When we mix forms of paganism with Christianity, we no longer have Christianity, not even a form of Christianity.
Christianity is about truth and faith in the right Person!
When we have lies and faith in the wrong person, we have removed the basis for our Christianity, Christ Jesus Himself Who is Truth.
Too many people think they can add anything they like to their Christianity as long as they still say they love God. Notice that these people rarely, if ever, mention being "born again", or use the Title "Christ." They are into generic terms that even non-believers can accept.
Those who are into mixing their culture with their Christianity, use terms like "prayer"....but to Who, they never say. They say they have faith.....but when questioned, they never indicate what their faith is based or on whom it is based.
Our modern apostate church tends to base their faith on faith itself and their confidence in it, rather than in the Person of Jesus Christ.
We have been taught in our culture to have faith "in ourselves", when someone speaks of faith without qualifying in Whom, then they are repeating the psychological terms they have learned that are acceptable to any non-believer.
Listen to the language people use, it will give us a clue as to where they are spiritually. How do they react when asked if they are "born again", do they respond in different words such as, "I am a Christian"? Or do they emphatically reply with a hearty, "yes I am born again"?
It is important to discern where a person is spiritually so we can know what scripture is needed to encourage them or correct them.
Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. Do not jump up and down for joy just because you hear someone use the words "Christian", "prayer" or "faith." It is important to find out what they mean by those terms to be able to respond to their need.
We want to be sensitive, however we don't want to be naive or gullible.
May the Holy Spirit give us all great discernment, so that we can be more effective for Him in our witness.
