In an era where churches dot every corner of America, something vital is missing – power. Not the kind that comes from large congregations or impressive buildings, but the transformative power that marked the early Church.
As a preacher deeply passionate about God’s Word, I’ve observed a concerning pattern in modern Christianity that demands our attention.
Dangerous Moment of Divine Encounter
Every time believers gather around God’s Word, described in Hebrews 4:12 as being “sharper than any two-edged sword,” we face a crucial choice. Like metal in a forge, our hearts can either be transformed or hardened.
The process mirrors metallurgy – just as iron can be hardened or softened depending on its treatment, our hearts respond similarly to the Holy Spirit’s touch.
Signs of the Times: Beyond Surface Christianity
Today’s world exhibits numerous signs that Jesus described as precursors to His return.
While previous generations also witnessed world wars and conflicts, our current era shows an unprecedented intensity in these “birth pangs.”
Yet perhaps the most alarming sign isn’t found in global events but within church walls themselves.
Form Without Power: Modern Christianity’s Greatest Challenge
Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 speaks directly to our time, describing people “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.”
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
This isn’t merely about secular society – it’s about those claiming Christ while lacking His transformative power.
Statistical Evidence of Powerless Faith
The numbers tell a sobering story:
Divorce rates among self-proclaimed Christians mirror secular society
Average Christian giving stands at mere 2.3% of income
Church growth through genuine conversion has dramatically declined
Price of Powerless Christianity
If American Christians simply tithed the biblical 10%, an additional $165 billion would be available for Kingdom work. This could:
Eliminate global hunger and preventable diseases
Eradicate worldwide illiteracy
Solve global water and sanitation issues
Fully fund all overseas missions
Path to Authentic Power: Genuine Repentance
The solution isn’t complicated, but it’s costly. True godliness begins internally and manifests externally. As Charles Spurgeon warned, many hide behind “earthworks of nominal religion,” making them the hardest to reach with genuine truth.
I do not doubt that a form of godliness has come to many because it brings them ease of conscience and they are able, like the Pharisee, to thank God that they are not as other men are. Have they not been to Church? Have they not paid for their pew? They can now go about their daily business without those stings of conscience which would come of neglecting the requirements of religion.
These people profess to have been converted and they are numbered with Believers. But, alas, they are not of them. Of all people these are the hardest to reach and the least likely to be saved. They hide behind the earthworks of a nominal religion. They are out of reach of the shot and shell of Gospel rebukes. They fly among the sinners and they have taken up their quarters among the saints. Sad is that man’s plight who wears the name of life but has never been quickened by the Holy Spirit.
Complete transformation, not mere religious observance
A Final Appeal: The Urgency of Response
Jesus’s words in Matthew 7:21-23 stand as a sobering warning – many who claim His name will hear “I never knew you.”
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
One of the things I have a strong disdain for are the cute little so-called “Christian” bumper stickers that I have seen.
One that comes to mind is the one that says; “Try Jesus.” Now I know that those who promote this sticker mean well, but the consequences of this flippant suggestion can be fatal!
Jesus is not a fad to be tried, He is not a passing idea, He is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings; a better sticker might say . . . Have you considered Jesus? Let me explain
Understanding Religious Dabbling
What Does It Mean to Dabble?
Over the course of my life, I have heard folks say things like; “Yes, I used to “dabble” in the stock market; or I “dabbled in the occult” or “I used to dabble in Buddhism” or some other religion.
Today I want to address a problem that exists in our culture that may be far more dangerous than anything we ever imagined. It is a mindset that can be fatal, if allowed to run its course.
I fear that many people, maybe even some reading this today, are “dabbling” in Christianity. Here is the definition of dabbling . . .
Dabbling – to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interest
Christianity is a very attractive way of living for those who have no real understanding of what being Christian entails. The hallmarks of a Christian from an earthly perspective might be things like:
Godly
Wholesome
Moral
Respected
What tends to happen, is that a person feels attracted to the “Christian lifestyle” and may even end up attending a church; checking things out to see if they can “fit in.”
After a season at the church, those folks who want this lifestyle learn all the Christian speak, they have the words down pat, and begin to look and act like a real Christian.
These folks have heard about Jesus, about the new birth, the need for baptism, and membership, they have taken communion and have done all the right things and are a bona fide member of the church community . . . yet there is a certain something lacking.
Could it be that this group is just “dabbling” in Christianity?
Could it be that the need to belong has superseded the need to be converted to Christ?
Signs of Christian Dabbling
Superficial Involvement
There are certain aspects of the Christian lifestyle that tend to be overlooked by the dabblers. Primarily those aspects are things that involve serving, money, and commitment.
Resistance to Financial Giving
It is hard to get a “dabbler” to consider the Biblical mandate to tithe on income they receive, or to give financially to any major project or missionary effort.
The giving is only done to the point where it is manageable and is rarely if ever, a true sacrifice. Money is far too important to the “dabbler” to squander it on Jesus and His efforts to reach the lost.
The “dabbler” often looks for ways around this mandate. Some will consider their acts of “service” to equate to a tithe. For instance, a “dabbler” may have some talent and will use that talent in the church, then consider that talent as a tithe, or benefit to the church and they placate themselves thinking that they gave something to God.
The fact is, God gave them the talent in the first place and they are stealing from God.
The problem with that sort of thinking; trading service for tithe that is, is that the service given to God is then purchased, it is not service at all, there was no sacrifice, no true worship of God, but rather a deception and an ungodly attempt to steal from the Most High God!
Limited Service Commitment
Along those lines, getting a “dabbler” to serve God is really hard. Just like those who try and trade tithe for service, the “dabbler” seldom serves unless there is a direct benefit to them.
If service means a few accolades from the church body; a pat on the shoulder, then they will go ahead and do it, after all, they need to stay in the lifestyle, and service appears to be a part of that.
Yet, for the “dabbler” there are always excuses for not being able to serve, there are family issues, time constraints, and a host of other things that are far too important to allow service to Jesus to interfere . . . He will understand.
Even more difficult, is getting a “dabbler” to make a strong and abiding commitment to the church; it is almost impossible! The “dabbler” will find many reasons to avoid commitment to any lasting agreement.
Often a “dabbler” will make a commitment, then realize later on that the commitment was a mistake and will begin to find ways to get out of the commitment, often getting upset at the leadership for prodding or end up having problems with someone inside the church, which usually leads to that “dabbler” leaving the church and heading to another one.
Lack of Genuine Transformation
The unfortunate end of those who “dabble” in Christianity, is that they end up lost and without Christ!
Most of these “dabblers” have convinced themselves that they are actually Christians and that they are saved, rescued from sin and Satan, but the sad reality is that they are not, and in the end, the stunning Words of Jesus will ring painfully in their ears . . .
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Unless you have been drawn by the Holy Spirit to come to Christ, you cannot be saved!
Too often we end up introducing people to a lifestyle rather than a Savior!
When this happens, the person begins “dabbling” in Christianity and they will suffer a terrible fate!
True Christians introduce people to Jesus, and the He and them, come to a decision about salvation!
If the Holy Spirit has been drawing them to Himself, then there is a strong possibility that they will be redeemed and the new life of Christ will explode in them!
The person who has been drawn by the Holy Spirit to Christ, who then receives the Savior, who openly and honestly embraces the salvation granted through Jesus, will experience a new birth; Jesus called it “being born again.”
It is a spiritual birth, a new and amazing spiritual awakening that transforms everything.
The newly born Christian falls madly in love with the deliverer; they no longer live for themselves, but for Him!
Love for Scripture
The new spiritual babe is exceedingly hungry for God’s Word, and the first thing they ask for is a Bible; they will fly into it, devouring all they can!
You will find it hard to pull them away from God’s Word; often they will even give up meals so they can read it!
Sacrificial Giving
Unlike the “dabbler” when a person who has been born of the Spirit, comes across passages that speak about giving tithes and offerings, they rejoice, often giving way beyond the minimum of 10%. I have known those who have given everything they have and they did it with tremendous joy!
The true Christian will see the financial need within the Body of Christ and will sacrifice much to see those needs met, often going without so that others may not have to!
The true Christian does not think their needs outweigh the needs of others, but actually, see others as being infinitely more valuable than they are!
Wholehearted Service
When it comes to service, to offering their talents to God, the true Christian will give it all. Like the prophet Isaiah who heard these words from God . . .
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
The true Christian is not self-centered, but rather God-centered. When an opportunity arises to serve the living Christ, they will not miss it!
When the Body of believers finds an occasion to serve Jesus, the true Christian will do all they can to be there, supporting anyway they can . . . and they will do it with a cheerful and happy heart, not grudgingly and sad!
The truly converted person will not only step up and serve when the occasion arises, they will also find new and creative ways to serve God!
Lasting Commitment
For the true Christian, commitment is part and parcel of their life now. They are more than willing to step up and serve Christ in the church, making lasting commitments to the Body of Christ through the church.
Membership in the church is not taken lightly and they step up, making a difference to the organization that God is using to advance His Kingdom.
The Strategic Danger
May I continue to draw a contrast . . .
Dabblers tend to complain a great deal; always seeing the negative side of things. The reason being is that they have very little experience of God.
The dabbler knows that God is strong, or at least part of the Christian lifestyle is to say that God is strong and able; but the sad reality is that God is not very strong to them personally, so they tend to live in an attitude of defeat.
The true Christian knows God is strong; they have been delivered from death, hell and the grave and they know it!
Whether life on earth is hard or easy really does not matter, because they know the Master in an intimate way and the true believer will exude an air of joy, even in the midst of pain.
Finally . . .
After a great deal of consideration, I believe that “dabblers” are of the utmost importance to the enemy of God and that would be satan. Now hear me out . . .
I think it is a strategic decision on the part of satan to foist upon as many as he can the desire to “do” Christianity.
To be sure, this is risky business on his part, to send to the church interested people who are attracted to a Christian lifestyle, but historically, this seems to have worked for him.
How Dabbling Affects Churches
Impact on Church Growth
Let’s say we have a church that is growing and people are truly coming to Christ. The word will get out, and those who are interested in the Christian lifestyle, are very much attracted to those moves of God.
The real deal is amazing to watch and participate in.
The devil is very interested in any move of God, so he will do all he can to attempt to shut that down, and one of the best ways is to send in “dabblers.”
The work of God begins to grow and those who “dabble” gently infiltrate the Body of Christ; but he “dabblers” have preferences you know.
Influence on Worship
After time goes by, they often want the worship styles to look and sound a certain way, the focus is no longer on God, but on their favorite way of singing or worshiping.
Squabbles over Bible translations may arise, along with a host of other things to nit-pick over; things that draw attention away from Jesus and on to man.
Some will be very vocal about this and divisions begin.
Effect on Leadership
The “dabblers” will step into positions of leadership and try and move the church in directions other than where the Spirit had intended.
Too often when “dabblers” do not get their way, they try and create little groups convincing these little clusters that the church is going in the wrong direction and we need to change it.
The powerful move of God is now beginning to wane; the attention is being shifted from a powerful God who is converting the lost, to the needs of the “dabblers” who never really knew God in the first place.
Risk to Revival
The church slows even more; the newly converted are disillusioned and begin to drop away; by now even the “dabblers” see the church falling away too, and the “lifestyle” they wanted to keep appears to be diminishing.
Since many of the “dabblers” remain, and they are not free to give of their time and resources, the church suffers and slows even further.
A new work in the area shows promise and word of a revival begins to spread, the “dabblers” quickly run to see and join into the work, only to be used by the enemy again.
In the end, dabblers will hear the stinging words of the Mighty Savior as He declares . . . ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
A Call to Authentic Faith
I think when we see Jesus; we will all utter those words . . . Lord. Lord! Let me ask you; do you know what His response will be when you say those words to Him?
Will He welcome you in, or send you away? If you are not sure of the answer, then please . . . settle it once and for all!
Have you been dabbling?
Are you being used by the enemy to put down a revival?
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
Have you ever felt a longing to know God on a deeper level? Maybe you’ve asked questions like, “What is God really like?” or “How can I have a closer relationship with Him?”
The good news is, the Bible gives us a clear answer. In John 14:7, Jesus makes a remarkable statement: “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
Jesus is basically saying, “Get to know me, and you’ll get to know God the Father.” But how do we “know” Jesus? This devotional explores how Jesus, through His teachings and actions, reveals God’s character and offers us a path to a deeper connection with Him.
Knowing Jesus as the Way
Imagine you’re lost in a maze. You’re confused and disoriented. Suddenly, someone appears who knows the way out. They offer to guide you, step by step, until you reach safety. That’s what Jesus does for us.
When Jesus says He’s the “way” (John 14:6), “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
He’s saying He’s our guide. He shows us the path to God, a path that was blocked by our sin. He overcame those obstacles through His sacrifice, opening the door to eternal life.
Knowing Jesus as the way means trusting Him. It means believing He knows the best route for our lives and following His lead.
Knowing Jesus as the Truth
Think of a teacher you truly admired, someone who not only presented information but also lived by it. Jesus is that kind of teacher.
He doesn’t just tell us about God; He reveals God’s character. He fulfills God’s promises and embodies God’s truth. Jesus speaks God’s words and does God’s work. He instructs us in God’s ways and corrects us when we stray.
Knowing Jesus as the truth means believing what He teaches. It means accepting Him as our Lord and surrendering to His wisdom and guidance.
Knowing Jesus as the Life
Have you ever felt lost and alone? Like there’s no hope for a brighter future? Jesus offers a solution: Himself.
He’s the source of God’s love and grace. He shares God’s joy and peace. He died for us, conquering sin and death, and now lives to intercede for us. He saves us, sanctifies us, and promises to never leave us.
Knowing Jesus as the life means receiving Him as our Savior and friend. It means allowing Him to fill us with His love and purpose.
The Bridge to God
So, how do we truly know God? By knowing Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Jesus is the perfect reflection of God, the embodiment of His nature. He makes God visible to us and bridges the gap between us and the divine.
Knowing God through Jesus isn’t just about intellectual understanding; it’s about a personal relationship. It’s about experiencing God’s love firsthand and living a life transformed by His presence.
This knowledge isn’t something we achieve overnight. It’s a journey of continual growth, a deepening intimacy with Jesus as we walk alongside Him.
Commit to seeking Him more and more, allowing Him to reveal the Father’s heart to you. As you grow in your knowledge of Jesus, you will naturally grow closer to God; as a matter of fact; Jesus IS GOD!