A preacher told of a missionary trip he had taken to India. While there he witnessed a firewalking display. The firewalkers boldly made their way along the strip of red-hot coals towards an image of their multi-armed god. And when reaching the end of the embers, they dipped their feet into a liquid solution made up of the waste from their sacred cows. This was not just a tourist attraction. It was a religious ceremony displaying the miraculous empowerment received from their god. The preacher noted that the local missionaries told him that some of the firewalkers would sometimes come to them to treat their burns.
It is heart-breaking that people believe in a religion that is so obviously wrapped in deception. But you need not go beyond your own borders to find those ‘burned’ by their religion seeking outside help. How many ‘burned’ Christians have quietly sneaked off to lawyers to sue others, or worse still, boldly dragged their families through the divorce courts? I assure you, like the firewalkers, they too refuse to acknowledge the disconnect between the reality of their actions and their stated beliefs.
The apostle’s Peter and John cleared the table of all pretenders to the heavenly throne. They preached Jesus of Nazareth as the exclusive Saviour as they proclaimed:
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Jesus does not need me to prop up his reputation. Though his name is abused by the ungodly (they are judged), it stands as The Name that brings deliverance from sin, peace in hardship, the hope of heaven, and daily purpose to those who cling to it.
Lies and deception have always filled religions—even some who claim Jesus’ name.
However, the evils of man do not negate the sole saving power of Jesus’ name.
“The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).
John Staiger