All About GOD - Growing Relationships with Jesus and Others
Is this what religion has become?
Religion:
Politics:
Religion:
Politics:
Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
Titus 3:1-2 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
I really think the religious community needs to get above the political community. We, as Christians, are to be better than that and be example setters. But there are hundreds of videos out there of one religion bashing another or one Christian bashing another.
Just had a friend who is Charismatic post against Christian's trick or treating on Halloween. I asked if Romans 14:5-6 didn't come into play and he adamantly said no it doesn't. That we're playing with fire to do so. I didn't say anything further because it would be nothing more than an argument and friendships would suffer damage at that point. From the above scriptures, it's clear to me that we're to stay away from false prophets, or perhaps even away from those who's beliefs do not mesh with our own, but to keep away in this manner, rather than slander them. But due to my friend's posting, I did a bit of Halloween researching to settle my own thoughts on it. I will still take my son trick or treating because he likes candy as much as any child. Other than that, that's all it is to me...my child getting candy. But that's my choice and I don't ask anyone else to make that choice for themselves but do what is in their heart to do. Yet from all I read and other discussions, those dead set against it seemed to be so vocal against those who see nothing wrong with it and I wonder why is that? To do so, it seems to me that they are in violation of Romans 14, and Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Jesus stood against false teaching, but did so peaceably. He didn't go out and make videos and plaster them on television and the internet...and that wasn't just because TV and the internet hadn't yet been invented, but because it wasn't His nature. But sadly, the Christian community seems to be more and more like the secular one everyday.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Seek on
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I wanted to say I feel this applies here at AAG as well. We all get into debates, sometimes that turn into heated arguments and we end up calling down each other and why? It's most often over differences in religious aspects. I don't think it's ever been about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But it's those things that have created Pentecostal, Baptist, Nazarene, Methodist, etc. etc....it's the: Should a Christian wear makeup, woman wear pants stuff of the old Pentecostal days. It's should we speak in tongues, hold communion every week, stand on the street corner passing out tracts, read only the KJV version of the Bible, etc. I think it's why I've learned to appreciate my own pastor in that I've learned there are a few things he may preach and believe that I don't, but I can listen to what I do agree with without letting others, which have nothing to do with the Gospel of Christ, cause me to stop listening to him. I'm learning a take it or leave it attitude until God gives me some revelation from His Word whether I'm right or wrong on an issue. I had considered trying another church, until I read their online doctrines and realized, I agree more with my church than any others I've found so I'm sticking. LOL
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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on
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I wanted to say I feel this applies here at AAG as well. We all get into debates, sometimes that turn into heated arguments and we end up calling down each other and why?
Because most people do not know how to discuss issues and stay on topic. You will also find that mudslinging often occurs when the person has no new info to add to the discussion. At that point they revert to personal attacks ... happens time and again. This is when I usually step in and put a stop to the discussion.
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Permalink Reply by journeyman on
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Love you both. So very blessed to call you my family.
your brother in Christ,
jm
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Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! I recognize that guy from somewhere. Cannot put my finger on where, but I'm sure we've met at some point. ;-)
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Permalink Reply by Steve on
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Hi - I know this is a bit old now, but I just wanted to add my two cents. First post here, so I'm sorry if I'm circumventing some protocol.
@Seek - I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiment here. This was a stumbling block for me when I was first seeking God: the fact that Christians can't even agree on what it means to be a Christian. I do not have any Christian friends, so when I was first searching for answers it was completely online. I didn't hear the Gospel for what it was, until I stumbled upon Ray Comfort's sermon, "Hell's Best Kept Secret."
I humbly submit that God's grace through the Lord Jesus Christ is way more important than any secondary doctrine we could disagree on.
I heard a story that says that while Mohammed was formulating his religion, he interviewed two Christian pastors. The two men argued about doctrine the entire time, completely missing the opportunity to lead Mohammed to Jesus. We all know the result of that. Now, I'm not sure of the validity of the story, but the point is certainly well taken. This applied to my own situation, and unless I kept seeking I would not know Jesus.
Not that we shouldn't be concerned about false teachers -- but if we could help folks to follow Jesus, and read their Bibles daily, a lot fewer people would fall into false teaching.
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AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN! You just echoed my sentiments. There's way more time spent on arguing finer points and bashing each other than in telling people what Christ really is about. And He was certainly not for fighting amongst the various churches. And I know too that we don't ignore false teachers, but I'm willing to bet the reason we have so many is because there's no sound doctrine taught anymore so false teachers can have a field day with the uninformed. Effort might be better spent on teaching the true Gospel of Christ than in pointing out who's a false teacher. Then the people will be equipped to recognize false teaching.
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Agreed! And, for what it's worth, I brought my kids trick or treating, too! :-)
My own personal desire is that I'd rather not celebrate Halloween, but my wife and relatives enjoy dressing the kids up and going to get candy, so I do it out of love for them. Paul became "all things to all people" (1 Corinth 9:22) by doing the things that they did. Why? To get closer to them, earn their trust, and share the Gospel with them in a way that shows how the Law exposes their sin and that they are in desperate need of the Lord Jesus for forgiveness.
If I said, "Halloween is evil! Stay away from that sinful holiday!" would that lead them to Christ? Doubtful. And if it did, it would probably only be out of guilt, not out of Jesus's love. Guilt is temporary.
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LOL I'd rather not do trick or treat either. It's hard on my back and feet. I'd rather inside where it's cozy and warm, relaxing after a hard day of work. BUT...when you have a 9 yo seeing everyone get to go out and have fun seeing what candy they can get, being a stick in the mud can, as you say, put them more against Christianity than for it as they get older. They can begin to view it as a hindrance rather than something to be enjoyed serving Christ.
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