You’re exactly right...we really can’t...and i don’t think God let’s us get very far at all when we do!
However, that is not the same thing as when we take a stand against false teaching and counterfeit Christianity. Unfortunately those who follow false teachings seem to not understand that difference...and it was a difference Jesus clearly taught when He faced the false teachers of his day.
....And because they cannot understand the difference it is easy for them to cry out ‘persecution’ rather than be open to search the scripture in debates and find the truth.
The other day I was just reflecting on the fact of how Jesus’ harshest words were for the RELIGIOUS of the day.Just like the tax collector and Pharisee. Thank you God, that I am not like that *sinner* over there......
How many times have we seen THAT kind of mentality on FR?
Who was really important to Him and touched Him the most were the *sinners*, the same type still despised by the *religious* elite of today.