This is a challenging period in church history because an increasing number of groups within the church are seeking to revise Christian beliefs.(1)
They believe:
1. We can love Jesus without accepting unpopular Bible commands.
2. If we represent Jesus accurately, we'll be popular with culture.
Neither of these beliefs is biblical. Now more than ever, we need to know that Scripture teaches:
1. We cannot love Jesus and reject some of the Bible's commands.(2)
John 14:21: "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me."
This truth is emphasized in John 14:15, John 14:23, John 15:10, 1 John 2:3, and 1 John 5:1-5.
2. We cannot accurately represent Christ and remain popular with culture.
Jesus tells us that His true followers will never be accepted by the people of the world.
Matthew 10:22: "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."
This truth is confirmed in John 15:18-22, 1 John 3:13, and in John 7:5-7.
Therefore, dear Christians: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).
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(1) The groups challenging Scripture call themselves a variety of names (revisionist Christians, ex-vangelicals, deconstructionists, and progressive Christians), but they are unified in their rejection of Scripture's teachings about women’s roles and LGBTQ issues. It's important that we understand the errors they are teaching so that we will not be influenced by them.
(2) Some in these groups claim that they only obey the commands accredited specifically to Christ, but all New Testament commands come from the Father, Son, and Spirit. They are in perfect unity. See John 14. For more on this: Why Not Simply Believe the Words of Christ?
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Bible Love Notes
I had a thought about the two well known "Pastors" who have decided they do not believe the Word anymore. The good thing about that move is, "They left the pulpit and are not deceiving with false teaching." JKH
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, Good to hear from you.
DeleteYes, I think it is good that they leave the pulpit so as not to deceive more people. We have plenty of deceiving teachers who have not stepped down!
God bless you.
Gail
I am surprised to see people who call themselves by the Lord's Name use the world's way of speaking or writing about homosexual activities instead of speaking quite plainly about it as does The Word Of God. It saddens me to see or hear this. Our Lord never compromised His Way to lessen the shame of anything that was against God's Way.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this Gail, I have failed badly in point 2 remaining popular with the world and joining in on things i shouldnt have. I really needed to read this and it cut me deeply. thank you. geoff
ReplyDeleteDear Custom,
DeleteThe first important step in turning from things we've done wrong is recognizing what we've done, and you have made that important step. God bless you! I've prayed that you will feel God's strength and guidance.