Civil Religious Discussions : all things Christianity II

[HoughMade]

Why do we accept that we're terrible, unworthy sinners when we accept Christ, then spend the rest of our lives trying to prove we're righteous?

I hope that I am spending the rest of my life trying to be righteous, not trying to prove anything.

That being said, every family member is called to help others to strive towards righteousness which, at time, involves what some may call "judgment." Done correctly, with the proper attitude and having already dealt with oneself, it is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

 

[DadSmith]

We say that, and believe it, then judge others, only show that we have "good" sin (e.g. pride), and make ourselves feel superior.

Our relationship with God matters, but so does our relation with other Christians and non-Christians.

Judgment of fellow Christians isn't supposed to happen right? Yet the Bible says you will know them by their fruits. So is that some type of Judgment?

 

[HoughMade]

Judgment of fellow Christians isn't supposed to happen right? Yet the Bible says you will know them by their fruits. So is that some type of Judgment?

Sure. Matthew 7:5. Everyone likes to quote the verses before it, and stop before they get to this one.

 

[DadSmith]

Sure. Matthew 7:5. Everyone likes to quote the verses before it, and stop before they get to this one.

If they produce bad fruit what are they?

Also read 1 Corinthians 6:2

Then let's not forget Hebrews 12:14

Revelation 22:14, 15

 

[NKBJ]

We are to judge angels.

 

[JettaKnight]

Judgment of fellow Christians isn't supposed to happen right? Yet the Bible says you will know them by their fruits. So is that some type of Judgment?

There's a difference between judging, and correcting. Instead of throwing rocks, we should throw out a hand to help our Brother get back on their feet. Yes, that means bringing them to the cross, but not rubbing their face in the dirt.

But my point was more directed to sidewalk preachers running around with a megaphone. Part of the world calling us hypocritical is an ad hominem attack and part of it is well deserved, IMHO, of course. Christians have become masters at hiding our own sins.

I was listening to someone on a podcast recounting how he came to his employer, a Christian organization, and admitting he was struggling with pornography. Their response was to fire him immediate. That's what I would describe as throwing rocks. Statistically, several other of his coworkers have the same struggle, but they're gainfully employed because they keep it hidden.

If a young girl admits to having a recent abortion, would she see Christ's face when she walks in on Sunday? If your youth pastor, a single man, came forward and said he was gay and committed to purity through celibacy, what would your churches response be? Do you fully believe that Christ bears all sins?

 

[NKBJ]

One of the nicer parts is realizing that in being fallen we actually are all hypocrites needing to be really good repenters. Kinda gets that out of the way, clearing the deck for what needs to come in and allowing everyone to get a realistic handle on the beams in their eyes. But that's not what being a judge is about.
We're here, functionaries in God's kingdom, present tense, with a job to do wearing many hats. One of them says
FRUIT INSPECTOR

 

[DadSmith]

One of the nicer parts is realizing that in being fallen we actually are all hypocrites needing to be really good repenters. Kinda gets that out of the way, clearing the deck for what needs to come in and allowing everyone to get a realistic handle on the beams in their eyes. But that's not what being a judge is about.
We're here, functionaries in God's kingdom, present tense, with a job to do wearing many hats. One of them says
FRUIT INSPECTOR

Some Christians think you have to belong to their denomination to get to heaven. It is ludicrous to believe such things. Can you imagine how few people would be in heaven if that were so. It is also not Biblical.

 

[2A_Tom]

Micah 6:8​

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

 

[NKBJ]

Pride being the biggy that it is, that walking humbly part can be a real problem.

<-- The wall we build for ourselves.

 

[JettaKnight]

Cross posted because it's Christian.

I'm not one for sensationalist reports or quick to grab the pitchfork, so when The Specator speaks...

Their podcast, The Holy Smoke, did an episode on the UK's hate speech enforcement and how it's frighteningly similar to the USSR's.
https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast...stians-is-the-last-legacy-of-the-soviet-union

TL/DR: It ends with a warning to Christians: start adding up the costs and prepare to stand up.

 

[Timjoebillybob]

I hadn’t spent any time with the Bible since what we called “weekday religious education” classes back in grade school (try THAT in a public school today!).

They have it in our local public schools here. They have a converted school bus they take around to the schools.

 

[tbhausen]

They have it in our local public schools here. They have a converted school bus they take around to the schools.

I’m surprised, but glad, to hear that.

 

[Timjoebillybob]

I’m surprised, but glad, to hear that.

IIRC there was an IN supreme court decision about it. Schools have to allow it, but they aren't supposed to have it on "school grounds". Which is why they have a converted bus. They took out all the seats and have a bench running around the inside.

 

[JettaKnight]

I was reading about the antics of Pastor Greg Locke, then reading about the life and death of Jonathon Edwards... what happened to American Christianity?!

Maybe I'm just looking at outliers... I pray so.

 

[HoughMade]

...Maybe I'm just looking at outliers... I pray so.

I hope so. Greg Locke is not high on my list for reliability...I'm sure his ex-wife agrees.

 

[2A_Tom]

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

[foszoe]

I was reading about the antics of Pastor Greg Locke, then reading about the life and death of Jonathon Edwards... what happened to American Christianity?!

Maybe I'm just looking at outliers... I pray so.

Well......

Perhaps when it ceased being Christianity in America and became American Christianity?

Nah.

Perhaps when it ceased being Christianity then became Roman Christianity, then Protestant Christianity, then American Christianity


Yeah.

 

[2A_Tom]

Anabaptists rule.

 

[JettaKnight]

I hope so. Greg Locke is not high on my list for reliability...I'm sure his ex-wife agrees.

If you're so hell-bent on your freedom and fighting tooth and nail for your freedom, then how can you be an effective slave to the Gospel?