Two Kinds of Christians

As we continue our series, "Unembarrassed of Jesus," Pastor Travis Johnson presented a compelling message about the two kinds of Christians in today's world. Let's dive in and explore Pastor Travis's insightful teaching.

The Embarrassed Christian

Pastor Travis relates the concept of the "embarrassed Christian" to a personal anecdote – a time when he mistakenly followed the wrong truck. This metaphor speaks volumes about the dangers of following Jesus at a distance: it’s easy to lose sight and end up on a path that leads us away from God.

The "embarrassed Christian" is someone who lives for themselves, enjoys worldly pleasures, and ultimately remains separated from God for eternity. Pastor Travis reminds us that whenever we prioritize pleasing others over Jesus, we risk worshipping other gods. Crucifying our flesh and focusing solely on Jesus are essential steps to overcoming this temptation.

The Unembarrassed Christian

In contrast, the "unembarrassed Christian" lives for God, dies to self, and enjoys eternal life with God. This person is confident in their faith and unashamedly follows Jesus closely. Pastor Travis emphasizes that even small deviations from the true gospel—like adding or removing elements to fit worldly ideologies—can lead us astray.

Stay Close to Jesus

One powerful analogy Pastor Travis uses is the comparison between water (H2O) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). While they seem nearly identical, the slight difference makes one life-sustaining and the other harmful. Similarly, our faith must be pure and focused on Jesus alone.

Living with an Eternal Perspective

Pastor Travis warns against a mindset focused solely on this life. By concentrating on temporal pleasures and ignoring eternal consequences, we risk being embarrassed of Jesus and ultimately face His judgment unprepared. He calls us to live with an eye toward eternity, remembering that our time on earth is fleeting and our true reward lies in heaven.

Embrace True Repentance

Repentance is more than uttering apologies; it involves a genuine turning away from sin and towards Jesus. Pastor Travis points out that cultural Christianity often dilutes this message, preaching a "repentless salvation" that excuses sin for later discussion. True repentance demands immediate forsaking of sinful ways and unwavering allegiance to Jesus.

Call to Action: Following Jesus Closely

Pastor Travis ends with a heartfelt plea for Pathway Church members to follow Jesus closely, no matter the trials they face. He urges everyone to stop living for worldly pleasures and fully commit to a life led by the Holy Spirit.

This message serves as a profound reminder to examine our relationship with Jesus. Are we following Him closely, or have we settled for a convenient, distant faith that changes to fit the world's standards? As we reflect on Pastor Travis’s words, may we choose to live as unembarrassed Christians, fully devoted to our Savior.