How to respond when someone says: I can just believe in something, it doesn’t have to be Jesus.

At North Village Church, we are always talking about the importance of Jesus, but what about all those arguments for how Jesus is a waste of time?

In our new blog series, ‘How to Respond When Someone Says’, we are providing you with Biblical ways to respond when some argues against your Faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Part 6: How to respond when someone says: Isn’t it good to just believe in something? Why does it have to be Jesus?

In our last discussion we explored how we can believe in Jesus when we don’t even trust ourselves.  In this discussion we will explore advantages and disadvantages of just worshipping something.  After all, do we have to worship Jesus?

Isn’t it just good to worship something? Does it matter if it’s Jesus? 

• We all have friends who practice other faiths and they are sincerely devoted to those faiths.  Doesn’t that count for something?
• And, how can a follower of Jesus say those other faiths are a waste of time?  Isn’t that arrogant?
• Aren’t all faiths basically the same?

These are common responses we hear today, but:

• It’s important to know the overall worldview of “All faiths matter” is described as pluralism.  Right now our country is really committed toward a pluralistic perspective with a catch.  More on that in a bit.
• It’s also important to know the United States government is built around freedom of religion.  I know, that seems obvious but it’s important to make that distinction.  Again, more on that in a bit.  
• As a country with Freedom of Religion and a focus on trying to become Pluralistic in our beliefs, we will hear a word that is really common today, which is Tolerant.
• Tolerance is a word that sounds noble but God’s Word actually calls us a to a higher calling than tolerating one another.  Can you imagine walking up to a friend and saying, “I really tolerate you!”  Nobody would ever say that!  
• In addition, can you imagine walking up to someone who was faithful to Islam and saying, “Your faith is basically just like every other faith in the world?”  Of course not!  That is so offensive.  
• The heart of Pluralism is basically to imply all faiths of the world are basically the same.  Side note:  Did you hear how dogmatic that statement was?  ALL faiths of the WORlD are basically the same.  Please don’t ever say that to anyone.  

This is a good opportunity to introduce a concept called R.O.A.R.

• Recognize the message:  Our culture teaches us to tolerate one another and all beliefs.  But the word tolerance has been skewed.  If we look to the dictionary, the definition of tolerance is to exist with different opinions and or behaviors that one dislikes or disagrees with.  Tolerance isn’t blind belief, agree with always and never disagree.  Tolerance is actually a biblical concept, described in Romans 14 as the body of Christ is to co-exist with one another, even when we have different opinions.  The diversity of our day is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn what people believe, and sometimes bring up questions, questions that might even challenge what someone sincerely holds to in their beliefs.  
• Offer discernment:  All faiths couldn’t possibly be the same.  First, it is a belief statement disguised as nobility.  Second, it is an arrogant statement to reduce all faiths to the same.  Third, it is an insulting statement to reduce all faiths to the same.  Therefore, we can’t all be worshipping the “same” God and it would be more helpful to discuss those things openly.  
• Argue for a healthier approach:  Instead of just nodding in agreement but secretly having questions, concerns, which is what every human is doing in those moments.  It is better to be respectful, don’t cave into pressure to go along, explore honest and open conversations with your friends.
• Reinforce through discussion, discipleship and prayer:  Surely all these conversations will lead to more questions.  Isn’t that a great way to approach the bible?  This is why we want to gather with the body of Christ, study God’s Word, seek mentors, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us grow in wisdom.

What about Jesus?  Is Jesus the only way to God?  In John 14 Jesus says, “I am the way, truth and the life.  Nobody comes to the Father except through Me.”  It’s a pretty dogmatic statement.  

Therefore, we only have three options for how to respond to Jesus.  Jesus is either a liar, which would make Jesus the worst person ever.  Lying about things in life is one thing, but lying about being God in the flesh is someone we should avoid.  

Or Jesus was crazy, which again, if Jesus is crazy, then we definitely should follow Him.  We shouldn’t consider the nice things he said and how we should apply those things to our life because Jesus was coming from a place of mental instability.

Or Jesus was who He said He was and we should weigh every word Jesus ever spoke.  I would start with Matthew or John and read about Jesus’ life.  Look at how He treated people.  Look at how people responded to Him.  Consider His words.  Jesus’ words are the most important words in all of history.

 

Did this help?

Check out the rest of this 6 part series. 

Perhaps you have some objections you would like to recommend.  If so, please email those objections to [email protected].

 

North Village Church

This article was written by Pastor Michael Dennis, Lead Pastor at North Village Church; a non-denominational church in Austin, TX, established in 2009 and built around Jesus and Bible teaching.

Are you looking for a church in Austin? At North Village Church we put Jesus at the center of our church family. We worship together every Sunday at 10:30am, encourage Christ centered fellowship through groups, and host special events such as Bible studies and Theological Training, to ensure that we are rooted in in God’s Word. We also serve our local community in association with several Austin based organizations.

North Village Church is made up of professionals, married couples, singles, and families who are wanting to experience the life-transforming power of Jesus. If you are a family with children or teens, we can support you with either or both our Kids Ministry and Youth Ministry.

Check out our North Village Church calendar highlights such as our Christmas Eve Service in Austin and Easter Sunday Service.

You are welcome to contact us if you would like more information, please call (512)-623-9272 or email [email protected]