October 24, 2010 by "Little Darling"
Comments (5)
I have a problem.
I have a problem with self proclaimed Christians separating themselves and everyone else from God. I had a conversation the other night with a friend. We were talking about one of the denominations, penicostle I think (I don't pay attention to these names proclaimed from men). Anyhow, I was informed that this denomination puts such restrictions on their Christian life style such as the food they eat, and what they actually cook with. Really now? Show me where God says you can put into your mouth what is unclean and I will show you where Jesus says it does not matter what goes into your mouth, but what comes out of it. Or look at Roman 14, please take a look- sometimes it awes me that this particular chapter seems to be completely miss from the Christian walk. I wondered with my friend if these are people with weak faith. He suggested that they would have stronger faith to have the will power to put such restriction on their diet. hm, now.
My conclusions today... do what you want with your food, with no judgement from me. But do not dare separate another from God because they do not practice what you do. I am so tired of the faith of Jesus being torn apart by these manmade rules. If God did not ask you to do it, then it's more likely it would not be seen as pleasing to God. If it apart from the character of God, what meanign does it have. The WAY is already set- not set apart from some, but a way set for all, the only way to God.
ALL who call on the name of Jesus will be saved. It does not say all who do not eat 'the right way', or all who make sure they have a cirtificate before taking communion, or all who do not eat pork. Focus on God, not on these peasly things- and then have the audacity to tell someone this is what they need to do to be saved and live a Godly life, or have the audacity to say someone is unclean! I'm so tired of this separation over such things. Competition between who is the better Christian. God already told us how to live, and he would not mistakenly miss any aspect of faithfulness, like cookware.
Then someone comes along and is actually judged because they do not practice what you do- common brothers! Be done with the ways of man and seek ONLY the ways of God. Do not add and do not take away. Welcome all, and teach the gospel of Jesus exactly as it was written. God would not allow His word to be torn apart, he is not out to keep us confused as to the right way. The Bible shows the character of God, and anything else is the ways of men.
God breath your Glory upon us- show us what is right. Let us follow You- oh Father in heaven. Show us what is please to you. Let your word be revealed. In Jesus' name.
I'm not out to offend, I love all- and have such respect for those who love God, I just want us to be united as one body. How long can one stay silent?
My goodness keith, if we were perfect we wouldn't need Jesus. I work everyday to change the wrongs God reveals to me.
Exclusion in general from certain churches are the main problem. God excludes no one. I am so tired of it becasue it is one of the main reasons non-believers are turned off of God, for one- it looks like we have no idea what is right, for two they are excluded by what they do, and three they cannot live up to some standards that are set.
Following Jesus is not easy, but he sure took the guest work out of it by coming here to die for us and leaving behind God's Spirit of guidance. And it's so worth it- exchanging your way of life for the beautiful life God promises.
God wants us to come as we are and He will change us- the standard is us, just like this. Excluding because you havn't recieved the cirtificate, or because your cookware is wrong, or because the 'holy one' hasnt checked your food before you ate it- where is God in that equation?
"Little Darling" Oct 24, 2010 at 5:25 pm Flag as inappropriate
I thank God that I had good sound teaching when I became a Christian at 16, my Church was classed as 'Evangelical', didn't have a clue what it meant at the time. I Pray that Church leaders will honour God by only preaching His Word, not their own slant on it. That's how so many false religions started, men changing God's Word to mean what's acceptible to them, (what they can get away with, but God is their judge).
I agree it's tough for those starting out and searching. We are told about these last of the last days, it's up to us to lead in the right direction. Keep up the good work!
Keith Oct 24, 2010 at 6:44 pm Flag as inappropriate
Last week I was at a store purchasing some items for the church. I had to give the name of the church for taxexemption. A young man who worked there had overheard me and then helped me take the items to my truck. He told me that he used to go to church, (in another state), and that he had been considering giving it another try. He had been told that his clothing was not acceptable, that he needed to "dress-up". I visited w him for a while, saying that Jesus is concerned about the condition of our heart, not the condition of our clothes! I appoligised and let him know that's one of the reasons I wear bib overalls to church, (and everyday). I also go to church gospel sings in the same attire. Recently I went to a church that was filled with much older individuals. i entered and sat in the back and was wearing bibs, an oversize t-shirt and a bandana. I was carrying a black case edged w silver, it could have contained anything...even a gun or two! Finally the pastor approached me and asked if I was there to sing and I replied, yes. After singing, I was eagerly welcomed. At a neighboring church event, I had some of the people from the original congregation approach me again, saying that they had not recognized me! ( I had worn a pair of pants and a dressy t-shirt, so as not to be offensive, LOL)! The description they gave of my physical impression they had gotten at our initial meeting was quite interesting to say the least! I have been asked to give my testimony and sing at their next event, which is this Sunday. I don't believe that I need to dress to impress...in fact, I dress quite humbly. I would rather people see my heart, than be focused on my designer style! God has opened more witnessing doors r/t my humble clothing. I agree with you on all your points! I have invited this young man to church...I wouldn't want to be held accountable with my Holy God, because I was imposing man made law on people and getting in the way of them coming into a eternal relationship with Jesus!
Beth Dow Oct 26, 2010 at 11:42 am Flag as inappropriate
I wear jeans on purpose too. Oh my oh my, Lord Jesus let your church come to change. Let you be our head, and as a body may we learn to read the word in unison and work together just as the body works together. Thank-you for your patience for us- your patience in the slow process of out transformation. Amen.
If you love you are doing right.
"Little Darling" Oct 26, 2010 at 11:44 pm Flag as inappropriate
Keith
Profile
Friends
Journal
Photo Albums
Prayer Request
Videos
"Little Darling", You are so right! There were lots and lots of laws in old testament times mainly for Jews. We are not under the Law regarding food Jesus said, He came to set the captive free. Common sense should tell us what we can and cannot eat, because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Abusing it with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes too, is harmful. Some Christians can think themselves more superior because they do this or that, but God says we are equal in His eyes, that's all that matters. Thank goodness You and I are perfect! Only joking, honestly. GOD BLESS YOU
Keith Oct 24, 2010 at 4:44 pm Flag as inappropriate