a dead city who thinks it's alive

One of the biggest deceptions in our culture is the sense of false security.  A people fed the lie that because they said this specific prayer, walked the isle and attend church every week that they are good and they have all they need when really all they have is an empty religion and a weekly ritual.  We pray these prayers and tell these people that because they say these magic words their lives will be forever changed and then we drop them like a bad habit.  There is never any life change.  There is never any fruit.  Jesus said go make disciples.  This requires time invested in those whom Christ has called.  Christ was the perfect example.  He had his disciples who lived with him.  They studied under him, they watched his every move and when Christ gave them the great commission, these men were not perfect, but they knew Jesus.  He didn't say "Hey Simon Peter, come pray this prayer, fill out this card and you're all good brother! Good luck figuring it all out!"  We have fattened our egos with big numbers all the while starving the body of Christ.  I look around in my city and it is filled with people who really believe this is all there is to the gospel.  They think they are good, they got their fire insurance.  Hear me when I say being a Christian is not linked to being southern!  Christianity has become a bible-belt southern thing. This personally, drives me crazy.  The mentality is "Well of course I'm a Christian!  I go to church every Sunday and most of the time Wednesday (followed by an eatin' meetin' afterwards), I tithe my ten percent and serve on all the important committees, plus I have a southern accent!" This deception is all a plan of the enemy.  If he can trick you into believing you are really a Christian without really knowing Jesus then he accomplishes two things.  One, is you, in fact, are not a true follower of Christ because there has never been a submission to His authority over your heart and life (i.e. no life change) and two, you are a false representation of who Jesus is to other non-believers.  You carry the name of Jesus but have no idea who he is and therefore live a dead life, wearing his name in vain. I know this may seem very harsh and well, you're right it is.  But the fact is I'm angry about it.  I'm angry at the watered down religion I was fed and I'm angry its created a dead city who thinks they are alive.  Really and truly, if you know Him then this should tick you off too.  Here is the encouragement, we have the truth at our fingertips in His holy word.  Seek Him, obey Him and abide in Him and He will do the rest. We cannot do this alone (thank goodness because I fail miserably at discipleship) with a willing and obedient heart, Christ is glorified.

Now, do you really know Him?