Visiting Side Shows, Missing the Main Event

I am borrowing this topic from a comment our pastor used last Sunday in his message, although I am mostly likely taking a different route.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; - Ephesians 4:14

I fear that modern Christianity (or a better term, “modern religionist”) is “aiding and abetting” in the lost world being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine”. I fear many are missing the Main Event, a personal relationship with Christ, by spending too much time and energy at Side Shows.

People seem to flock to healings, tongues, baptisms, casting out devils, concerts, and how to get rich, yet where are they for preaching on sin and repentance, a life of obedience, and the teaching of doctrines and theology.

A thirst for an outward display of holiness, signs, and wonders appeal to the flesh, yet often yield no fruit in the spirit. Examples such as the Pharisees and the onlookers of the miracles which Christ performed give proof that such do not guarantee salvation to any.

Scripture declares, For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Scriptures declares, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16

Signs and wisdom are the Side Shows which keep man from the Main Event. To be in awe and excited about signs and wisdom is not the same as to be in awe and excited about the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Scripture declares above in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 that people seek signs and wisdom, yet the gospel of Christ is a stumbling block and foolishness to them.

Many seek after witchcraft, which is both magical (signs) and mysterious (wisdom), yet do not seek after Christ.

Scripture declares, But without faith it is impossible to please him - Hebrews 11:6

Searching for a sign and wisdom is not what God requires nor is what is needed to receive salvation and a personal relationship with God. Salvation requires faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10

Are you enjoying the Main Event or just wasting your time and energy on Side Shows?

Which are you pointing others to?