Making a Difference

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds,
and I will show you my faith by what I do.

-- James 2:18

Do Christ-followers make a difference in the world? And would life really be any different had Jesus never been born?

These are fundamental questions that our skeptical society raises about Christianity. And they're nothing new. In fact, disbelievers and doubters have been around since Jesus' death and resurrection. Nevertheless, they're questions that deserve honest answers.

And the answers are all around us. Several years ago, D. James Kennedy and

Jerry Newcomb responded by writing the book, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? Foremost it contends that no Jesus means no Church. This is the same Church that helped stop slavery, cannibalism and the killing of children -- all permissible practices in their respective cultures. Modern hospitals trace their origin to the church. And it's also likely that mankind would be less educated in a Christ-less world. For example, all but one of America's first 123 colleges were Christian institutions. Harvard was even founded on this statement:

"Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3."

If Jesus had never been born, there would also be no Church to promote the biblical principles of free enterprise, private property rights and the work ethic. It's because the United States was largely founded by Christ-followers that The Declaration of Independence cites self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator. Our nation also recognizes the rule of law rather than the authority of man -- a concept traced back to the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. Even the words embossed on the Liberty Bell comes from the Bible: "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof..."

The truth is that Chris-followers and the Church HAVE made a big difference over the last 2,000 years. Today, Christ-followers continue to change the world in ways both small and large, such as by delivering meals to shut-ins and constructing housing for the homeless. Samaritan's Purse, the Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, distributes Christmas packages internationally as an expression of Christ's love for the world's children. This organization also helps thousands of refugees cope with man-made and natural disasters, such as the 2004 tsunami that devastated Indonesia and other nations, as well as the deadly wildfires that swept through California in November 2018.

Their accomplishments are undeniable. But what Christ-followers must never forget is the Power behind the difference they make:

"I am the vine; you are the branches," declares Jesus. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."