Posted on 09/07/2020 7:14:02 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
A few months back, some guy began flirting with my 19-year old daughter via her Instagram account. This is (unfortunately) pretty common, but much to my delight she does a great job with slamming the door in their face.
However, this particular guy was more persistent than usual and wouldn’t back off. His tenacity led my daughter to use her excellent technical sleuthing skills to find out exactly who he was.
Turns out the guy was a married youth pastor.
My daughter found him, his church, his wife, and other details. That presented us with the dilemma of whether we should contact his church and wife and inform them of the guy’s problematic pastime.
The experience also led my daughter to open up to my wife and me about the continuing disappointment she has with other supposed Christians. She and my older daughter have stopped going to church because they found those in the young adult groups to be far less kind, welcoming and authentic than those in their secular college crowds.
We got story after story from her of young Christian guys going on mission trips who end up attempting to molest the girls in their group. Witnessing first-hand episodes of drug use, outlandish lying and deception and similar behaviors from their peers (and their peer’s parents) have both my girls thinking that people in the church cannot be trusted in any way, shape or form.
Not exactly a pick-me-up kind of tale, huh?
But wait – aren't we told that Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven? That if you ever find the perfect church, you shouldn’t join because you’ll spoil it (said Billy Graham and Charles Spurgeon)?
We say these things in hopes of convincing non-Christians that they shouldn’t let mistakes they’ve made in their life keep them from pursuing Christianity nor expect perfection from Christians when evaluating the faith. After all, the Bible tells us we all have a sin nature that causes us to fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23) and that, even after being born again, the same sin nature remains active and causes us to do wrong (Rom. 7).
But what if our critics are more right than we like to admit? What if hypocrisy and a spirit that is anything but Christlike typifies the Church’s behavior these days?
Studies done by David Kinnaman and his Barna group, which you can find summarized in books like unChristian and You Lost Me, show that the best argument against Christianity isn’t the problem of evil or any other apologetics-styled objection. Instead, it’s the lives lived out by professing Christians.
It’s what caused the German philosopher Nietzsche to say, “I might believe in the Redeemer if his followers looked more redeemed” and Gandhi to declare: “I like Christ, but I don’t like the Christians. The Christians are so unlike their Christ.”
We read in Scripture statements like, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17) and “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
If this is true, why is it that the “new things” and “newness of life” in professing Christian’s lives either seem completely absent or appear so seldom?
It’s at this point that many church leaders throw out the ‘church isn’t perfect’ line in hopes of blunting the accusation. Frankly, I’m tired of hearing it.
We’ve gotten to the point where this excuse uses Paul’s admissions of struggling with sin in Romans 7 like some kind of permission slip; it goes beyond admitting that we sin to almost justifying persistent sinful behavior. Plus, it does nothing to address the very real problem of incongruent behavior that exists between Christ and His Church.
I’d like to suggest a couple of possible root causes for what Kinnaman and others observe along with some cures for the issues.
I believe the biggest source of this problem to be the fact that today’s Church is 9-months pregnant with unbelievers. I say this not judgmentally, but rather because I used to be one.
There’s nothing wrong with unbelievers being in Church. But, there’s everything wrong with them staying unbelievers.
So many who sit in the pews think that because they believe in God, they’re saved and safe. So, you believe in God, do you? Big deal.
The Pharisees believed in God and Jesus rhetorically asked them how they would escape the sentence of Hell (Matt. 23:33). James told his readers if that’s all they possessed then they had nothing more than the demons (James 2:19).
When you combine a reluctance from the pulpit to offend audiences about the truth of their sin with nothing more than a general acknowledgement from that crowd that God exists, you have everything needed for a false faith, false assurance, and a life that in no way will live out the teachings of Christ because, simply put, it lacks the power to do so (e.g. Rom. 8:7).
Instead of services that resemble a comfy group Youtube session, the Church needs straightforward teaching that speaks the truth in love about sin in a way that makes an unbeliever’s conscience and soul uncomfortable to the point where they seek help. Only then will the unbeliever in the pew become a true Christian and start exhibiting the fruit and changed life that confirms a true conversion has taken place (James 2).
Lately I’ve noticed a very bad trend in my own life. When frustrated or angered, in the heat of the moment, I’ve started to let foul language fly.
This hasn’t been something with which I’ve ever really wrestled, and it’s bothered me greatly because Jesus said: “the mouth speaks that which fills the heart” (Luke 6:45). After some contemplation, I think I know what’s going on.
My wife and I have been consistently streaming various drama series that, while containing good story lines and acting, are overloaded with bad language. I’m convinced my new problem with expletives is related to that which I’ve been constantly letting in my ear-gate.
The battle with our fallen nature is real. Paul confirms this when he says, “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Gal. 5:17). Ingesting a constant, bad diet through the eyes, ears, wrong relationships and actions will result in ungodly habits forming, just like the old Church proverb says:
Two natures beat within my breast
The one is foul, the one is blessed
The one I love, the one I hate.
The one I feed will dominate.
This is why we’re told: “sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (Gen. 4:7). Disregarding this truth and immersing oneself in the world is a recipe for disaster where Christlikeness is concerned.
Look how fast it happened to me.
The letters of Paul are full of admissions about the struggles with sin and our spiritual war. But let’s not forget that the same Paul who wrote those things also wrote:
Paul didn’t let the reality of Romans 7 keep him from pursuing the goal that is in front of you and me each morning: Christlikeness. In fact, Paul was so confident of his behavior that he exhorted others to mimic him.
Would you feel comfortable right now doing the same?
No, the Church isn’t perfect, but if we’re not careful, we’ll use that reality as a green-light to sluff off sin and before you know it, you’re a married youth pastor who makes sexual advances over the Internet to 19-year old girls.
And that’s one tragic place to be.
Robin Schumacher is an accomplished software executive and Christian apologist who has written many articles, authored and contributed to several Christian books, appeared on nationally syndicated radio programs, and presented at apologetic events. He holds a BS in Business, Master's in Christian apologetics and a Ph.D. in New Testament. His latest book is, A Confident Faith: Winning people to Christ with the apologetics of the Apostle Paul.
That doesn’t remind you of anyone, does it?
| Biblical word | Catholic definition |
| Faith | Doing all the things required by the church based in Rome |
The Catholic plan of salvation is another gospel.
Yes...Isn't that something...They created a religion that is foreign to the bible, and God...They use a handful of scriptures to prop up their false religion and usurp the name Christian...
You are a very blessed man ... tell that to you lovely wife.
You are deceiving on purpose by conflating your religion with The One True Church.If this is truly what you believe -that the one true church is Catholicism- than you need to immediately call upon Christ alone to save your damned spirit of deadness. But it is likely that your pride will not allow that saving faith, so do't take the Mark of the Beast when it is commanded to you.
God’s TRUTH is spiritual in nature, as Jesus told his steadfast friends (John 6:63 It’s the Spirit who gives life; the flesh accomplishes nothing. The words that I’ve spoken to you are spirit and life.). That you have not yet learned that is quite telling, Catholic.
Amen, and the meat of some of the best sermons! So clear even ADSUM should be able to understand it ... sadly, the pride factor will dismiss the TRUTH so beautifully revealed.
Perhaps you have not learned that one is born again by the SEED of GOD coming into their before dead spirit to ABIDE (1 John 3:9).
It could be that you have yet to learn that The Righteousness of Christ is IMPUTED to the born agains and that with HIS LIFE in the spirit of the born again THAT spirit cannot sin! Oh the flesh will sin (the flesh=body and behavior mechanism/soul).
Have you ever realized that The Word of God separates the soul and spirit and that God then ABIDES in the come alive separated spirit? These are deep SPIRITUAL TRUTHS of GOD's doing. Try to learn them, but first get born again so His Spirit can teach your soul.
GOG = GOD ... big old fingers and little keys hard to see.
Regardless of how many or of what flavor the soulish fleshly sin AFTER being born again into God's Life in spirit, the born again spirit CANNOT SIN because it is GOD'S SPIRIT LIFE abiding in that newborn spirit (1 John 3:9).
The Departure is coming soon, and the SPirit had Paul write about it in 1 Thess 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-58. THAT is God's Truth which you are presently rejecting. Stop conflating your ORG religion with The One True EKKELSIA, the Body of Christ to be removed at the Rapture, before the man of lawlessness can be revealed.
Discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal.
Your comment: “Well first Salvation does not come via a church organization nor whatever rituals they’ve established.”
That is not what Jesus told us. In fact without the Eucharist, a Sacrament established by Christ as part of the Mass “you have no life in you” (John 6:53). “he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day,” (John 6:54)
Jesus established the Catholic Church for our salvation and gave the keys to the kingdom of Heaven to St Peter and his successors and the authority to bind and loose on earth and in Heaven. Very powerful authority and responsibility to lead all to eternal life with God by baptizing and spreading God’s revealed truths. This is the path that Jesus provided for us.
One can deny or reject God’s Truth and reject the Catholic Church, but then they may suffer the consequences. Humans have a way to rationalize their actions and opinions and not fully realize that they are denying God’s Truth and Jesus.
The Catholic Church is the Body of Christ composed of all baptized members (including those that are not active, except those in Hell) including the ordained ministers that teaches and baptizes us in God’s Truth. The Catholic Church has the Sacraments that are needed for our salvation. Apparently you disagree with the Bible and the gifts and graces that Jesus gave us
As for your scripture reference.....Well Jesus also said he was ‘the door’ but clearly he wasn't literally. The catholic leadership decided the teaching you referenced..not Jesus. The idea that the elements are changed into his actual blood and bread his bones was never practiced by Jesus....nor did He institute such.......Jesus clearly said...Do this in ‘remembrance of me”.....and he never said anything about it changing into his body or blood. That is a catholic teaching.
You're evidencing yourself as clearly catholic and abide by their teachings....I have no problem saying I do not agree with catholic teachings and rituals....which many come from pagan beliefs which were incorporated into the early church in order to attract the pagans and sustain their membership...as well as the Priesthood.
Rejecting catholic teachings is not rejecting Jesus Christ.....it's agreeing that the early catholic church left the clear teachings of Christ and implemented many teachings, practices and rites never intended for true believers...and still practice those today.
The thief on the cross wasn't baptized......yet Jesus said He would be with Him in Paradise that very day. It is not required for salvation and neither can it alone save an individual. It simply reflects a persons public standing in Christ after He is saved and that we follow Jesus Christ just as He was baptized.
So yes I do reject the catholic churches teachings that THEY are the way to Salvation or the only true church. Because ‘THE’ church is comprised of all believers in Christ regardless of where they worship.
Your comment: “So yes I do reject the catholic churches teachings that THEY are the way to Salvation or the only true church. Because ‘THE’ church is comprised of all believers in Christ regardless of where they worship.”
Many claim to be believers in Jesus Christ, but many follow man-made beliefs and reject some of Christ teachings. Even in the Catholic Church many are sinners that reject Christ’s and the Catholic Church’s teaching on abortion, adultery, same-sex, false statements, lies, ETC.
so do you believe or reject Christ’s words (Truth) in the Scripture?
1. Salvation comes from Baptism, knowing, loving and serving God by keeping His commandments and not dying in mortal sin? Mark 16:16 Heb 5:9
2, His visible Church with St Peter and his successors as the leader of His church? (Mat 16:18-19)
3. His Sacraments? Baptism Mark 16:16 Eucharist Matthew 26:26 “This is My Body” Confession (john 20:22-23) Marriage (mt 19:3-5)
The mission of the Catholic Church is to help us on our path to salvation. Some would say that the Church is not completely doing a good job as many have left the active practice of their Catholic faith. Jesus told us that there are many false Christs and false teachers that will lead us astray. Do you follow man-made interpretation instead of God’s Truth?
We need to fully accept Christ and His teachings and His Church (even if the Catholic Church is not perfect) or risk losing our salvation.
Your comment:”Rejecting catholic teachings is not rejecting Jesus Christ.....it’s agreeing that the early catholic church left the clear teachings of Christ and implemented many teachings, practices and rites never intended for true believers...and still practice those today.”
If one rejects the teachings of Jesus and that Jesus established His Catholic Church is rejecting Jesus. Luke 10:16
The Catholic Church has always looked to the good thief as an example par excellence of conversion (see Luke 23:39-43). This is why he is called good. As the good thief was facing imminent death, Jesus made an exception that did not reverse his command for Baptism and the Eucharist for the rest of us.
I think I've been clear on that already. Jesus Christ ‘IS’ the Truth, the Way and Life Eternal.
Then you ask...” Do you follow man-made interpretation instead of God’s Truth?”
Well NO or I'd probably be a catholic as they hold to many man-made interpretations of the scriptures.... Instead I chose to follow the Savior....as is written....”My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27,28
Jesus never made ‘an exception’ for the thief...nowhere is that written...rather He welcomed the thief into Paradise because the thief spoke all that is written/required for salvation....as it's written........”That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” ...Romans 10:9-10
The catholic church today and for centuries is not the early church Jesus established in the upper room and on the day of Pentecost and thereafter as it grew....rather it established 'itself' when it took on all the trappings, flare and pomp of Rome and it's political hierarchy of power, which Jesus warned about and they ignored.
Your fallible opinion: ‘The catholic church today and for centuries is not the early church Jesus established in the upper room and on the day of Pentecost and thereafter as it grew....rather it established ‘itself’ when it took on all the trappings, flare and pomp of Rome and it’s political hierarchy of power, which Jesus warned about and they ignored.”
May God have Mercy on you so that you may know His Truth.
The Catholic Church may have many sinners including the hierarchy, but Jesus said he would be with her until the end of time Matthew 16:18
True, Jesus said he would be with His church until the end of time.
His church includes every single soul who has declared that Jesus Christ is Lord, and who follows Him.
To limit that only to members of the Catholic church is quite erroreonous, and is totally against Holy Scripture.
I’m surprised to see that misguided viewpoint still being pushed here.
May God have mercy on you so that you can see Gods Truth in all of it’s Glory.
Come, join Jesus’ true church.
All born again Catholics are welcome, along with the rest of the true believers
(Just catching up a bit here...)
Your comment: “His church includes every single soul who has declared that Jesus Christ is Lord, and who follows Him.”
Yes, The Catholic Church recognizes validly baptized Christians as members of the Church, the Body of Christ, while not in full communion with the Catholic Church.
The question is whether they will be saved by their “faith alone” which rejects many of Christ’s teachings, rejects His Catholic Church and Sacraments including the Eucharist (John 6:53)?
The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ; every other church is an offshoot of the Catholic Church and they preach some of the teachings of Jesus, but they also deny many of God’s Truths.
Your comment: “Come, join Jesus’ true church.”
I am already a member of the Catholic Church (ONE, HOLY,CATHOLIC and APOSTOLIC) with the Mass and 7 Sacraments. All are welcome and you can find the teachings of Jesus here throughout the world.
So why don’t you visit and learn the truth about Jesus and the Catholic Church.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.