Forgiveness hits hard in all directions and it is a part of many problems in organized religion today. I have seen the issue of divorce held on people to the point where preachers will not marry people who have been divorced. I have never understood this at all. I have seen preachers hold up as an example some vile person who God saved. They will proudly point out in detail the things God has forgiven them of. They will say that the sin is buried in the sea, as deep as east is from west, never to be remembered again by God against us. How do people on one hand preach this and then turn around and hold something against certain people. I see this type of what I call "situational forgiveness" as the downfall of many self proclaimed men of God. They pick their pet ideas and prioritize them to there liking. How else do you explain coming down so hard on an issue that the bible is so very clear on. Are they forgiven or not? If they are than get over your power trip and let it go. If not look at them and tell them that they have committed a sin that is unforgivable. Don't let them be a participating member and than tell them there not worthy of your blessings when it comes to marriage. This is one example of the standard operating procedure when it comes to forgiveness being used as a club for personal gain. I have blood squirting out of my ears and eyes every time I think about this control tactic. There are so many things in the bible that need no explaining and if simply followed, as written, will lead everyone to heaven. Why do we let these people convince us that they know more about this than we do. The bible clearly states that a child could figure it out.
Just line up the issues that have split lifelong friends and family and take a good look. Most of the issues had nothing to do with salvation. Most of the time it is a situation of people taking sides on an issue because of who they think is right and not what is right. I have a suggestion. Let's concentrate on the red letters in the bible. These are the word of Jesus. When we get that right then we can talk about these man made issues that keep Gods children at each others throats today. I am not impressed that you say you have seen the light when it comes to the book of revelation and cover up for sin right under your nose in broad daylight. We do not have a lack of knowledge. We have a lack of confidence. I am really trying to not give into the temptation to do what Rick warned against. "Throwing the baby out with the bath water."
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Jesus told the religious leaders of his day that they had replaced his teaching with their traditions. Some things never change, do they? It's not only sad, it's detrimental.
ReplyDeleteHard hitting, but true. I really like your suggestion of focusing on the red letters. If we did that, the black letters and gray areas would take of themselves. Salvation is so simple, yet man has made it so complicated.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your thoughts. I agree. I never have really understood Revelation as far as studying it for myself. There are certain areas of it in the beginning and the end that have been helpfull to me. But like you, there is so much of what Jesus said that we don't have yet. Yes, divorce has been held up as the sin that can't be forgiven and in error it has been so. You are right, people have not understood Jesus' words and choose their own hand picked scripture that they focus on. I have been a part of that in the past and am still in the process of being delivered from it. There are people that have great needs in their life that we need to help them get to Jesus, not a certain church, not understand Revelation, not hit with here's what you have to wear. They need directed on the letters in read and how to communicate with God so that He can tell them what they need to do. Thanks Denny.
ReplyDeleteAgree with your post here. There is a song I looked over today that I probably will post soon, but here is a verse that sticks out to me: "Could we be so busy being saved/Trying to impress a world that's long since lost its way/We pride ourselves in being set apart/Ye we don't take the time to touch a broken heart/Even if we've the the time to care/Would we take the risk involved in always being there?/Oh, we hold the very thing they need so very much/Somtimes the Word of God can pass through just a simple touch." The tag says, "We hide behind these walls and the security of friends/While beyond the stain-glassed windows/ The world is lost in sin." I like what you said about focusing on Christ's words. Something we all need to work on I'm sure. Thanks again for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo true. One man illustrated it something like this. Here comes a lady into our church. Her son is on drugs. Her husband is having an affair. The bills are past due. Or maybe she is waiting on the tests to come back to see if she has cancer (or maybe it's her mom's tests she's waiting for).
ReplyDeleteHeavy hearted and needing God desperately, she settles in to listen to the message. And what is the message? "Get rid of your pants, throw out your TV, grow your hair long, and start tithing."
There are some truths buried in the message. But it is overburdened with fanaticism and as Dennis said, with control issues. Or as someone else said "They major in the minors."
The good Samaritan didn't lecture the victim about being on the wrong road, going in the wrong direction, traveling alone, etc. He "bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine" and then took him to an inn.
There's something deep in those words "pouring in". We ought to concentrate first on getting healing to the inner man.
After the healing, there will be time to talk about externals.
That's really thought provoking...about Mary and funny you should mention something like this...there's a story behind the irony. I will say that if I do ever get this chance, I will do my best to prove myself a helper and not a judger. So glad God has helped me in times I should've been judged in. Mercy is priceless, and plentiful with God but in short supply with most people. It's an area you've inadvertently pointed out that "struck home". Good post.
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