Sermon Snippet – Is Christianity Boring? Part II
INTRODUCTION – Is Christianity boring? Last week, we saw that God’s commands to us, path for us, and kindness upon us are all good – and good is not boring. Let us further explore this subject today.
1. JESUS OPENS OUR MINDS
I Corinthians 2:16 says, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” This Scriptural statement does not mean that the Christian’s IQ immediately soars (although I could certainly use a significant upgrade), nor does it mean that we suddenly know all things. Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us that there are limits to our knowledge and understanding. Furthermore, we need good Biblical teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12);I know that I rely on respected and gifted Biblical scholars to help me to better understand God’s Word. Moreover, we are told that this increase in learning requires concentrated effort: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). By definition, “a workman” works; thus, we need to be diligent (the meaning of “study”) in developing our minds. Even those closest to Jesus needed His insight: “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). Romans 12:1-2 is perhaps the best-known passage on this subject and tells us that each one of us can continue to transform our thinking.
2. JESUS OPENS HEAVEN TO US
Five times in the New Testament (Matthew 3:16; Acts 7:56; Revelation 4:1, 11:19, 19:11), we find heaven “opened” for our edification. I have preached multiple sermons from these passages and will not repreach them today. However, it is a common criticism of heaven that it sounds boring. I will briefly comment on just two points. First, Revelation 21:4 tells us what will not be in heaven: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” If that description is boring, then sign me up to be bored! Second, since God is both eternal and creative, we can be assured that He will be eternally creative. Revelation 21:5a focuses on this aspect of heaven: “He [Who] sat upon the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” The everlasting freshness of heaven is thus assured, and in our new bodies and with our new minds we will enjoy the newnesses of heaven. (I Corinthians 2:9-10 is a compelling passage that links our first two points nicely.)
3. JESUS OPENS HIMSELF TO US: HE OFFERS AN OPEN INVITATION TO ALL
One misconception (of many) about Christianity is that it is too exclusive; harsher cynics call it bigoted and intolerant. In John 7:37, Jesus made this universal invitation: “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” He is using the imagery of life-giving water to offer eternal life through faith in Him. No one can force us to become Christians; not even Jesus will do that. Rather, the opportunity is presented to each one of us personally. The familiar John 3:16, the simple Gospel message, clarifies that “whosoever believeth” chooses to enter into life everlasting.
CONCLUSION – Many good things await us as God’s people. Among them are the opening of our minds now and the opening of heaven one day. If you have never asked Jesus to save you, I urge you to do so today. I may be boring, but I am not bored, for the Christian life offers ongoing insights and eternal refreshing. Jesus offers us everything good – especially Himself.