Christianity is NOT a mere ‘hat’ to put on at certain times, then taken off at others. The greater ‘offense’ is the misrepresentation of Christ by entertaining any notion of ‘political correctness’. Omission of truth is the same as a proclaimed lie. When a person becomes a born again Christian, they have (according to proper interpretation of scripture) become a ‘new creation’. Either a person is a born again believer or they are NOT. There is no contrived version of true Christianity (although many indeed are false witnesses and engage in it). A true believer never hides that fact from possible criticism or fear of rejection. The Holy Spirit within is the very presence of God in fullness of power. Fear is the opposite of faith, and perfect love (God) casts out fear. Those who are offended or want such transparency of faith ‘toned down’ or completely removed from public forums either have no true faith or are weak in faith, having only just begun. So, to those who oppose declarations of faith or opinions based upon it, grow up, respect the rights of others. Freedom of religion was built into the US Constitution to legally avoid any interference with its expressions. Separation of church and state is an oft mentioned ideal (which nowhere exists as law), but is just as frequently misinterpreted. It is NOT to keep the church out of state business, but to ensure that the state never interferes with the church! Kudos to ALL the other supportive comments already posted here in response. Lift up Christ – for if He be lifted up, He will draw all men to Him!
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~M said:
Amen!
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mrspeculiarmom said:
👏🏾 This.Is.Awesome!!!👍🏾 #ImWithJesusToo 🙌🏾
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insanitybytes22 said:
Great hashtag, #ImWithJesusToo, love that! 🙂
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SLIMJIM said:
This post makes me think of Romans 1:16.
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insanitybytes22 said:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel…. Funny how the instruction manual explains everything so perfectly. 🙂
Sad to say, I have been before, I have bit back those words, I have softened them, I have tried to be accommodating. It doesn’t work.
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SLIMJIM said:
Oh I forgot to say, good post!
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Pastor Randy said:
Loved this line: “Our faith does not belong in church, it belongs in the middle of the street, it belongs in every aspect of our lives, it is our real life.” You low-down radical you….
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insanitybytes22 said:
Amen! LOL, may we all become low down radicals for Christ, rebels with a clue as I like to say 🙂
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Joan OF Arc 77 said:
This was a great read. Oh yes, I do believe that you heard from the Heavens–no insanity there. True belief in the Lord, the stronger the faith, the bolder the follower of Yeshua. A Light is not meant to be hid right? Good for you! It is always for our benefit to acknowledge that we do not wrestle against flesh, but the principalities of darkness within another human body. This is why they lash out, hate God and do not want to hear the name of Yeshua, or even see a cross for that matter. They are blind and have not been drawn to the Father yet. God picks the ‘day’ that a person will be drawn, just as all of us had an appointed day for our eyes to be opened. You will never know until beyond this world, of how many people God used through you and your Light shining for Him. Awesome read. A++++
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Samson Singer (The Cutting Locust) said:
Love it. I just saw this today. People can say they are Christians all they want, but that’s not the case all of them. Saying something doesn’t make anyone anything. There should never be a stigma mentioning the name of Jesus. If we are striving to be more like Him, then avoiding the main topic of our lives would be disregarding our entire being (as REAL Christians).
That’s how you can separate the goats from the sheep. That’s how I do it.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Thank you for reading and for your kind words. 🙂
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nobody.who.has.Jesus said:
Great post! I’m just confused when you said God spoke to you directly. Do you mean that you get revelations outside of the Bible from God? or Do you mean that God speak to you audibly? Thank you. I hope that you could clarify what you have said for me. God bless!
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insanitybytes22 said:
God speaks to me all the time, but He never contradicts His word, there are no Divine revelations outside of scripture. He often points me to just the right passages and confirms what He is saying to me in multiple ways so I will understand.
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Secret Keeper said:
“Our faith does not belong in church, it belongs in the middle of the street, it belongs in every aspect of our lives, it is our real life.”
YES!
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MJThompson said:
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” – Phil. 1:21. Any aspect of ‘living’ where Christ is excluded is NOT a true experience of THE LIFE Jesus provides through His Grace and Sacrificial death – proved sufficient by His glorious resurrection.
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insanitybytes22 said:
Amen! Life, and life abundant!
I have to be charitable towards so many non believing people, family, co workers, but that all comes with a price, there’s a sacrifice I make. Some prices are simply too high, like putting my faith away so as not to offend anyone.
I was reminded of this again today because of the inauguration. I’ve been forced to curb my enthusiasm all morning while secretely rejoicing.
Politics is one thing, but stifling my joy in the Lord? That’s simply asking too much 🙂
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MJThompson said:
I too, ‘attended’ today’s inauguration with mixed emotions and a bit of interpretation. I had NOT been a staunch supporter as much as vehemently opposed to the alternatives, I empathize with the voters who think they’ve been cheated, although I’ve seen enough legitimate evidence to accept that our new president rightfully won the election.
Since reaching THAT conclusion, many times during the last few weeks I’ve “been forced to curb my enthusiasm … while secretly rejoicing”. If it weren’t for my relationship with Christ, I might have been influenced by the fear-mongering instead of the Peace of God that passes understanding. God bless you – and as Trump ended his speech, God bless America!
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Unidentified Believer said:
Great blog! I loved reading every part of it. It so sad that we as Chrsitians some times have to hid our faith just because they find it offensive. But, God has already warned us of this, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12, ESV)
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Unidentified Believer said:
It’s good to see bloggers that are not afraid to announce their faith to the world. Because of this God will exalt you! God bless!
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K Marie said:
This is awesome!! I subscribed to you about halfway through this post, and then finished reading it. lol. It is so true because Christian do face ridicule in this day in age, but we should never be ashamed of our faith. Whether it offends or not, the truth is the truth and it needs to be heard. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate this post.
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Grace and Truth Ministries International said:
Awesome message! Great testimony and exhortation. 🙂
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omobim1 said:
Hmm, so true.. Thanks for sharing. I learnt a lot.
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