Yes, this applies to you...

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.

--Proverbs 18:2

The B-I-B-L-E 2

There are some Christians who are Bible-ignorant. They have the faculties to read and comprehend what they read, yet they choose not to.

Maybe it is good to have such faith - not looking for proof or affirmation. Kinda childlike.

Does the Bible bore them? Does it scare them? Do they not read it because their church tells them it is irrelevant either openly or subtly by its actions?

Will those who have never read what Jesus has to say, even though they are able, recognize Him when He returns? Can you really understand what you believe if you don't study it? Even a little bit?

I use to belong to a "country club" church. And I can tell you from too many years of personal experience, liberal protestants don't read the Bible.

The B-I-B-L-E 1

There are some Christians who are Bible-addicted. Whose faith has become Bible-centered rather than Christ-centered.

But does memorizing loads of scripture make you a better Christian? Does more knowledge equate to more faith? Is there a pop-quiz on Judgment Day?

Or is it another form of "earning salvation" through works? Will God reward those who have read the Bible multiple times and punish those who have barely looked at it?

Ironically, the answers to all those questions can be found in scripture.

Tomorrow - the flip side of the coin.

Adiaphora

Adiaphora - matters not regarded as essential to faith, but nevertheless permissible for Christians or allowed in church.

in necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas - Peter Meiderlin, German Lutheran theologian

Translation: In necessary things unity; in uncertain things freedom; in everything compassion.

My take on things: Adiaphora is not worth arguing about.

Source: Wikipedia

True Evangelism

The definition of evangelism is "to share the gospel." For example, if you tell me what you believe (or vice versa) it is evangelism.

But, if you tell me what you think I believe (or vice versa) it is not. Most often this is self-righteousness.

Only God knows what is in a man's heart...

Today's Helpful Hint 9/22/07

The Mission Field is NOT the people who go to another church, no matter how much you disagree with their doctrine. These are not the unsaved. Proselytizing will only make them defensive and cause them to dislike you and your church. You are doing more harm than good.
That includes you, Candy at Keeping the Home.

Obligatory First Post

I don't have time to blog.