“How tragic that we in this dark day have had our seeking done for us by our teachers. Everything is made to center upon the initial acts of “accepting” Christ (a term, incidentally, which is not found in the Bible) and we are not expected thereafter to crave any further revelation of God to our souls. We have been shared in the coils of a spurious logic which insists that if we have found Him we need no more seek Him.”
I’m not sure what I find more alarming.
The fact that this quote clearly captures my Christian experience.
Or that it was written by prominent American Pastor and Author A.W. Tozer over 60 years ago.
My Story
I was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran Church, and then affirmed my baptism publicly at Confirmation.
In high school, I performed on stage with a traveling Christian theater group.
I attended church worship every Sunday into parenthood, and actively participated in Bible studies.
I explored congregations across the Protestant spectrum.
Often, I would add a mid-week church dinner if my schedule permitted.
If I could find a few extra hours in the month, maybe I’d add in a church service project or event.
In effect, I’d squeeze God in if I had the time.
I was a Spare-Time Christian.
My Search
I personally encountered abuse by Pastors at my first three churches.
Their behavior made it very difficult for me (to this day) to trust church authority figures.
Nevertheless, I chalked it up to the Fall of Man and stayed the course with these wounds.
I never experienced (nor desired) religion from the perspective of a rules or work-based faith sent forth from the pulpit.
If anything, it was the opposite.
Being a Christian was easy.
I exemplified the “cheap grace” that German Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned about in The Cost of Discipleship.
I sought little, and experienced even less.
I did not blame the Church or religion for being a spare-time believer or a Christian in name only.
My spiritual emptiness was squarely on my own shoulders.
My Experiment
For the past year, I have pursued Christianity. Full-time.
I did not walk away from my personal and professional responsibilities.
Rather, I set out to fulfill my daily responsibilities in a new light.
I unplugged my TV and radio, raided the library, and loaded my Kindle and iPhone with continuous Christian messages.
I dusted off my Bible, and kept it open every day.
I went across denominational lines and connected with other seekers in my community.
I sought the Purpose of Living.
What I discovered I never saw coming.
What is Full-Time Christianity?
Full-Time Christianity is Living Victoriously Beyond Sunday.
As I continue to experience it, Full-Time Christianity can be summarized in three commitments (all of which I had ignored throughout my life):
1. Ground your faith in the true gospel
4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. (Galatians 2:4-5)
2. Occupy your time in the Word, fellowship, and prayer
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34)
3. Deny yourself every day, and be led by the Spirit
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)
The acronym G.O.D. for the three commitments noted above is an intentional reminder.
In the months ahead, I will describe in greater detail via this blog what each of these commitments mean in every day life. I will never have all the answers about Christianity, but I will support all messages with the Bible. I’d be honored to share this journey with you for your inspiration and advice.
To share the conversation, I encourage you to subscribe to the Full-Time Christianity blog.
The first email you receive is my way of saying thanks, and to start you off with a familiar and personalized verse.
My vision is to establish a worldwide community of believers who will re-define the experience of being a Christian and be witness to the world.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
(Note of Encouragement: I’ve seen this vision becoming a reality here in Virginia with a group of seekers without any shared denominational affiliation)
Welcome to the Full-Time Christianity community.
It is an experience worth sharing.
In Jesus Christ,
Brent
