With the hegelian dialect of politics, the continual shift to liberalism, conservatives by today's standards are very liberal by yesterday. Take JFK, a Democrat for example. If you were to look at his policies, he would be considered a far right conservative. We shouldn't be deceived. Many Christians who consider themselves conservative align themselves with politicians who are anti biblical. And those who claim to be tolerant compassionate Christians have adopted a new gospel. One for itching ears. Having a form of godliness, but denying it's power. We have to unite as biblical Christians. Not letting the world define our beliefs, but the word of God in its most literal sense.
Good point. And yes, in no way am I saying that we should tolerate false teaching. But I am saying we should open our ears to those who have believed (been deceived by) false teaching. I think those of us in the "conservative Christian" camp find comfort and safety in protecting the camp. It really would be easier to say that people have to be conservative to come in. But being good at holding our ground on conservative positions doesn't mean we're good at love. I'm calling for love. I don't mean a wishy washy feely feely love. I mean a strong and patient love that speaks the truth gently and kindly because it doesn't need the false strength of volume or anger to prove or defend itself. Thanks again for the comment! I always value it.
@@simplerfaith Absolutely. Totally agree. Love is imperative. What is love? Today people say love is love. That's not it. What does the bible say in the love chapter 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails. (what I find unique in here is it has nothing to do with sexual relations) Jesus followers need to be loving to all, friend and foe. I think it is strange that once we land in a camp, we stay committed to that for the rest of our lives. If I'm a 49er fan, I will be till the day I die. Whether they win lose or have poor character. And will never switch teams if they one I root for doesn't align with my values. Like the Jail Blazer era. I was out. "Conservatives" of today are aligned with something that isn't really biblical. And if we defend it lovingly, it's still unbiblical. Plus, we don't have to defend God or His positions. He can do that by himself. We need to align our beliefs with Him and nothing else. Not a church, a denomination, a creed, a public figure, etc. So, as we get together, we need to treat each other with respect, allowing for each others faults, and this is the biggie, being open to that fact I could be wrong and in need of a course correction.
I live a single Christian... alone... often overcome by besetting sins. But keep getting up to go to work and have been able to prosper and hope to continue. Tho I did recently smoke some weed which I do rarely so hope there is no random check at work.. prob be good. Truth is I'm too gone for fellowship etc. Can't adjust. Can't stay involved with the world either other than working and basic social contact. I live on God's mercy. Plenty of examples in the Bible. Had pastor's tell me years ago not to go to the local church.. and it got me all confused. Christians should be careful with other Christians. The Lord knows those who are His. And anyway I can see it.. these things happening. But I like listening to you ... fair and respectful. Folks are free to meet and shun when neccessary.
I'm glad I seem fair and respectful. That's my desire. And I'm sorry anyone told you not to go to the local church. Christians need to be careful with each other. And we have to be in fellowship with each other. Sure, each person has a different social need, but we all need to love others and be loved by others. I say this with a prayer of Philippians 1:9-11 for you.
I'll read that. Thank you. I'm not sure if you are aware of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. The controversy in Christendom surrounding their ministry.. That's what it was. I'm 57 now... but I was 19 and the pastor from the Baptist church " sat me down" to warn me of the cult of it and some of that remains today. Truth is I am the most reluctant Christian you will find. The Lord is the Lord. I "condemn Him to justify myself" it says O.T. somewhere. It's just that as a man.... a sinner.. my angst is toward God Himself and in many respects rightly so. If I had wings like a dove I would fly away. But work tomorrow and hiding nothing from Him. And ever wanting to escape... :) Thanks for your reply. I need to dig in to the Word. I talk to the Lord and hit the Psalms... but been awhile since a Phillipians read.
I might have responded in John’s words. 1 John 3:1-10 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Ya... look... man, humanity is fallen. Corrupted by SIN. He who knew no sin "became SIN" how about that nugget... that's heavy. Christ became sin? On the cross... yes.. so it says.. Was he a sinner then? May it never be! Nonetheless there it is. So our intellect our abilities our very being is fallen to sin. Sucks.... I don't like that. My spirit is alive with the Lord Spirit.
If it sounds like I stand for very little, it's probably because we (as a culture) confuse kindness and patience and gentleness with a lack of conviction. And if it sounds like I don't think the Bible is authoritative, I'm guessing you didn't listen the whole way through, or maybe that some buzzwords or the topic itself caused you to assume what I was saying (which is indicative of the problem I'm addressing in this video). I have a strong conviction that the scriptures are profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. A lot of churches act like they don't really believe that. They think that the "teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training" is best served by boiled down doctrinal statements and fired up discipleship programs. But what if we stopped adding to the scriptures and trusted that they don't need our help? What if we just started reading the scriptures together, believing that they are not just "authoritative," but good at communicating? I stand consistently on that conviction. As for how to deal with people who oppose God (or us), the scriptures tell us that love is patient and kind, and that we should gently instruct those who oppose us, and that the fruit of the Spirit includes patience, kindness, and gentleness. It also tells us that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. My hope and conviction is that by letting the "Mary Magdalenes" come in and read the scriptures with us, the Holy Spirit will bring conviction. And yes, there is a time to "cast out the wicked person" if they're stubbornly resisting correction. I'm sure I'll speak to that too at some point, but I think we're better at casting people out (socially, at least) than we are at gently instructing. Does that make more sense?
Your conviction is the correct conviction.
Thank you.
@@simplerfaith You're welcome.
With the hegelian dialect of politics, the continual shift to liberalism, conservatives by today's standards are very liberal by yesterday. Take JFK, a Democrat for example. If you were to look at his policies, he would be considered a far right conservative. We shouldn't be deceived. Many Christians who consider themselves conservative align themselves with politicians who are anti biblical. And those who claim to be tolerant compassionate Christians have adopted a new gospel. One for itching ears. Having a form of godliness, but denying it's power. We have to unite as biblical Christians. Not letting the world define our beliefs, but the word of God in its most literal sense.
Good point. And yes, in no way am I saying that we should tolerate false teaching. But I am saying we should open our ears to those who have believed (been deceived by) false teaching. I think those of us in the "conservative Christian" camp find comfort and safety in protecting the camp. It really would be easier to say that people have to be conservative to come in. But being good at holding our ground on conservative positions doesn't mean we're good at love. I'm calling for love. I don't mean a wishy washy feely feely love. I mean a strong and patient love that speaks the truth gently and kindly because it doesn't need the false strength of volume or anger to prove or defend itself. Thanks again for the comment! I always value it.
@@simplerfaith Absolutely. Totally agree. Love is imperative. What is love? Today people say love is love. That's not it. What does the bible say in the love chapter 1 Corinthians 13.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never fails.
(what I find unique in here is it has nothing to do with sexual relations)
Jesus followers need to be loving to all, friend and foe.
I think it is strange that once we land in a camp, we stay committed to that for the rest of our lives. If I'm a 49er fan, I will be till the day I die. Whether they win lose or have poor character. And will never switch teams if they one I root for doesn't align with my values. Like the Jail Blazer era. I was out.
"Conservatives" of today are aligned with something that isn't really biblical. And if we defend it lovingly, it's still unbiblical. Plus, we don't have to defend God or His positions. He can do that by himself. We need to align our beliefs with Him and nothing else. Not a church, a denomination, a creed, a public figure, etc.
So, as we get together, we need to treat each other with respect, allowing for each others faults, and this is the biggie, being open to that fact I could be wrong and in need of a course correction.
Amen amen and amen.
I live a single Christian... alone... often overcome by besetting sins. But keep getting up to go to work and have been able to prosper and hope to continue. Tho I did recently smoke some weed which I do rarely so hope there is no random check at work.. prob be good.
Truth is I'm too gone for fellowship etc. Can't adjust. Can't stay involved with the world either other than working and basic social contact.
I live on God's mercy. Plenty of examples in the Bible.
Had pastor's tell me years ago not to go to the local church.. and it got me all confused. Christians should be careful with other Christians. The Lord knows those who are His.
And anyway I can see it.. these things happening.
But I like listening to you ... fair and respectful. Folks are free to meet and shun when neccessary.
I'm glad I seem fair and respectful. That's my desire. And I'm sorry anyone told you not to go to the local church. Christians need to be careful with each other. And we have to be in fellowship with each other. Sure, each person has a different social need, but we all need to love others and be loved by others. I say this with a prayer of Philippians 1:9-11 for you.
I'll read that. Thank you. I'm not sure if you are aware of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee. The controversy in Christendom surrounding their ministry..
That's what it was. I'm 57 now... but I was 19 and the pastor from the Baptist church " sat me down" to warn me of the cult of it and some of that remains today.
Truth is I am the most reluctant Christian you will find. The Lord is the Lord. I "condemn Him to justify myself" it says O.T. somewhere.
It's just that as a man.... a sinner.. my angst is toward God Himself and in many respects rightly so.
If I had wings like a dove I would fly away. But work tomorrow and hiding nothing from Him. And ever wanting to escape... :)
Thanks for your reply. I need to dig in to the Word. I talk to the Lord and hit the Psalms... but been awhile since a Phillipians read.
I might have responded in John’s words. 1 John 3:1-10 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Yes, a good and relevant passage.
Ya... look... man, humanity is fallen.
Corrupted by SIN.
He who knew no sin "became SIN" how about that nugget... that's heavy.
Christ became sin? On the cross... yes.. so it says.. Was he a sinner then? May it never be! Nonetheless there it is.
So our intellect our abilities our very being is fallen to sin. Sucks.... I don't like that. My spirit is alive with the Lord Spirit.
You sound like you stand for very little. The Bible is the authority. Period.
If it sounds like I stand for very little, it's probably because we (as a culture) confuse kindness and patience and gentleness with a lack of conviction. And if it sounds like I don't think the Bible is authoritative, I'm guessing you didn't listen the whole way through, or maybe that some buzzwords or the topic itself caused you to assume what I was saying (which is indicative of the problem I'm addressing in this video).
I have a strong conviction that the scriptures are profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. A lot of churches act like they don't really believe that. They think that the "teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training" is best served by boiled down doctrinal statements and fired up discipleship programs. But what if we stopped adding to the scriptures and trusted that they don't need our help? What if we just started reading the scriptures together, believing that they are not just "authoritative," but good at communicating? I stand consistently on that conviction.
As for how to deal with people who oppose God (or us), the scriptures tell us that love is patient and kind, and that we should gently instruct those who oppose us, and that the fruit of the Spirit includes patience, kindness, and gentleness. It also tells us that the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. My hope and conviction is that by letting the "Mary Magdalenes" come in and read the scriptures with us, the Holy Spirit will bring conviction. And yes, there is a time to "cast out the wicked person" if they're stubbornly resisting correction. I'm sure I'll speak to that too at some point, but I think we're better at casting people out (socially, at least) than we are at gently instructing.
Does that make more sense?