Christian Bible Lesson 75: Do not focus on a specific religion

Bible Verses

“John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.’ Jesus replied, ‘Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.’” Mark 9:38

Christain Bible Lesson Overview

Our relationship should be with Jesus, not a specific church or a particular pastor.  Of course, we appreciate our church and admire our pastor.  It is important to focus on the message, not criticize the source.  There are many different churches and religious organizations that have Christian beliefs. Some of the churches interpret specific Bible verses differently than the main churches.  That does not mean the people in a different church do not have faith.

The point of the verse is that when someone believes in Jesus and expresses that belief, that person is promoting Christian beliefs.  Although we may disagree with a specific interpretation of a verse, that does not mean the person does not have Christian faith.  We should share Christian Beliefs, and encourage non-Christians to consider Christianity regardless of the specific church that attracts them.  Our objective should be to enhance our Christian Faith, not promote a specific church.

Christian Bible Lesson for Today

There was a man who was a strong member of a specific denomination which was Christain.  He attended Bible Study classes and all the special functions.  He felt very good about his Church and wanted to attract new members.  When he talked with his friends about his Church the conversations went well until the friend mentioned any specifics about their church.  If the friend mentioned any specific Bible Verses or Christian concepts presented at the friend’s church, he became very critical and told the friend that the verses were being misinterpreted.  His critical approach caused other people to avoid him. 

When he spoke with people who did not attend a specific church or were not believers, he focused on the importance of those people attending his church.  This approach caused people to resist Christianity in general.

After talking with his Pastor and people he trusted, he realized that helping people learn how their lives could be improved by following Christian principles was much better than focusing on attending a specific church.  As he changed his focus, he realized that the importance is the Christian principles, not which Church to attend.

Christian Bible Lesson Summary

Of course, it is critical to believe in the messages delivered by the Church you attend.  However, the benefits of following Christian principles are what will improve all of our lives.  All people who believe in Christian values and apply those values to their lives will improve the lives of all the people around them.