Hot Topics: Religions, Other

Merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in His sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know His law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.

Romans 2:13-16 (NLT)

Christianity is still Earth’s top faith. Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism follow. 

Only Christianity claims a Christ Who died on a Cross and rose from the dead… but other religions say they’re THE way!  (Atheists believe no way is THE way, and agnostics just haven’t decided.)

BACK STORY: I grew up among cultural Christians, but I left that “club” and joined the Buddhists. I didn't find the Answer there either… so I left both religions I’d practiced.

Except work. Like many workaholics, business became the center of my life. I was good at it, and we helped people.

Hindsight: I looked like a boss, but I was a slave:(

At 51, I found Jesus! PRAISE GOD! I was redeemed and SO eager to learn. I searched the Bible with heartfelt questions… including:

  • What happens to other people like me… who fled from “Christian” church hypocrisy?

  • What about good people from other faiths, or no faith, who live kind and helpful lives?

  • What about children who don’t know Jesus and die young, without an introduction?

  • Are they actually destined for hell, when they’ve not met The One they need to know? (My thoughts are detailed in the link below.*)

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Please consider the following 3 points:

  1. We can’t presume to know anyone’s fate. Men can meet Christ, believe and call to Him... while they're dying– even with their last breath! In Luke, the sinner hanging next to Christ lives as God’s conclusive biblical proof.**

  2. We represent Christ most effectively by offering the fruit of His Spirit. These warm and delightful appetizers are appreciated by all cultures! Hungry people taste love and ask for more. (Always be prepared to explain your hope)***

  3. Proud predictions by condemning “Christians” make mankind’s Savior look unappealing. I believe representing Christ poorly (claiming Jesus, but not acting like Him) is an egregiously terrible sin. To me, it’s far worse than claiming no faith.

So keep lighting up the world with His LOVE!

Hot Topics: Other Religions (Part 53)

* Previous 2-part devotion series, Other Religions:

https://careylewisdevotions.com/other-religions-part-1

** Luke 23:39-43: Luke 23:39-43 NLT - One of the criminals hanging beside him - Bible Gateway

*** 'The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!' (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban