At the 2024 Passion Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, Jonathan Pokulda criticized “tepid Americanized, church-going Christianity” and emphasized that Jesus Christ is the path to eternal life.
Pokulda, pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, shared statistics with USA Today that 70 percent of major Christian and non-Christian religious groups believe that many religions believe in eternal life. clarified that it may lead to.
“And we may reject this as a belief. Maybe you've heard that, [you think]”But we don't care that someone doesn't believe in Jesus, so we actually accept it,” he said. “We sleep well. We ride elevators and walk the halls with people who are going to hell, but we're fine. We don't believe that Jesus Christ is the only way.” …If you're here and you're a believer, I don't know how to deal with things like, “All religions lead to God,” or “I'm glad that's your truth.” I would like to teach. Or, “I'm going to live my life and get right with God before I die. I'm going to understand Jesus.”
according to christian postThe pastor claimed that Jesus is historically accurate and the embodiment of truth itself.
“[Jesus says] “I am the way to God. There is no other way to God. I am the only way to God.” And you're probably thinking, “Wait a minute, I think there are many ways to God.” , or “All religions will lead to God,” or “Don't all religions teach the same thing?” That is an ignorant statement. “Anyone who says all religions teach the same thing has never studied other religions,” he said.
Mr. Pokhurda also cited examples from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism and their respective paths of spiritual fulfillment and salvation. He pointed out how these religions contradict each other, adding that if one claims to be the only true path, the others are rejected.
Regarding Christianity, Mr. Pokulda emphasized the inclusiveness and exclusivity of Christianity, such as that Jesus Christ provides salvation to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of their background.
“Christianity is exclusive. But it is the most inclusive of the world's religions. Jesus spread out his arms on the cross and said, 'Whoever believes in me will not perish, but will live forever. Get life.”
Pokulda also told how her daughter suffered from an illness during a missionary trip as part of a metaphor for the need to find the right path to salvation. He pointed out that telling someone there is salvation on any religious path is as deceptive as telling a lost traveler that any gate at the airport leads home.
“Jesus is the only way to heaven. That's the loving thing to do because it's true,” he added.
“Jesus calls people to a life of repentance and separation from sin, not to limit their enjoyment, but to lead them to a fulfilling life in right relationship with God,” he said.
“Jesus says, “I am the truth.'' Many of you are not on the journey of truth. You are on the journey of happiness. Don't worry about it. “I believe in lies, but what if the truth doesn't make me happy?” What if the truth means you can't do what you want when you want? I can't date the people I want to date…I can't see the things I want to see. What if the truth undermines my deepest desires?’ That’s still true. ”
Throughout his message, Mr. Pokulda referred to the concept of “new tolerance,” contrasting it with “old tolerance.” According to his definition, “old tolerance” means accepting differing opinions, while new tolerance encourages one to agree with the beliefs of others, even when they conflict with one's own beliefs.
“It's against God's will. It's inconsistent with God's teachings, it's inconsistent with God's Word, it's inconsistent with what brings you to life,” he said.
“Some of you here are on the straight and narrow and think, 'Jesus is just trying to keep me away from things.' I'm trying to keep you away from the dangers of prison, hangovers, etc. When you're 100%, I tell you — I'm not talking about this Americanized, church-going, lukewarm Christian thing. — What I'm talking about is, “I'll go anywhere and talk to anyone about Jesus, because I'm free from anything.” What people think of me. I am no longer a slave to it. I live for him. I don't care what you think of me. I'll tell anyone. ”
“Jesus Christ is the way, Jesus Christ is the truth, and Jesus Christ is the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ,” he said. I concluded.
Pokulda was one of several speakers at Passion 2024 (January 3-5), including Sadie Robertson Hough, Louis Giglio, and Levi Lasco. Described as “a gathering of 18-25 year olds and their leaders united for the name of Jesus,” the conference also featured musical performances by KB, Kari Jobe and others.
Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock/David Clark
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributor to Christian Headlines and host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast dedicated to sound doctrine and Biblical truth. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Alliance Theological Seminary.
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