Professing faith in Christ is not same as possessing him

FROM THE WRITINGS OF THE REV. BILLY GRAHAM TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY

Q: My sister has become a different person since entering college, disregarding her church friends and rejecting her faith. She says she believes a little bit of every religion which is bigger than the God of the Bible. She is exceptionally smart. Why is she acting so dumb? — C.S.

A: Many articles have covered this trend — the steady decline in what is known as traditional Christianity. One headline was “The Religion of Whatever,” and another, “More Americans Tailoring Religion to Fit Their Needs,” which states: “The folks who make up God as they go are side-by-side with selfproclaimed believers who claim the Christian label but shed ties to traditional beliefs and practices.” A leading research guru gave his findings: “People say, ‘I believe in God. I believe the Bible is a good book. And then I believe whatever I want.’”

It’s been said America is moving in the direction of 310 million people with 310 million religions called “Designer Religion.” Professing faith in Christ is not the same as possessing Christ, who is the source of faith. “Whatever” is now a mantra for many, a trendy approach to religion of belonging to “self.”

This comes from Satan, the great deceiver. In order to compete with God for the dominion of the world — and people’s adulation — the devil was forced to go into the “religion” business. Christianity is being compared with other religions as never before. It cannot be done. Those who follow Jesus Christ and obey his teaching distinguish themselves as his servants and do not serve themselves. Pray for those who are blinded, and shine Christ’s light by living a consistent testimony. This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.