On Sunday, we explored the process of coming to faith, reflecting on Francis Chan’s convicting traits of lukewarm people. These traits serve as a warning against living as “nominal Christians”—individuals who overlay religious practices onto pre-decided lifestyles without true transformation.

In his book Crazy Love, Francis Chan identifies these characteristics of lukewarm faith:

• Serving God and others, but only within convenient limits.
• Loving conditionally, prioritizing those who love them back.
• Giving Jesus a part of their lives without allowing Him full control.
• Wanting salvation from sin’s penalty without a genuine desire to change.
• Measuring goodness by comparison to the secular world.
• Attending church regularly because it’s expected, not out of love for God.
• Following God out of obligation rather than delight.
• Avoiding sharing their faith to prevent discomfort or rejection.
• Focusing on earthly life while neglecting an eternal perspective.
• Admiring radical acts for Christ but avoiding personal involvement.
• Giving only when it doesn’t disrupt their lifestyle.
• Structuring life to avoid dependence on God.
• Doing the bare minimum to ease guilt without deep commitment.
• Cherishing comfort and rarely sacrificing for the needy.
• Feeling secure in faith based on tradition rather than transformation.

Which of these have the sting of conviction for you?

A “Boring” Faith
After the Second Great Awakening, dramatic conversion stories became a hallmark of faith in America. While these stories can inspire, they sometimes overshadow the validity of quiet, steady growth in faith. My prayer for my kids—and the kids we baptize at Waypoint—is that they would live with a “boring” faith, never going a day without knowing the Lord.

Steps to Coming to Faith

1. Recognize: Ask yourself, Am I saved? If this question stirs your heart, it’s likely the Spirit is already at work. Lean into it.
2. Repent: Identify areas where the Lord is calling you to change. What idols or behaviors need surrendering?
3. Release: Pray a prayer of surrender, inviting Jesus to take control of your life. Use this prayer as a guide:Lord Jesus, I surrender to You.
   I confess that I am a sinner and ask for Your forgiveness.
   I turn from my sins and invite You to take control of my life.
   I believe You died for my sins and rose again from the dead.
   Help me trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.
   May Your Holy Spirit fill me, guide me, and lead me now and forever. Amen.