Conversion

Conversion: : an experience associated with the definite and decisive adoption of a religion

That is Webster’s view of it, but let us who have been converted amplify and clarify that definition. A true Christian conversion is when a sinner turns from his unbelief and wholly believes on the Lord Jesus Christ to save his soul. But in these days of purpose driven, seeker sensitive, and Osteen-esque celebrity pastors, these are some of what now passes for a “conversion”.

A person comes forward being manipulated by music and emotion.
A person repeats a prayer dictated by someone he believes to be a guide.
A person’s life is so unraveling that he is willing to try anything.
A person is manipulated by friendliness and a well oiled ecclesiastical machine.
A person loves the atmosphere of the church and wants to be a part.
A person wants God to help him out of his earthly mess.
A person joins a church and is baptized.
A person transfers his membership.
A person loves the choir and joins the church and is baptized.
A person is moved by the oratorical prowess of the pastor and makes a profession.
A person has friends in the church and joins as well.
A person loves what the church offers his children and he joins.
A person wants to insure he goes to heaven.
A person is looking for a purpose.

These are a few of the conversion experiences that have replaced being born again by God’s Spirit. In order to fill pews and record baptisms the church has shunned prayer, witnessing, and holy living and has instead adopted a myriad of strategies designed to funnel sinners into a religious combine that accentuates the slightest profession of faith and almost ignores any future discipleship.
So voilà! You have a religious system designed by Eli Whitney. And when this kind of ecclesiastical system is allowed to develop and flourish for decades, eventually the church will have lost what it truly means to be a believing follower of Jesus Christ. And we have filled that vacuum with activity, buildings, ten steps, commitment cards, conferences, church softball leagues, week long Mission trips, Christian cruises, multi-layered Sunday Schools, more and more staff, moral crusades, political activism, conservative causes, and a host of other things that are now familiar to the local assembly.
And let us go back and listen to the Master. Just when He had great multitudes, the forerunner of today’s mega churches, Jesus preached this untimely message:
Lk.14:25-33 - And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.
33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Just when the membership rolls were exploding Jesus went and said something so outrageous, that many would leave the ranks. I mean come on, hate my own life? What kind of moon man talk is that? And the count the cost thing? Again, over the top. But when He suggest we all forsake all that we have, well then, there you have the makings of a cult.
Let us be honest. It is much more comfortable to live within the spiritual framework we have created today, than to address things that Jesus has said. I’m sure He will understand, after all, we’re all converted.