From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Society today reflects the culture’s craving for a designer world, one that suits every whim. We want things to go our way, according to our timeline, and at the pace of our own choosing. We want designer clothes, designer technology, and even designer religion. We want to simply belong to our own way. This is why so many seek to join the right clubs or even churches. But a church designed to reflect one’s personal desire is contrary to the church that belongs to Jesus, who is the head of the church.

Some believe that doing good deeds toward others is what empowers us to be good. Many churches do not object to this kind of Christianity—content to have only a social Christ who provides what we want for ourselves. What the world does object to is a living Christ who is all-knowing and convicts people of sin. People in general do not want to follow Jesus on His terms, but theirs. But the true church is built upon Christ alone. A true church is a Bible-centered church where the foundation is the teaching of the entirety of God’s Word. If the church returned to the main task of proclaiming His truth, Christ would be lifted up and it would have a far greater impact on the social, moral and psychological needs of people than anything else. ” … praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches” (2 Corinthians 8:18).

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Find out.