Christianity is EASY?!?

I recently heard a pastor commented in his preaching that "Christianity is easy", and the context of his message was about the believer's call to holiness. Frankly, whenever I hear this lie proclaimed behind the pulpit, my gut churns protesting; 'show me where in the Bible does it say that being a Christ-follower is easy.' Here's just a handful of what I've gathered describing the Christian walk from the New Testament: • strive (agōnízomai) to enter through the narrow gate - Luke 13:24 • walk the narrow path - Matthew 7:13-14 • deny one's self - Luke 9:23 • carry your own cross daily • follow in His footsteps • lose one's life for Jesus' sake - Luke 9:24 • a slave [doulos] of the Lord [Kyriō] - 1 Corinthians 7:22 Need I cite more? Pre-Justification: In Luke 13:24, the original Greek word agōnízomai is translated as "strive" in the ESV but it truly weighs heavier when we realize that we get our English word "agonize" from it. So in teaching the entrance to Christianity, Jesus commanded us to; "Strive [agonize] to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." Sanctification: Saint Paul advised his young mentee Timothy to "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12). You're right if you guessed that the verb "fight" is the same Greek word agōnízomai. This counsel from the apostle strongly stresses that we ought to be ready for battle from all fronts (the flesh, this world and the enemy) as we work out our own salvation [sanctification] with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). Pre-Glorification: Near the end of his life, the Apostle Paul wrote again to Timothy declaring his version of mission accomplished; "I have fought [agōnízomai] the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7). After a life of striving/fighting/agonizing for the gospel in the Name of Jesus, Paul was confidently looking forward to completing his calling saying in verse 8; "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." You see, from the beginning till the end of the Christian life on earth, we are to "agōnízomai" for Christ's sake and for His glory. Christianity is not easy! It's not a walk in the park. We were never guaranteed a life free of trouble in this world. "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). But GOD has not left us alone and ill-equipped to face the challenges of life. He promised to be with us to help us and to fight our battles (2 Chronicles 32:8); not by our own might, nor by our own power, but by His Spirit, says the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). Moreover, the grace He bestowed that produced saving faith in us is tethered with the grace to endure any suffering He may allow our way. Here's what Philippians 1:29 assures us; "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake". The verse identifies two gifts GOD has given (granted) us for Christ's sake; the gift of faith (believe) and the gift of suffering. The two are inseparably coupled; you take one, you get the other. That is why a faithful presentation of the gospel includes counting the cost of being a slave of Christ. So for those who have been privileged to preach and teach the Word of GOD in whatever platform (including myself), here's my loving rebuke. Stop sugarcoating the gospel of Christ. It is not a topic you're supposed to expound with eisegetical contortionism. Do not tamper with the power of GOD – the gospel – which He ordained as the only means for the salvation of souls (Romans 1:16), bearing in mind that those who teach will be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1). + jourNics 2023-May-20