Who Wants To Be A Christian?
Ponder: How many really want to be Christians?
Scripture: “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28 NKJV).
Judging by the initial popularity of the TV game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” and its continuing popularity in some markets now, plenty of people are interested in winning the big bucks. Contestants begin the journey to seven figures with a few “gimme” questions – “Who’s buried in Grant’s tomb?” “What color was George Washington’s white horse?” The higher you go, the tougher the questions become. If needed, you may ask the audience for help, phone a friend, or have two incorrect answers eliminated. Still, only rarely has anyone reached the million-dollar mark.
How many would watch the show, much less compete, if it were titled “Who Wants To Be A Christian?” First question: Which of the following was NOT an apostle: Peter, Andrew, James, Tarzan.” We presume that even the Biblically illiterate would get that one right.
But as our contestant proceeds, more challenging questions are posed: “According to Acts 2:38, what is baptism for? a)Outward sign of an inward grace; b)Demonstration that you are already saved; c)Remission of sins; d)Removal of dirt from the body. While “c” is the correct answer, most religious folks would answer “a” or “b.”
Being a Christian entails more than answering questions correctly. However, a “Christian must know some things (that Jesus is the Son of God; that He arose from the dead; how to be saved; etc.) Fortunately, looking in the answer book (the Bible) is not cheating. We may also ask others for help, but we should be like the noble Bereans, checking everyone’s answers against God’s word (Acts 17:11).
Unlike the game show, one who would be a Christian must not quit part-way to the goal. Half a million dollars is better than nothing, but half-way to being a Christian just means you are still lost. King Agrippa was almost persuaded, but as far as we know he never became a Christian (Acts 26:28).
I don’t look for a TV show to come out called “Who Wants To Be A Christian?” But this I know: Being a Christian is far more important than being a millionaire!
Song: “Almost Persuaded”
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for the privilege of wearing the name of Christ. May we always glorify you as Christians. In His name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)