Churches are filled with common Christians. Christians who whine, cry, complain, judge, and refuse to give up their life of ease and comfort. Biblical Christianity never promised disciples an easy life.
Jesus promised pain, suffering, trials and tribulations. There will be times when things go well but the exception does not prove the rule. When we embrace the difficulties of historical and Biblical Christianity our expectations are properly established.
Common Christians “walk an aisle” or “say a prayer” based on what Christianity can do for them. They buy into the idea that God is a cosmic slot machine whose sole purpose is to make their lives easier. Enticed by a better job, an improved marriage, or a life of peace they enter the Kingdom with a partial commitment.
Uncommon Christianity: A New Believer Manifesto, is designed to take a wrecking ball to that unbiblical concept. You will be challenged by many of the things you read. It’s not for the faint of heart, the seeker-sensitive, or the “Love Wins” crowd.
It’s for Christians who take Jesus seriously when He says, “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33).
One Day At A Time
This is a much longer post than usual. It’s designed to be as comprehensive as a book but free to anyone who has the desire to read it.
If you prefer a book, there will be one available soon. This post is a scaled-down version of the book. The book will contain much more detail than this post. Plus, it will have a cool cover.
I recommend reading a section per day until you’re finished. The information contained in it will help you immensely and get you on solid footing. Reading a bit each day will provide you ample time to absorb the information as well.
My goal is to help you to become an Uncommon Christian. Going to church a few times a month is not uncommon. That type of minimalist behavior is far too common.
God wants us to be different, radical, and dangerous.
New Creation
What just happened? It’s possible that your head is spinning a hundred miles per hour and you’re not certain what has happened. Perhaps, those around you are smiling while ferociously shaking your hand and you’re not sure why.
They keep using words that you don’t know or understand. Why are they so happy!
Maybe you’re alone and you’re not sure which way to go next. Whatever you may think, please don’t shave your head, cover your tattoos, yank out your piercings, or make any other hasty changes.
What happened? You have been pulled out, spiritually, of the kingdom of darkness and have been thrust into the Kingdom of light. I know that probably sounds odd. What is this some science fiction novel?
Surrendering to God
When you surrendered your life to Christ a miracle happened in your heart. Not your blood pumper but your spirit. Prior to that miraculous event, you were without Christ, hopeless, helpless, and hell-bound.
Now, your sins are forgiven. Your slate has been wiped clean and you’re a child of God. Your name is written in the Book of Life!
You see, not everyone is a child of God. Only those who have been adopted into His family are His children.
That, my friend, is you.
Welcome to the family!
Pick Up Your Cross
Most likely I was nowhere near you when your life was surrendered to Christ. I don’t know what was said to you or how you made the “transition” from darkness to light.
I am going to assume it was done in a stereotypical fashion that minimized the severity of sin and focused primarily on the love and peace of God. The love and peace of God are vital but they are often over-emphasized in an effort to collect “decisions” for Christ.
Hopefully, your experience was different than that. I doubt that it was but I remain optimistic.
Christianity is tough. At least historical, biblical Christianity is tough.
There has been a fabricated appearance to the modern church in America. Churches are packed with shiny, happy people who look like Instagram models or perfectly manicured hipsters.
Jesus warned us about the difficulties that would be experienced when following Him. Just because a person attends church doesn’t necessarily mean that they are truly following Jesus.
Here are a few of the things that Jesus and His disciples said about this new life of ease and luxury.
Bible Verses on Suffering and Trials
Philippians 3:10 That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.
I Peter 5:9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
Christianity Beliefs
The price to enter God’s Kingdom is everything. We must willingly surrender all to Him and for the cause of Christ. Our lives have been bought with a price and we belong to Him (I Corinthians 6:19-20).
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
In order to become Uncommon Christians, we must willingly lay everything at the foot of the Cross.
Acts 20:23-24 Except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Punxsutawney PA
Bill Murray starred in the movie Groundhog’s Day. The movie, for those who have not seen it, is about a weatherman named Phil Connors, who repeats the same day over and over again.
On some days, you will feel like poor Phil Connors when it comes to sin in your life.
It would be nice if the appeal of sin evaporated in our lives when we become Christians. Unfortunately, it does not. Some sins will automatically repulse us and be easily demolished. Others will be like the proverbial bad penny that reappears day after day.
The Struggle is Real
Sin is something that we will struggle with until we cross over into heaven. Certainly, our list should get smaller but we will never reach the point where we do not require the Grace of God on this side of heaven.
It’s imperative that we fully grasp the fact that our will power is not strong enough to conquer all sin. Sure, you probably can knock off a few easy things but you will eventually lock horns with something that requires Godly intervention.
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.
Prior to Christianity, you were ostensibly helpless in your fight against sin. You now have a secret weapon in your war against sin — the Grace of God.
By the Grace of God
We wage war against sin daily and sometimes many times per day. Some days we will feel as though we’re invincible. Other days we will be convinced that we’re wretched, putrid, rancid, and unworthy of heaven.
Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “Can I sin as much as I want now since the penalty has been paid in full?”
Can I Sin Whenever I Want
That question was asked, or at least a similar inquiry was asked, on several occasions in the book of Romans.
Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
God expects us to pursue holiness. Sin infects and putrefies everything that it touches. It’s also the reason Jesus had to die such a grisly death. We should never play games with sin. In every interaction with sin, we should desire to assassinate it.
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
I don’t want you to think that you are “not a Christian” just because you commit a sin. You’re not the stereotypical Christian “hypocrite” because you struggle with sin.
The fight is legitimate and it’s something that will continue until you cross over into heaven.
Just keep fighting!
Be Transformed By The Renewing Of Your Mind
It would be nice if we received a Biblical download the moment we became Christian. God didn’t design things that way, though. We must begin to replace anti-God thoughts with His Word.
The Bible calls that process the renewing of the mind.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God
Daily, we are bombarded with subtle as well as blunt messages that are contrary to God and His Kingdom. Over time, those thoughts penetrate our minds and heart. Our default action is to conform to a kingdom that is hostile towards God.
Methodically, our minds can be transformed (the actual word is metamorphosis) by the Word. It’s not automatic though. Moment by moment, day by day, and week by week our minds can be radically changed.
It’s incumbent upon us to push back on worldly propaganda, inaccuracies, and misrepresentations of God and His Word. It will take intentionality, effort, and strategy. Going to church once a week and listening to a sermonette is insufficient.
Ephesians 4
Ephesians 4:20-24 But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul basically tells them that they must put off and put on.
What does that mean?
Think of it this way. Babies need their diapers changed on a regular basis. If a parent decided to simply slap a fresh diaper on top of the old stinky one we’d consider them borderline loony.
What do they do?
They remove the old, funky diaper and complete a thorough cleaning. Then they put on the fresh clean diaper. It’s multiple steps but one job.
Isaiah 55
Renewing the mind is similar. It’s helpful to remove the existing poison and add the healing balm of God’s Word. Or put another way, the good can push out the bad. Trying to hold onto both ideas can be harmful to our spiritual growth.
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
Our thoughts, thoughts that are not challenged and reconciled to God’s Word are often unbiblical. We must forsake those thoughts when they are identified.
Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
God’s thoughts are superior to our thoughts. We must reconcile our thoughts to His thoughts and not the other way around.
How to Start Reading the Bible
The Bible, admittedly, can be an intimidating book. When I first surrendered my life to Christ, I began at page one. I don’t recommend that method.
Some of you will want to go all in and devour the book aggressively and that’s awesome. However, I believe that reading five or ten minutes per day is more productive than binge reading once a week.
Here is a sample suggestion to get you started.
| Day One | Psalm 23 |
| Day Two | Matthew 6:8-13 (the Lord’s Prayer) |
| Day Three | Psalm 51 |
| Day Four | Luke 15:11-32 (Parable of the Prodigal Son) |
| Day Five | Psalm 103 |
| Day Six | I Corinthians 15:1-11 |
| Day Seven | Hebrews 11 |
The important thing is to simply start reading the Bible for yourself. Quality reading is superior to quantity. If you follow the above suggestion, read each day’s portion several times per day.
How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible
The Bible can be read in its totality in a year if one reads for fifteen to twenty minutes per day. Reading the Bible from cover to cover is an admirable goal. However, it’s most important to understand what you have read.
Again, quality over quantity.
Meditation in the Bible
Another manner in which we can focus on quality instead of quantity is through what the Bible references as meditation (Joshua 1:8). The word “meditation” used in the bible is not the same as what is used in the practice of Eastern religions or yoga.
When the word meditate is used in the Bible it provides the imagery of a cow or similar animal chewing a cud. It is a method used to extract every nutrient out of food. We can do the same thing with the Word.
Instead of speed reading through the Bible we tap the brakes and dig deep. One method is to take a small epistle such as Philippians, Colossians, or Jude and read it in a sitting. Then continue to read the same book each day for a month.
Another method that is even more granular is to take a portion of scripture and commit it to memory. Perhaps you could take Philippians 3:7-11 as a challenge. Pray those five verses, read those five verses to the point if you hit a bump in the road part of it comes out of you!
WHAT IS PRAYER
Prayer will be one of the most joyous parts of your day — eventually. I remember the first time praying as a new believer. Saying that it was awkward would be a gross understatement.
I prayed often prior to becoming a Christian. You know, those foxhole prayers we all do when we are in a pickle. “God please let me get this new job” or “If you get me out of this mess I promise to go to church tomorrow!”
Selfish prayers are designed only to make my life easier. There was no reverence towards God or submission to Him.
Prayer Definition
What is prayer? Prayer is simply having a conversation with God our King and Creator. Honestly, it’s really as simple as that. What type of things do we talk about during this time?
Certainly, we can ask for things from God during prayer. There will be times when it will seem like all we do is ask for things from God. Guess what? That’s okay.
How to Pray
I don’t want to get overly mechanical with the “how” portion of prayer. However, I know some people like to have at least a logistical starting point.
Find a place that is quiet and away from others. You want to be able to speak out loud and not be concerned about others overhearing what you say.
We are provided actual prayers in the books of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. I often insert my name or change the pronoun to fit my life. For example here is Philippians 1:6 in the Bible:
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
I change it like this:
I am confident of this very thing. God, You have begun a good work in me and I know that You will complete it until the day of Christ.
Does that make sense? Here are some places in scripture where it can simply be done: Psalm 23; Psalm 51; Psalm 91; Ephesians 1:15-23, 2:8-13, 3:14-21, 6:10-20; Philippians 3:7-14; and Colossians 1:9-18.
That is a good start. Plus, as you’re praying these, you will be renewing your mind to the Word.
Examples of Prayers
The most famous prayer must be the Lord’s Prayer which is found in Matthew 6:9-13. It’s certainly fine to pray that prayer verbatim. As you become more comfortable I recommend stepping out in faith a little bit in the prayer.
Jesus instructed us, “In this manner, therefore, pray.” I believe that we can use His prayer, dare I say, like a guideline or a template.
He begins the prayer with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your Name.” To those listening in ancient Israel, this would have been considered blasphemy. Jesus was immediately on spiritual thin ice when He addressed GOD as Father.
Jesus Was Bold As A Lion
This provides us with a glimpse of God that many of us might not know. He is a perfect Father and we come to Him in prayer as such. We then “hallow” His name.
What does it mean to “hallow” His name?
We declare that His name is sacred and special. It’s a way in which we worship and adore Him and His spectacular name.
Again, we can absolutely, and without shame simply read the prayer. I still do that on many occasions. We also could do something like this:
“Father I come to you in need of our mercy and grace. You are my King and are full of mercy and goodness. You revealed Yourself to us as Jehovah Rapha — our Healer. I am in need of healing today.”
We then could go through each line and pray verbatim or in other times expound on each line of the prayer.
Pray Without Ceasing
How often should we pray? Jesus prayed for hours and hours and hours. Often, He would pray through the entire night while others were sleeping.
I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Obviously, we cannot pray every second of every day. We can, however, seek God’s will and guidance during many situations.
Praying According to the Will of God
It’s easy to become selfish and misguided in our prayers. Perhaps, we would like a bigger house or a nicer car and we ask God for those things.
There is nothing wrong with asking for “stuff” when we talk to God. However, it’s vital that we pray in accordance with the will of God.
I John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
There will be times when you must ask for a new job or a new place to live. It’s not wrong to ask for increased financial provision or for other material items. Just know that the answer just might be “no” for those things.
The part of the Lord’s Prayer that keeps me grounded is this:
Matthew 6:10 Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Not my will but His will.
WHAT IS THE CHURCH
It’s almost cliche to hear someone forcefully declare, “We don’t go to church, we are the church!” I get what they’re attempting to clarify. However, it’s often done in an annoyingly condescending manner.
Yes, the church is a gathering of people. So a building, a temple, or a cathedral is not the church. The people gathering together “are the church” yet most often we meet in a building aptly named a church.
Confused yet? Every family has its quibbles.
The Church is basically an assembly of people gathered together to worship and glorify God. It’s also a place in which we are trained and equipped to do the work of the ministry.
Christianity Is Not a Spectator Sport
Far too many Christians are spectators and not participants. Christianity is not a spectator sport. Yet, many churches are thrilled just to have derrières in the chairs.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
We, the saints, are to do the work of the ministry. The pastors and other ministers are to equip us and we are to get busy. It’s insufficient and unacceptable for us to drop by on Sundays and suck the life out of a church like a parasite.
It’s become popular for families to not attend church. I hear lame excuses such as, “I don’t get anything out of it” or “the church is full of hypocrites anyway” or one of my favorites, “the preacher just wants my money!”
I understand that we all are very busy and Sunday just might be our only day to sharpen our saw so to speak. Our perspective is typically out of kilter anyway.
Let’s address each of those whiny objections.
I Don’t Get Anything Out Of It.
Guess what Bucky, it’s not about you. I know that your mom and everyone around you have made you the center of life. They weren’t doing you any favors.
The church is about God. If you don’t truly understand that church is about God and not you, then you might need to question your salvation. It’s very possible that you’re morally superior but not really a Christian.
The Church is Full of Hypocrites
A hypocrite is someone who wears a mask and pretends. Actors and actresses are professional hypocrites. Just because a person is not perfect does not make them a hypocrite, though.
None of us will escape earth without blood of some type on our hands. We’ve all sinned and fall short of God’s expectation of perfection.
Just because I might lose my temper on occasion doesn’t preclude me from speaking out against the sin of abortion though.
The church is not full of hypocrites. It is full of people who are working out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Some do that better than others.
The Preacher Just Wants My Money
Please, just stop it. Just because a preacher asks for donations doesn’t mean that you’re getting robbed at spiritual gunpoint. If you don’t want to give, then don’t give. Stop taking offense for every little microaggression. Toughen up, cupcake!
We will cover money and giving later. Don’t miss it!
What Does the Bible Say About Going to Church
Actually the Bible doesn’t say that much about church. The Bible was written to a Jewish audience. God’s people were already accustomed to attending worship services on a regular basis. There was a slight tweak for the New Testament Church.
Church attendance flipped from the Sabbath (Saturday) to the Lord’s Day (Sunday).
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
How To Find a Church
The church is about God and not us but we still need to find a place where we can connect, give freely, and serve selflessly.
In my humble opinion, the number one factor for a church is how the Word is handled. Does the preaching of God’s Word have preeminence? If not, you probably want to keep looking.
For me music is vital. I’m not truly a snob but I expect churches to have God-honoring worship services. Sunday morning should not be a carryover of karaoke or a talent show.
Reaching the Lost
Is the church’s focus 100% inward or are they striving to reach a dying world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do they fund and send missionaries?
There are an endless amount of questions that could be asked. The truth is, there are no perfect churches. If there were it would be imperfect as soon as I darkened the door.
You will probably need to make some minor concessions. Don’t compromise on primary issues. It’s okay to bend a little on secondary and tertiary issues.
Parking lot striping and single-ply toilet paper are not valid reasons to say “thanks, but no thanks” to a church.
WORSHIP GOD
God is magnified when we worship Him. Ironically, He remains unchanged when we worship Him.
God does not change. He is all-powerful and self-sufficient. God does not get all gushy, mushy, and weak in the knees when we spend time in adoration of His greatness.
So why should we worship Him?
First of all, He is worthy of and deserves our adoration. Secondly, it’s good for us. God becomes larger and greater in us when we worship Him. He is magnified without changing.
He gets bigger and greater to us. I don’t believe that our hearts and minds can truly comprehend the power and greatness of God yet we must try.
God, with His words, created the universe. He simply declared, “Let there be light,” and lights flashed.
How Big Is The Universe
The Milky Way, the galaxy in which we live, contains between 100 to 400 billion stars. It’s also approximately 100,000 light years across. The observable universe is 93 billion light years in diameter.
How big is a light year? According to NASA, one light year is about six trillion miles. So if the Milky Way is is 100,000 light years wide and one light year is six trillion miles then our galaxy is ginormous.
How big is the universe?
93,000,000,000 x 6,000,000,000,000 = UNIVERSE
I’m not a scientist and don’t even play one on TV. Even if my math is off by a rounding error the universe is massive.
God created it all with a simple statement, “Let there be light!”
How To Worship God
Similar to prayer, I don’t want to become overly mechanical with the “how-to” portion of worship. I realize that some people find a gentle nudge beneficial. That’s what I want to do for the remainder of this section.
Here are eight Hebrew words used to express worship towards God. I will give the word and its Strongs identification. Strongs is a Biblical concordance (kind of like a dictionary). The definition will be next. Then a relevant Bible verse, followed by an example.
Halal (Strongs 1984)
To shine, to boast, to rave and celebrate, or to act clamorously foolish.
Psalm 150:2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
In some places demonstrative worship is frowned upon but not in the Bible. Ironically, the same sour pusses that tsk tsk celebrating God in church will act a fool during sporting events.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Yadah (Strongs 3034)
To worship and adore with extended hands.
Picture a young child in his or her crib reaching their hands to you for comfort. It can also be a picture of surrender.
For some, lifting hands in worship can be a challenge. If you’re a bit uncomfortable lifting your hands in church, here is a comedic primer video for your consideration.
Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the Lord.
Tehillah (Strongs 8416)
Laudation, a hymn, a song of praise which exalts God.
Psalm 145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.
We don’t need to be professional musicians to accomplish this form of praise and worship. We can make up songs about God’s goodness or we can open a psalm or hymn and shout it from the rooftops!
Barak (Strongs 1288)
To bend the knee, to kneel down, to bless to praise, to be blessed and to ask a blessing.
Psalm 72:15 So may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him, and let them pray for him continually; Let them bless him all day long.
Bowing one’s knee to a king is considered proper etiquette. It’s a show of honor to an office. Our King does not demand such genuflection but we willingly offer it to Him.
Zamar (Strongs 2167)
To play, to make music, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument. To make music accompanied by the voice.
Psalm 108:1 My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.
There are so many instruments that can be used to exalt the King!
Shavach (Strongs 7624)
To address in a loud tone, be loud, to glorify or praise God.
I Chronicles 16:35 Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation,
And gather us and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.”
Peace, quiet and tranquility have their proper place in a church setting. However, it’s perfectly fine to lift one’s voice loudly. Church services don’t always need to seem like a funeral.
Todah (Strongs 8426)
A confession, a vow, thanksgiving, a sacrifice of thanksgiving, offering to God for a sacrifice. A thanksgiving choir or procession.
Hebrews 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
It’s supernatural when the church gathers and offers praises collectively. We should sing together as much as possible!
Praise & Worship Music
Our hearts are softened as we spend time praising and worshiping God. This can be done collectively in the church and it can be done on our own. Both are important and neither should be neglected.
There is a ton of good praise & worship music available. Take your time and find something that really moves your heart and soul.
Then, get lost in Him on a regular basis.
WATER BAPTISM
There are two ordinances celebrated in the Church: Communion and Water Baptism. Communion is celebrated often on a weekly basis.
Baptism should be a one-time event for each of us. A thriving church can host baptism events weekly but most do so quarterly or a few times per year.
There a different views on water baptism. In this article, I am focusing on what is known as the “believer’s baptism” and not infant baptism.
What Is Baptism
Baptism is the public proclamation made by a person who has put their faith in the saving grace of Christ. The act of baptism is conducted by immersing a person in water and then lifting them out of the water.
The Biblical word “baptize” means to wash, to cover one wholly with a fluid. The act of baptism, in the early church, was a public declaration of the willingness to die and an acceptance of persecution and suffering.
There will come a time when identification with Christ will generate hostility, suffering, and persecution in the United States. Worldwide, thousands of Christians are murdered for their faith annually.
Baptism is more than a symbol of our faith. It’s the reality that we are identifying with Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection.
Who Should Get Baptized
A person who has put their faith in the saving grace of Christ and made a profession of the Lordship of Jesus should get baptized.
I have a friend who conducted “street ministry” around San Diego. When a person confessed their faith in Christ he encouraged them to immediately get baptized in the Pacific Ocean.
Some people might prefer to learn more about baptism or to be surrounded by friends and family when they get baptized. That choice belongs to you.
Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation
The thief on the cross typically is used as evidence that baptism is not necessary for salvation. When Jesus was being crucified He was accompanied by two thieves on either side of Him.
One cried out to Jesus for mercy and received it. Obviously, the man did not have the opportunity to get baptized prior to his death.
I don’t believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. It is, however, an act of obedience (Matthew 28:18-20) and a manner in which we follow the example set by Jesus (Mark 1:9).
I can’t think of a good reason for a believer to refuse baptism.
Bible Verses About Baptism
Mark 1:4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Take the Plunge
If you have never been baptized and are prepared to make a public proclamation connect with your church and set it up ASAP!
FELLOWSHIP IN THE CHURCH
As I’ve said previously, Uncommon Christianity will have its difficult moments. We are called to deny ourselves and to crucify our flesh. Additionally, we must go against the grain of society.
Many churches and denominations have become a subculture of the world. Jesus never intended for us to be subcultural but instead to be counter-cultural.
That, my friend, can be a lonely walk of faith. As such, we need to surround ourselves with people of like, precious faith. When times are tough and the nights are the darkest a friend in the faith can be a lifesaver.
We all will endure hardships during our walk with Christ. He does not remove obstacles and give us a life free from pain. On the contrary, in many instances, life is more difficult.
What Is Fellowship
Fellowship is defined as, lying open to all, participating in, and to partner with, a communion or a society.
Basically, it is describing a family. My closest family members know the areas of my life where I need the most help. I am, for all intents and purposes, open to them all. I’m vulnerable. I don’t need to pretend to be someone I am not.
We all also participate in and partner with one another to make our family stronger. This is how the church should operate as well.
Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
The church should not be a place where we pretend to be perfect. No, the church is the place where we get equipped to get our hands dirty for the Kingdom.
The Lord of the Rings
Think of the Fellowship of the Ring, not a group standing around a campfire singing Kumbaya. There is definitely nothing wrong with singing around a campfire. That’s just not our primary purpose.
This fellowship had a clear purpose and a nearly impossible task to complete. Some died during the fulfillment of the task. Others were seriously injured. Evil was always present and there was a constant conflict against dark forces.
The people who comprised the fellowship were not an obvious structural fit. There were Hobbits and an Elf, a Dwarf, humans, and a very bizarre wizard. It didn’t make sense but it worked.
Each person trusted their life to the others in the fellowship.
Beyond Kumbaya
Fellowship of the Ring’s commitment is the type of behavior that we should emulate in the Church. It’s vital that we commit ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We should proactively look for ways to assist our friends in faith. It begins by developing deep and meaningful relationships. Relationships require effort. It will be impossible to develop a relationship when we only see one another on Sunday mornings before and after worship.
Many churches host gatherings in homes. These are known as community groups, small groups, or life groups. These are designed for church members to go a step deeper in their relationships with one another.
Last year, we hosted one at our house on a Sunday evening. We cooked a simple meal and the group would eat together for the first half and then spend time praying together, sharing our struggles and victories, and simply “being there” for one another.
A Judgment Free Zone
Community groups only work when absolute trust is established. I recall visiting an established community group one time. I was aghast as the people were sharing seriously personal stuff with one another. The trust factor was high for them.
It took me some time to feel comfortable. Trust was established one conversation at a time. Getting beyond Christian facades is imperative. It takes time and it takes effort and it’s worth it.
Ugly Mugs
What if your church doesn’t have a small group ministry? If that’s the case, start your own.
Coffee is cheap. Invite a few people over to your place and put on a pot of coffee or a kettle of water for tea. Personally, I think that at least one of the four things mentioned in Acts 2:42 should be part of the meeting. As a reminder, those things are doctrine (bible study), fellowship (get involved in one another’s life), breaking of bread (communion or eating), and prayer.
Make the effort! It’s worth the investment of time and tears.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The church is a place where we get to (not have to) roll up our sleeves for the Kingdom. It’s a place where we can crucify our selfish desires and serve others for the glory of God.
There are innumerable ways in which to serve in a local church. Each area is important and vital for the life of the church.
It’s easy to take certain parts of our bodies for granted until we no longer have them. I never think about my pinky toes unless I stub one of them. If I were to lose one of them I certainly would notice and my entire balance would be impacted negatively.
There are parts of my human body that I hopefully will never see. Typically, those unseen organs are way more important than my exterior. Organs, glands, nerves, and ligaments all provide a much-needed service to ensure my body operates efficiently.
The Body of Christ
Your gifts are different than my gifts. Some gifts require a very specific skill set. For instance, playing a musical instrument for worship is quite specific. Taking out the trash is not.
Both are important and needed.
I Corinthians 12:27-28 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps administrations, and various kinds of tongues.
List of the Gifts to the Church
There are gifts mentioned in the New Testament that are supernatural manifestations. Those are vital and I encourage you to study those at some point. Perhaps, during one of your Bible readings read I Corinthians 12, 13, and 14 together. That would be a great start.
Ephesians 4 and Romans 12 mention the supernatural manifestation gifts as well.
The goal of this section is for Uncommon Christians to maximize their service to others and get involved in Kingdom ministry as soon as possible.
I Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Areas of Service in Churches
| Scripture | Gift Name | Examples (not exhaustive) |
| Romans 12:7 | Service | Mow grass, paint, teach, drive a bus |
| Romans 12:7 | Teaching | Sunday morning, home bible study, Sunday school class, small group leader |
| Romans 12:8 | Encouragement | Walk with someone through the loss of a job |
| Romans 12:8 | Giving | pay for a stranger’s meal, give to a teen going on a mission trip |
| Romans 12:8 | Leadership | Lead people, teams or entire ministries |
| Romans 12:8 | Mercy | Bring grace and strength to impossibly sad situations |
| I Corinthians 12:28 | Helps | Change the oil in the car for someone in the church |
| I Corinthians 12:28 | Administration | Spiritual leadership (elders) |
| I Peter 4:9 | Hospitality | Invite a family over for dinner |
Many things will fall into “service” and “helps” and some other things fall outside of those two categories. Our focus should be on finding a place to serve and doing it with diligence.
We are not here to be served but to serve — just like Jesus. We don’t “do our time” in a less attractive ministry until we get promoted. It’s not about paying our dues. We are servants.
Spiritual Gifts Test
Take some time and complete this free spiritual gifts test. Some of you might know exactly where you should serve. Others need a little more structure.
Enjoy!
EVANGELISM DEFINITION
Evangelism is proclaiming the Good News of Christ with the expectation of people submitting their lives to Jesus. The proclamation of the gospel is verbal in nature. So-called “lifestyle” Christianity has become popular in many circles but that doesn’t mean that it’s biblical.
Uncommon Christians consistently search for ways to obey the teachings of Christ and not simply become a Christian Clone.
Mark 16:15-16 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Preach the Gospel At All Times. Use Words If Necessary
St. Francis of Assisi is misquoted by hundreds of sanctimonious preachers each Sunday.
What’s the quote? “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”
I typically detect a hint of smugness when the quote is shared. There is one teensy-weensy problem with the quote — he never said it. Like many falsehoods, it still gained traction.
What is the Gospel
God’s creation was perfect and sinless. Adam and Eve enjoyed unhindered fellowship with the King of Glory. The rules were simple and the prohibitions were minimal and yet, Adam and Eve fouled it up.
Original sin was introduced to creation through an act of rebellion. Sin corrupts and putrefies everything that it touches. Adam and Eve were infected with the disease of sin and that sickness would be passed down to every human being.
The sin that infects us has lead mankind to lie, steal, create weapons of mass destruction, inflict genocide, build concentration camps, abuse children, and thousands of other nefarious activities.
God’s Justice
In short, we are rotten to the core. Our souls are darkened and we are capable of hideous and ghastly behavior. Our momentary glimpses of good behavior can never offset the repugnance of our sin. Justice demands recompense. The penalty had to be paid.
If God would have simply given us a “do-over” that would not have been justice. Think of the meeting between the White Witch and Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia.
Jesus came to earth to redeem mankind. God would give His only begotten son as a sacrifice to satisfy the demands of justice.
Jesus was untainted by sin at birth. He lived a sin-free life and as such was the perfect lamb. Jesus did nothing to deserve death. He healed the sick, raised the dead, fed thousands, and still was hated without cause.
Judas Kiss
The fervor eventually came to a head. He was betrayed by Judas and endured a sham of a trial. The soldiers mocked Him, abused and tortured Him, and then He was ultimately sentenced to death by crucifixion.
The prophet Isaiah indicates that He was beaten so badly that He was unrecognizable -— not as Jesus — but as a human (Isaiah 52:14). The penalty for our sin was costly. This was no slap on the wrist.
Crucifixion is believed to be the most brutal form of torture ever designed and yet Jesus endured it with joy (Hebrews 12:2). He died a gruesome death between two criminals.
Jesus Resurrection
Death was only part of God’s master plan. Every historical religious figure has died but only Jesus was resurrected. Our sins caused His death. When justice was properly served, He was resurrected.
Romans 4:25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
The resurrection of Jesus is the crux of Christianity. In the movie The Case For Christ, a reporter states that if the resurrection didn’t happen all of Christianity is a house of cards.
The Gospel Message
We’ve made the gospel message unnecessarily complex. I am going to simplify it in bullet points.
- God is perfect (Matthew 5:48)
- We are imperfect (sinful) and need a Savior (Romans 3:23)
- Divine justice imposes a penalty for sin (Hebrews 9:22)
- Jesus, through His death, paid the penalty for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- The free gift of salvation is available by grace through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8)
I’ve Got Peace Like a River
We should never entice people to follow Jesus with promises of a better life, healing, or any other thing that makes temporal pain evaporate.
We need to go beyond the temporal and abide in the eternal.
Our priority is preaching the Gospel, making disciples, and building God’s Kingdom. If our focus is on temporal matters we will often produce false converts or lazy and selfish Christians.
God Will Fix Your Husband
Peddling, for example, an improved marriage is dangerous and also disingenuous. The couple, will eventually, have another argument. Perhaps the expectation is an argument-free marriage. Sorry, but that ain’t gonna happen.
Does life improve when Christian principles are applied? Typically, yes it does but it’s not guaranteed.
When we are preaching Christ we must remain centered in the simple Gospel message. That also means resisting the urge to ease temporal discomfort. Perhaps pain and discomfort are exactly what is drawing them to God.
Don’t sabotage this divine moment.
Preaching the Gospel
You now have enough information to preach the gospel. Stick with the truth. God forgives sins because of what Jesus did at Calvary. We didn’t earn it and we don’t even deserve it. God, however, thought enough of us to pay the penalty on our behalf.
Resist getting into theological diatribes. Refuse to engage in Christian controversies. If a person will not relent and insists on debating the big bang or some other ancillary topic, simply disengage. There is a time and place for those types of conversations but now is not that time.
What Did Jesus Do
Jesus had a unique pattern that is easily emulated. He preached the Law to the proud and grace to the humble. We typically leave out the law and only offer grace. That’s not what Jesus did.
Mark 10:17 As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Most pastors would get flustered and say, “repeat this prayer after me!” They would mumble some banal and lifeless prayer and then brag that they “won a person to Jesus” that day.
The Ten Commandments
That’s not what Jesus did. He took the man through some of the ten commandments. The man claimed to have followed them all without deviation. Jesus was fully aware that the man was lying so He dug deeper.
Mark 10:21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
Jesus demands absolute devotion and will accept nothing less than absolute surrender. The guy departed because the price was too high.
The “law to the proud” pattern is repeated in Matthew 19 & 22; Mark 12; Luke 10 & 18; and Acts 24:25.
Many people are uncomfortable with this method and claim that it’s harsh and unbiblical. They prefer the squishy method of lifestyle evangelism. We definitely should live a life that points to Jesus. Preaching the gospel and pursuing holiness are not mutually exclusive!
I do not believe that any man can preach the gospel who does not preach the Law.
Charles Spurgeon
Once a person has been convicted by the Law then it’s time to offer the good news of God’s grace. Grace offered to an unconvicted and unrepentant sinner is crazy.
Isn’t That Good News?
Imagine if you were pulled over by a police officer. The officer comes to your car and informs you that all of your tickets have been wiped clean. The warrant for your arrest has been revoked. “Isn’t that Good News,” he proclaims!
You will believe that the police officer is crazy. The last you knew there were no unpaid tickets or outstanding warrants. What a nut job!
What if instead, the officer arrests you for legitimate unpaid tickets and an outstanding warrant? You’re booked and charges have been issued against you. You’ve been clocked going 75 mph in a road construction zone.
The signs clearly indicate that the speed limit is 45 mph. The assessed fine is $1,000 for every mph over the speed limit ($30,000) and 5 years in jail if you’re caught exceeding the speed limit by 25 mph.
The Demands of Justice
The law is clear. The evidence is indisputable. Justice demands its pound of flesh. Now grace would make sense.
If the person is convinced of their sin and the need for divine intervention then that’s when the Good News is presented.
If they remain unconvinced, proud, and arrogant then we don’t relent from the law and pending judgment. Here’s how Paul did it.
Acts 24:25 But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.”
We must not back down. Eternity is in the balance.
Grace to the Humble
There will be those who are fully aware of their sin and are humbled by it. When those situations arise we don’t need to swing the Law like a samurai sword. It’s perfectly fine to then offer the Good News.
One such example is found in Acts 8:26-40. Philip was led to a man who was reading the book of Isaiah but didn’t understand it. Philip preached Jesus to him and the man surrendered his life to Christ and was immediately baptized.
Jailhouse Rock
There is another example in Acts 16:25-34. In this instance, a jailer was fully convicted of his sin and cried out for help. He and his entire family were saved that day. Since the conviction of sin was obvious, the law was unnecessary and grace was extended.
Probably the most famous instance of grace to the humble is located in John 8:1-11. A woman was caught in adultery and Jesus extended mercy and grace to her, with the added admonition to sin no more. The crowd wanted to stone her to death but Jesus intervened.
Grace to the humble will be a less frequent occurrence than law to the proud. Why? Most people are unconvinced of their sin and believe that they are good enough to get into heaven.
They will compare themselves to mass murderers or dictators. No one has told them that God does not grade on a curve. They need to know that He demands perfection.
Street Preachers
You don’t have to be a stereotypical street preacher to make this work. God has designed your personality in a perfect manner. Stay true to how God made you and you will do fine.
This takes practice so don’t give up when things get tough.
You are empowered by the Holy Spirit!
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.
MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL
Money is discussed in the bible on hundreds of occasions. It’s rarely mentioned in a positive manner, though. Jesus, Paul, Peter, and James issued numerous warnings about money but the church doesn’t always get them straight.
Money is not the root of all evil. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. That doesn’t exempt us from the warning Paul was making in his letter to Timothy, though.
Normally, I would not consider money as a primary subject for new Christians. However, recently it seems as though only the extremes of the prosperity gospel and asceticism are being taught. It’s vital that you, as an Uncommon Christian, are exposed to Biblical truth when it comes to money.
Money is obtained by earning it, borrowing it, or receiving it as a gift. Once it’s received it can either be spent, saved, invested, or given away. Most of us are really good at borrowing it and spending it. Fewer of us are good at saving and investing.
Many churches focus primarily on the giving part at the expense of the other areas. I will give a high-level overview of each so that you are at least exposed to each.
Earning Money
Poverty is not synonymous with Godliness. I’ve met my fair share of poor people who were bitter, envious, jealous, and greedy. Having money is not a problem.
It’s a problem when money has us.
Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
Money is typically earned through a job, vocation, or career. God fully expects us to work and to work hard. Diligence is praised throughout the bible and laziness is rebuked.
We cannot save, invest, spend, or give away money that we do not have. Our first step to mastering money is to get a solid grip on the inflow.
Proverbs 14:23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty.
In all labor there is profit. There are no shortcuts to generating wealth.
Bible Verses About Money Management
Most Americans spend more than they earn. The debt loads of many families go well beyond borrowing money for a house. Perhaps you think debt is inevitable because of small salaries. Sadly, 25% of families earning $150,000 per year live paycheck to paycheck.
As Christians, we’re called to live a life of self-control and contentment. Neither of these virtues is a high priority in our society. We must not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Hebrews 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He, Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.
Uncommon Christians truly embrace stewardship. Stewardship is the understanding that we are managers of God’s money. The money in our possession really belongs to God and we manage it for Him.
Bible Verses About Saving Money
Savings accounts, for Christians, should not be considered taboo. Sadly, I’ve heard ministers publicly and wrongly vilify the use of savings accounts. Having a savings account is not poor stewardship but clear evidence of strong stewardship.
Don’t allow ministers to shame you into thinking long-term when it comes to money. Refuse to take that unbiblical bait. Thwart any coercion or bullying tactics employed by short-sighted preachers attempting to separate you from the money God’s entrusted to you.
II Peter 2:3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.
Save for future purchases so that you’re not engulfed in financial bondage (aka debt). Your family should have an emergency fund of between three and six months’ expenses and perhaps more.
Job losses occur and emergencies happen. Preparedness is not faithlessness.
I Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
It’s imperative that we care for our families. I doubt that the preacher who denigrated a savings account would fully bail you out in a job loss situation.
Bless his heart.
Faith Based Investing
I cannot locate a Bible verse of scripture where investing is forbidden or even discouraged. Again, there are some well-meaning but misguided preachers who publicly scorn the concept of investing.
They are wrong.
Their go-to proof-text is usually Matthew 6:19-21. In that scripture, Jesus is encouraging His listeners to store up treasures in Heaven, not just on earth. The only way to store up treasures in heaven, according to the Bible, is by giving to the poor (Matthew 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 12:33).
However, these ministers who are discouraging saving or investing are often doing it as a pretext for larger offerings for their ministry. By all means, give large offerings but let’s not do it under a false pretense.
We are expected to take care of our families (I Timothy 5:8) and to occupy until Jesus returns (Luke 19:13). Churches and ministries are incapable of providing retirement benefits for every member of their church.
That’s our responsibility.
Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Investing for the future is not anti-Biblical and it doesn’t mean that you are not trusting God. It means that you’re a good steward and that you love your family.
Giving Money
For many years churches spent an inordinate amount of time discussing giving “tithes and offerings.” The pendulum seems to have recently shifted in a dramatic fashion. Churches went from always talking about money to never talking about money.
Both are wrong and neither is biblical.
The Bible contains over 2,000 verses pertaining to money. In comparison, there are about 500 verses about prayer. Money is not more important than prayer. I think we just need more instruction around the subject of money!
Uncommon Christians should desire to flawlessly manage God’s money. We certainly will make mistakes but we don’t need others to help us goof up. Unfortunately, we will do that without needing any help.
Hopefully, this post will help you avoid any unnecessary pitfalls. In our brief remaining time I want to answer the following questions:
- Why should I give?
- To whom should I give?
- When should I give?
- How much should I give?
Why Should We Give Money Away
Generosity is encouraged throughout the Bible. God freely gave to the children of Israel and He freely provided Jesus (John 3:16). Jesus consistently modeled generosity when He was on earth. Think about the night of His betrayal. When Judas left the Last Supper, the remaining eleven assumed that he was going to do something charitable on behalf of Jesus (John 13:28-30).
The money with which we are entrusted belongs to God. We must always be willing to give on behalf of the King. There is a blessing involved when we give.
Acts 20:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
One reason we give is to emulate Jesus.
To Whom Shall We Give and When
The giving of offerings is not mentioned too often in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Hebrews paid a temple tax, and occasionally freewill offerings were received (Exodus 35:5).
In the New Testament, most of the offerings referenced were specifically designed to relieve suffering saints. They were not designed to pay salaries, mortgages, or outreaches. Those things are rather modern.
In one such offering, Paul instructed the saints to bring the offering to wherever the church was meeting on the first day of the week, which is Sunday.
I Corinthians 16:1 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
There really is no hard or fast rule as to when one should give. Personally, I give to my church on the weekend of each payday. Sometimes I give to other ministries at different times throughout the month. We give regularly and systematically to our church.
Tithe and Offerings
We finally get to the million-dollar question. How much should one give? Many Christians advocate giving 10% of their income to their church. It’s a nice round number and it’s easy to remember.
What does the Bible say about how much to give?
I Corinthians 16:2 instructs Christians to give in keeping with their income. We cannot give what we have not earned. God also allows some latitude in our giving.
II Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
In essence, God wants us to give relative to our income and to do so cheerfully. There will certainly be times when we should give radically. God gave us the permission to use His resources lavishly in the Parable of the Unjust Steward.
Giving is an important part of Uncommon Christianity. We don’t give wastefully, flippantly, or grudgingly. Our giving is lavish, strategic, and joyful.
Uncommon Christians practice radical generosity!
I hope that you found this extensive post invigorating and helpful! If so, please share it with your friends and family.
Benediction
Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.