Tags
accusation, blogging, criminals, critics, faith, patients, relationship, theology
Somebody smart once compared a church to a hospital for souls. I like the analogy. Jesus Christ Himself is sometimes called the Great Physician. Luke 5:31-32 tells us, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
CS Lewis wrote the Screwtape Letters, a rather fabulous bit of satire, a debate between Demon Screwtape and Wormwood as they attempt to secure the damnation of “the patient.” It makes me laugh to this day because the nature of people has not changed much and it is a revealing peek into Christian theological issues versus relationship.
Theology and relationship should not be in conflict at all, but they often are. Theology and doctrine are important, I don’t mean to imply they are not, or that they should be compromised in any way, but Jesus says to Peter in John 21:17, “……Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Feed my sheep! Not, stab my sheep in the back of the head with your vast supply of theological truth and wisdom. God comes first of course, but then comes the needs of patient. Or so one would hope…
I’ve actually been chatting with not one, but four very reformed, very Calvanistic people trying desperately to plead my case. My case boils down to this one simple idea, “patients versus criminals.” I perceive these we are ministering to, as patients, while they perceive people more as criminals. All in good humor here, I know this because they keep reading me my rights and condemning me of heresy.
To perceive people as criminals is somewhat theologically correct, we are all criminals of a sort, dead men walking, in desperate need of redemption, salvation, an Advocate. However, theological truth does not trump relationship. Poor human behavior towards one another cannot excuse itself, justify itself because it’s hiding behind it’s vastly superior theology, serving only “the truth.” For goodness sakes people, the Truth is a person. Jesus says “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Right?
Am I the only one who has read about Jesus addressing this very same issue with the pharisees? Something, something…. broods of vipers? It is the pharisees who insist on putting theology before relationship.
Why is that problematic? Because it kills people’s faith. Faith is critically important. Read Jesus Christ’s words, over and over again he says, your faith has healed you. Not your theology, your faith.
Here is an example of how theology versus relationship can go all wrong in real life. I have a ton of unsaved family members. So you pray, you speak to them for some 30-40 years and then you take a day off to just lean into faith. You go to Acts 16:31, close your eyes, feel the music, and just place your faith in the promise there, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”
That’s faith.
And than along comes the Theological Ones to shriek, wrong, wrong, all wrong! They’re condemned all of them, your children, your parents, everyone you care about. Your faith is misplaced! The bible says, “no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Your faith won’t save them! Technically true perhaps, but is that really the right theology for the moment? Who is the patient here? Why are you running around stabbing the sheep?
It’s really a dreadful thing and I don’t mean to make light of it, but in my case it is somewhat comical. Any expression of faith becomes almost like crab bait, with the crabs coming from miles away to tell me I’m doing it all wrong. I am not alone, I watch this happen to other people all the time.
We Christians can be like a pack of hyenas sometimes, ready to pounce on the criminal and catch him in an act of…. faith. We’ve got that a bit backwards. Our brothers and sisters are patients, not criminals. As patients our job is to nurture and encourage faith and healing, not to point fingers and condemn criminals.
See, there's this thing called biology... 
“Am I the only one who has read about Jesus addressing this very same issue with the pharisees? Something, something…. broods of vipers? It is the pharisees who insist on putting theology before relationship.”
I just wanted to answer this question, you are not the “only one”. I have often told my Calvanistic friends that they spend all their time trying to convince Christ followers that their theology is right way while the rest of us try to tell those who don’t follow Christ that He is the only way.
LikeLiked by 3 people
“I have often told my Calvanistic friends that they spend all their time trying to convince Christ followers that their theology is right way while the rest of us try to tell those who don’t follow Christ that He is the only way.”
Ahhh, I like that! That’s really good, it sums up the whole nature of the problem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well…hmm.
I happen to have pretty Calvinistic leaning when it comes to our nature and the nature of sin. We ARE all criminals, in that we are guilty of violating God’s law and deserve punishment for it. I do actually believe that understanding that about ourselves is part of coming to Him.
I happen to be totally on board with the Sola of for God’s Glory too.
But….you said this well. A wee bit of compassion would not hurt us a bit. God is quite multifaceted and of many attributes. He has each one of them in equal part. He is all….of all of them.
LikeLiked by 4 people
I hear you, Wally. I’m picking on the Calvanists and reformed today, but really it’s not Calvanism that’s the problem, it’s the idolatry of our theology.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well..yes we can make idols out of it. Look, the truth is, some day everyone of you rockheads will realize how right I was about it all…but in the meantime we can be brethren right? I do love this discussion very much.
Oh, and those 40,ooo denominations? There is a perfectly good reason for that. Nobody has all the answers locked in this side of heaven, and while we are here, it’s good to associate with those of “like faith and order” so to speak. I count as brother’s and sisters many who I might not attend church with regularly, and that is perfectly ok. Doctrinal agreement among those who associate provides an uncluttered environment in which to worship. It’s all good.
@Becky. Yep, it is Jesus who makes the difference. Perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No no, you are not the only one who has addressed these issues. There are at least 7,000 more. Give or take. lol
You make a fine point and a correct one, that while God may see ‘good’ people as ‘criminals,’ we should be a bit slower to pick up the first stone. Patience with the patients perhaps.
And while some may immediately say ‘not so fast CS……’ for ‘none are good, no not any’ I would say, yep, true enough before God, while at the same time Zacharias and Cornelius were ‘good’ men, as the scriptures plainly state.
Here’s a heresy: Some atheists are good people. Smite these words!, but they are true. Good is a matter of perspective, but morality is not spirituality, and herein lies the difference. Teaching doctrine to unbelievers is spiritual malfeasance and hopeless, especially election, but chastising other believers who actually are walking with the Lord in the cool of day is a thousand times worse.
Many would agree me that you have struck the correct balance between faith and works, good and bad, law and grace. Fight that ‘good’ fight msb.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Patience with the patients, well said! I like that very much.
It’s a tragic comedy when you have a former pastor now an evangelizing atheist using the same accusatory words that some Christians are using.
It makes me want to say, you were a jerk when you thought yourself saved and you’re jerk now that you think yourself not saved. There’s only one common denominator here and it isn’t God at all. It’s you. I think there’s a slight possibility you’re just a jerk. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
If the zeal that an AA member has now (evangelizing atheist) was evident when one was a believer………..he would never have left pure water for the well of despondency. lol but sad too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve been thinking about this a lot today.
I love and embrace theology.
But the thing is, good theology is not what some people claim it is. Good theology is actually very freeing and approachable. Good theology would say that both the “criminal” and “patient” labels are true, and then offer the parole plan and/or prescription. It tells us how to be freed and/or healed. Theology tells us of God’s delight in us, the intimate walk he desires with us, and the generosity with which he approaches us. That’s all right there, in Scripture.
Where doctrine goes wrong is when it becomes a hobby rather than a tool, and when it’s wielded by abrasive people who can’t even manage decent dinner conversation.
Tim Challies, big time discernment guy himself, once reflected on whether his words would be so harsh if the person were standing right there. Too many of his followers evidently skipped that article. Scripture without love is un-Scriptural. Or as Laurens van der Post said, “Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right.”
LikeLiked by 9 people
That’s an awesome comment, Brandon. Thanks, I really appreciated that.
Some nice, sensible balance. Works for me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree with Wally (and you, IB, because you said as much) that we’re criminals. But we’re all criminals. So that doesn’t mean I am any different from anyone else. Christ is the one who makes the difference. We were patients, healed by His stripes, so I think it’s concomitant to see people as both-and.
Becky
LikeLiked by 3 people
Christ is the one who makes the difference.
Amen to that for sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope you would welcome a both/and rather than an either/or. I know that, apart from the redemption accomplished by Christ, I am a criminal; but he has made me a saint. I’m still in the healing process, ergo, still a patient.
Likewise, a compassionate relationship accompanied by bad theology can lead to a lot of trouble. That said, proper theology delivered with a bad attitude is also a problem, as you illustrate so well. As one sainted church leader used to say, “Keep the message straight! Get the message out!” He would agree with you that the latter cannot be done without a gentle and loving attitude. J.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hopefully by now you recognize that my comments unanimously approve, support, and agree with you. I truly do appreciate the obvious ministry God has been daily performing in and through you. I pray for His continued blessings upon you and yours (saved or not). Patience with the patients is truly the heart of God’s call.
This post struck a nerve close to my heart – theology vs, relationship. You stated, “ Theology and relationship should not be in conflict at all, but they often are.” – AND – “However, theological truth does not trump relationship.” In a previous post the issue of maintaining a proper BALANCE was perused. In THAT light, please allow me to elaborate. NOT to refute your points, but to merely add my personal slant – MY Theology.
There are three basic definitions of theology:
1) the study of God and God’s relation to the world.
2) the study of religious faith, practice, and experience.
3) a system of religious beliefs or ideas.
I understand this post (Patients versus Criminals) has incorporated the THIRD definition of theology and quite properly admonishes that such “does NOT trump relationship”. Sadly, most people are inclined to acknowledge the THIRD definition without regard for the FIRST, resulting in a ‘relationship’ with a religion – but NOT God. Such unfortunate substitution is more common than not and ONLY the FIRST definition can result in establishing a right relationship with God.
By that I mean, unless and until ‘theology’ becomes an individual, personal study, definitions TWO and THREE will only lead to false religions.
Conversely, a person whose theology is truly based upon the FIRST definition is more apt to appreciate that PROPER Theology is equated with PROPER relationship with God. You shall know the TRUTH – both THE PERSON and THE WAY…
“And than along comes the Theological Ones to shriek, wrong, wrong, all wrong!”
In light of the contrast between the THREE definitions the passage quoted (Acts 16:31) is BEST understood as a prophetic message fulfilled in the following verses of the narrative:
“Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household” – Ac.16:32-34.
As a pastor, I’ve experienced through many years of counsel with hopeful family members who believe Ac. 16:31 to be a universal eternal truth (a verse true for everyone, everywhere, forever) their many expressions of personal FAITH. But theologically – within the proper context of the entire narrative, it applies ONLY to the immediate persons in THAT particular scenario.
“And than along comes the Theological Ones to shriek, wrong, wrong, all wrong!”
That’s NOT to infer that God would not honor similar hopes for other’s families – just that it is NOT to be construed as sound doctrine to EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, FOREVER. Sound doctrine properly employs ALL THREE definitions of ‘theology’, while false belief systems (and false religious dogmas) are built upon a preference of merely ONE definition, omitting and/or rejecting the other TWO – ALWAYS resulting in FALSE HOPES!
The sad fact that many depend upon WRONG relationships reinforces the need for right theology. Distortions of Scripture, or complete ignorance of it, cause many people to exist in a state feigned well-being. Thinking that they have a right relationship with God (when they DO NOT), their relationship trumps theology in their minds.
“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” – 2Tim. 3:7.
“…is that really the right theology for the moment? Who is the patient here? Why are you running around stabbing the sheep?”
Actually, far better to speak the truth, than withhold it thinking you’ve spared some pain.
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” – Pr. 27:6.
“Our brothers and sisters are patients, not criminals. As patients our job is to nurture and encourage faith and healing, not to point fingers and condemn criminals.” Very true, but when the time comes for the patient to start rehabilitation therapy, ‘no pain, no gain’ is an appropriate admonition.
Such is the benefit of sound theology.
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” – Heb. 5:12.
OUCH?
And that is the ‘rest of the story’… God bless you, Gabriele.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Again, I’m with you on this one, IB.
I already commented on the 16th century “criminal” metaphor on your other post. While technically true, it’s not a good metaphor for showing the absolute beauty and splendor of the Gospel. We are compelled by love (2 Cor.5:14). It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance (Rom.2:4), not by calling people criminals (no matter how true that statement may be).
And to your point about Jesus coming as a “Physician.” Many use Isaiah 53 as a proof text to say God had to punish Jesus so He didn’t have to punish us (Courtroom metaphor again), not only does this conflict with Jesus’ teachings about His Father, Matthew already gave us divine commentary on Isaiah 53…
“When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” (Matt.8:16-17 – CAPS mine)
Matthew is referring to Isaiah 53, saying that healing (restoration to wholeness) is why Jesus came. It was a rescue mission, not an appeasement to sooth an angry judge which pits the Father against Jesus (God has to save us from God!). Theologian George McDonald said that’s the worst form of bad doctrine. It’s really no better than the idea of throwing virgins in a volcano so some god won’t burn your village!
Okay, I’m sure I poked a stick in someone’s eye…better go. I’ll let you patch ’em up. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Mel – I agree, and please allow me to add: “God against God” concepts originate in confusion over Trinitarian dogma that unfortunately never rectified the unsettled questions that arise from the term ‘persons’ used in describing the triune nature of the Godhead. Failure to accept the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit has resulted also, because the idea of three distinct ‘persons’ contradicts the notion of only ONE GOD. I have written many Articles attempting to explain that ‘persons’ should more appropriately be comprehended as equal “manifestations’ or ‘essences’ of the ONE SAME Being.
As long as one considers ‘persons’ as separate ‘beings’, the concept of Trinity is reduced to different gods, which is absolutely contrary to what Scripture declares. Therefore, the understanding that God’s wrath against sin (because of His righteousness) must be satisfied, easily equates God’s judgment transference to His Son in human rationale = the Father and the Son are different ‘people’ (which is NOT Biblical). Or the Father is greater than the Son, or over and in charge of the Son, (in contrast to eternal equality), is wrongly taught and believed by some.
The fact is that many Scriptures seem to imply that concept when ripped from the over-all proper context of their original meaning (such as Jesus referring to His Father prior to His Ascension), while ignoring the Scriptural teaching that Christ ’emptied Himself’ – “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond-servant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” – Phil. 2:6-8.
Then the ideology regarding hierarchy within the Godhead further distorts God’s true revelation of Self and Purpose.
God is Love. God is Truth. God is Salvation. Merely three among many, but used to further illustrate my point. God is ALL these things (and so much more), but without them, it is NOT TRUE GOD we are dealing with. GOD is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, LOVE, TRUTH, and Salvation are God. The term ‘persons’ is NOT an adequate representation of the manifold attributes and plethora of manifestations GOD utilizes to reveal Himself and/or His plans to mankind – especially when inappropriate distinctions between His several personifications are derived.
GOD is ONE. There is only ONE TRUE GOD. What man must understand is that GOD, to be TRUE GOD, is so far beyond mere human comprehension, that we must stop trying to create explanations that satisfy our human curiosities and pondering. Would we actually deem God worthy of anything less than incomprehension?
LikeLiked by 2 people
“The term ‘persons’ is NOT an adequate representation of the manifold attributes and plethora of manifestations GOD utilizes to reveal Himself and/or His plans to mankind – especially when inappropriate distinctions between His several personifications are derived.”
I would agree. “Person” isn’t an accurate term. This is the trouble the ante-Nicene fathers ran into before coming up with the Trinitarian doctrine. In trying to find language to explain God, we always risk reducing Him to our level, thus misrepresenting Him in some way if this is not properly understood. For instance, even the term “Father” is a relational term, not one of gender. God is neither male nor female. His relationship to Christ is like a Father to a Son, just like it is to us. Another easy example in Scripture: women are “sons,” men are also part of the “bride.” These are relational terms, not gender (male/female). The relationship is much more dynamic than static “persons.” But the best we can do is use metaphor.
One more thing on gender and personhood. The Greek word for spirit (pneuma) is neuter (can technically be he or she); the Hebrew word for spirit (ruach) is feminine. Of the 89 times ruach is found in the Old Testament, 80 references are feminine, 44 of which (including Gen 1:2 and throughout Judges) accompany feminine verbs. If we understood this better we wouldn’t get so bent out of shape when we see God depicted as an African American woman. He’s not an angry while male either! But that’s a different can of worms! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mel – Good stuff, Your statement: “God is neither male nor female” is true ONLY in certain arguments, Actually God is BOTH male and female – created in His likeness, humanity if also male and female. But I fear this complicates things even worse.
Best we drop anchor on my thoughts = “What man must understand is that GOD, to be TRUE GOD, is so far beyond mere human comprehension, that we must stop trying to create explanations that satisfy our human curiosities and pondering”.
Peace!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Amen. He’s neither and both! I told a long-time atheist friend of mine one time that if you can’t handle paradoxes you won’t understand much about God. Brain goes tilt and locks up long before we have it all figured out! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly my point about the incomprehensible nature of TRUE GOD. Anything less is less of a god.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Correction to my last comment: I meant “white male,” not while male (that has a totally different connotation!) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Understood, even without the correction. God’s ‘maleness’ is important to forming a proper concept of the ‘form of humanity’ in which He appeared to us. Scripture clearly distinguishes Christ as MALE so ass to erase any possible notion of a female deity, as many Eastern religions teach.
LikeLike
Yes, Jesus is a human male from Judah. Of course, He’s also the Eternal Son (hypostatic union). And, yes, we don’t want to confuse the many ways the Spirit is depicted in a feminine way as being a goddess. That’s altogether different. This is why, other than Jesus, we can’t get too far adrift into the gender debate. It misses the point and leads to wrong ideas about God.
I did think “angry while male” typo would get a hearty “amen” from some of the women, though. I think my wife would agree with that one. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, angry while male is indeed too often my immediate state of mind when grappling with my ‘better half’! LOL. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“I did think “angry while male” typo would get a hearty “amen” from some of the women, though.”
Ha! 🙂
Something I find really charming is God’s perfect harmony, His restorative love. Eve eats the apple, but it is a woman who also gives birth to our Savior. Adam who takes no responsibility in the garden, comes back around in the man who is Joseph and takes full responsibility for a woman and child that isn’t even really his.
We do have God as Father and Jesus as a male, but we also have a Savior who made Himself small and curled Himself up inside a woman. He came from high but brought Himself low on our behalf.
The paradoxes within the story relating to gender are really quite beautiful. That’s why I often call the bible a love story.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I really empathize with those trying to speak of the Trinity. I realized some time ago that I simply haven’t got the words to do Him justice. Our language is so limiting and there is just nothing on earth to relate Him too. I can’t even speak of God outside the context of gender because our brains just have no idea what “not gender” is. God has personhood…. but God is not a person.
Our little neurons can only fire and make connections based on things we already know and see.I think God is well aware of this and I empathize with His parables and attempts to communicate with us. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” It’s a totally new concept, completely foreign to our brains. How do you even try to communicate such ideas with people whose brains are like ours?? We have to look at something we already know, the mustard seed, and attempt to imagine the connection and relationship that we don’t know and can’t know.
I like the idea of people being mind, body and spirit. So 3 parts in one, or one part in 3, people made in the image of God.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very true – at least in my mind. If GOD were easy to explain He would immediately find a permanent resting place on MT. Olympus with the other ‘action heroes’. Scripture reveals Him as OMNIPOTENT, not sharing particular powers or authority with distinct persons (like Greek gods). Scripture attributes ALL Authority to GOD, whether Father, Son, or Holy Spirit, burning bush, or firey pillar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the post! I think it an excellent explanation of these verses.
One day John:1-14 capture my attention. It struck me that Jesus was full of both grace and truth. Not just one or the other.
Truth: Jesus died on the cross in our place because we are criminals.
Grace: Because we are His patients, He cured us of our sin by accepting our guilt upon Himself.
How can I be worthy of what He did for me? When He died for my sin, what makes me think I have any right judge another sinner?
He commanded us to spread His Gospel of love, not condemnation. We tell our fellow criminals of His Truth so that they too can become His patients and accept His Grace. In the end, He will judge. It is not our place to do so.
To avoid sin, we judge sin, not people. We avoid shameless sinners because we have no other choice. But to any to have ears to hear we spread the Gospel.
LikeLiked by 6 people
Amen, Tom! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes. I like that comparison, Tom. We criminals are His patients. From our perspective, other people should be looked at as fellow patients.
LikeLiked by 2 people
When I began exploring Christianity, what struck me most was the emphasis on loving the unlovable, which to me at the time was about the most backward thing a person could do. Yet, the more I learned in knowledge and spirit, the more my own heart opened to the concept and when I started giving to others the love and grace I so undeservedly had received, the more I thirsted to know about this God who could make me want to do such a crazy thing like actually love an unlovely neighbor as I would myself.
I’m not sure if my babbling is making any sense. The bottom line I guess for me is that love prepped the scene for learning to occur and I don’t think you can have one without the other. But what do I know…
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s perfect, Tricia. That’s exactly what it’s like! Grace has a very reflective nature about it and we kind of have to receive it ourselves to understand it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, I’m putting this at the top of my list of favorite IB posts!!! And the discussion is excellent! I can say amen to everyone so far. Nice!
But I have to share the verses hubby and I finished with this morning in our daily reading….actually, I want to post this on all the Positive President Trump sites, where trolls slip in and try to destroy us (and IB I know that happens to you! So this discussion has been great – but it bordered on an argument about Calvinism – lol):
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL! Thanks Debbie! Those are wise words indeed, “don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.”
I am forever weighing and measuring that truth. There’s a time to put your foot down and take a stand, and a time to realize you’re just quarreling for the sake of quarreling. 🙂
LikeLike
I always remember in Genesis, when Adam and Eve ate from the apple and God banished them from the garden…He still wrapped them up in proper clothes. I was shocked – they have just died spiritually, been banished from the garden, Eve condemned to birthing pains, Adam condemned to suffer in toiling the earth, not to mention the fact that thousands of generations of humanity are now condemned…and yet God clothes them, symbolizing the blood of Christ that clothes believers now. His love is still there, and His plan to save humanity begins there, even after such betrayal. By all accounts He could have erased Adam and Eve and started over with a more faithful lot…but yet He still sent His only Son…
Throughout the ages even God’s most faithful people screwed up big time, from David with his adultery and murder (which I would think is much more sinful than innocently reading a book) to Peter denying Christ THREE times…and yet they were all given the opportunity to become reconciled again, made right, forgiven, by turning back to God.
God’s justice is restorative FIRST. His first will is reconciliation, otherwise we could all easily be in hell already. So you’re right, IB, He is the Great Physician. We all keep hurting ourselves and hurting others, leaving behind a scene that looks like a spiritual drive-by…and God is the First Responder, coming to heal those who ask for it. If the bleeding patients deny treatment then it is on them, but God is always ready to forgive the guilt-stricken and heal the broken-hearted.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Exploring the Beginning | lovelifeandgod
Great post IB, reading through the list of comments obviously something that hit a exposed nerve. “The Screwtape Letters” lays next to me only because we are moving and the book was found wedged between sofa cushions yesterday. I was reminded of C.S. Lewis’ start into the journey of faith; “In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God…perhaps the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.”
“The devil…the prowde spirite,,,cannot endure to be mocked.” Thomas More
I could get lost for hours studying, discussing and praying God’s Word, it’s quite another to live it out in a “show and tell” kind of day to day manner. If there is one think my husband and I have learned these past few years, especially living in an RV community, is that words, however theologically sound they may be mean absolutely nothing if not lived out. There is nothing that has brought to light faster my own “prowde spirit” in need of further sanctification that when I or my husband have faced mocking, scorn, ridicule or plain criminal activity. Something this lifestyle affords on a daily basis, as I am sure many of your readers frequently have opportunity to respond in a “Christlike manner” as well.
In reading through those our Lord had the greatest “success” in ministry with, it was those who knew themselves to be sinner, criminal or whatever term indicated they were in desperate need of a Savior.
What it will take for this very divided Body of Christ to see we all share a common foe and all share in a common desperate need of both salvation and continual sanctification that Jesus alone offers us, this I do not know. What I do know is that when our Lord does return, He is coming for One Body, One Bride, in One faith, under One Lord with One Spirit and One baptism.
I do know and have witnessed that though there are many who are quick to see the “criminal” in others, through the perseverance and pleading of prayer on the basis of God’s mercy, through the power of His Word and Holy Spirit, the blindest of eyes can be opened, the deafest of ears can be unstopped to hear, the hardest of hearts softened enough to stoop low in humble submission. Praying for you IB my sister in the Lord!
LikeLiked by 3 people
The ‘problem’ of disunity within the ranks of Christendom is that it is perceived as a reality when in FACT (spiritual truth) it is really another lie from the pit of hell to pervert His ongoing ministry in this world. Such distortion leads non-believers to reduce Christianity to levels merely equal to any other religions, the convenient observations of atheists.
Christ’s true universal Body is made up ONLY of actual and quite literally born again believers – who are really members of His Body by virtue of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The reality of such existence (being truly born again) is entirely dependent upon God through Grace, not of ourselves. God initiates it and maintains it, entirely independent and in contrast to all opposing views.
Therefore, any self identity with Christianity apart from a real personal encounter with Christ (which results in the indwelling of His Spirit) is merely nominal at best. Too many people perceive Christianity as merely a religion and their focus is on self allegiance to it’s teachings, rather than a personal relationship with THE TEACHER.
Saying you’re a Christian doesn’t necessarily make you one. So many who claim to be Christians are NOT, perpetuating the myth that the Body of Christ is divided and unity will only occur in the after-life (which many false doctrines equate with being born again – an experience to be realized ONLY in the resurrection). But for those who have ALREADY been truly born again, we are eternally joined by His Spirit in us in unity.
“Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I am of Cephas, or I am of Christ’. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” – 1Cor. 1: 12-13.
The above question is of course rhetorical – REALITY is Christ is NOT divided, thanks be to God!
LikeLike
Your comment reminds me of how the bible tells us to “preserve the unity.” The unity is already established, it’s a done deal,so we aren’t called to create it or enforce it, just to not foul it up. Preserve what is already a given. Of course, as people we always have trouble following instructions.
Our pastor likes to ask,how many churches are there around here? It always stumps everyone, but the answer is supposed to be “one.” I sense the truth in that sometimes, I can feel it, especially when we’re talking to other people from all over the country,all over the world even, and many of us really are all on the same page.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those who truly are in Christ are united – to an eternal kingdom – meanwhile, our flesh continues its course of rebellion, destined for the grave. Perhaps the awareness of the perpetual struggle within us between the spirit and the flesh reinforces the false impression of disunity. What day in April is designated for self-flagellation? LOL
LikeLike
I have heard that analogy and agree that it is indeed a very good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I happen to love “The Screwtape Letters”. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person