I am a born and raised Christian, though I am not really that proud to admit that many times these days. Not because of my personal faith and trust in Jesus Christ, or the Bible or God… but because there are too many wacky Christians out there who give us “some-what” normal Christians a bad name.
I live in Kansas City, and there is an area downtown called the Plaza (a cool place for a romantic horse carriage rides, great shops and a ton of great fountains) and when you go there on a Friday or Saturday night you will encounter the guy I affectionately call, “the plaza preacher”. This guy is a piece of work to say the least. He is a megaphone preacher guy. He condemns everyone to a hot hell and has the huge sign to promote that beautiful message of hope and love for those who are lost.
This is one of many reasons I am finding it difficult to “like” Christians. Yes, I of course in reality love Christians, shoot I am one! This is just my way to VENT my frustration over the Pharisee type Christian who violates the John 8 scripture where Jesus has a women caught in adultery thrown at His feet to judge. And if you know the story, Jesus of course DOES NOT judge her to a hot hell. But He does address those Pharisees who brought her to Him to judge by saying, “ye without sin cast the first stone.” Thank God that didn’t happen today, because I truly believe some Christians would be throwing stones. And that my friends is what bites my tail! Christians who think they stand in the position as Jesus… perfect and able to cast stones.
The interesting thing about Jesus was that HE was perfect and had the right to cast a stone, yet He did not! And He is the ONLY one who could have done so, and been justified.
I also hear people say to me that we’re trying too hard to reach the lost! ( I am laughing here)… hello, ahhhh yes we are! And that is a problem why?
Jesus was mocked as a wine bibber… so we are in good company! The key in my opinion is to be IN the world and not OF it. I can be right in the middle of a whore house, but do not have to pay for their services. But some Christians do not look at it that way… and the reality is…. That is fine… for them. But not for me! I can not ONLY live my life in the little Christian culture only hanging out with nice Republican voting, Christian music listening, non-tattoed, suit-wearing people. I am sorry, I just can’t live my life like that, then die and face Jesus and have Him look me in the face and ask… “who’d you show my love too?” Oh no! I would feel like that dude who buried his talent and when the master came to collect he dug it up and gave it back… and the master said, “you wicked servant!”
I believe you can be in the culture and not of it so to speak. I do not have to smoke pot to reach a pot smoker! I do not have to be an adulterer to reach an adulterer. But to reach anyone WE must LOVE as Jesus loved!
If you are reading this and you are not a Jesus follower… can I just say I am so sorry for the way we Christians have portrayed Christianity! I hope to change that so that people can get a true taste of the Gospel that Jesus preached… a gospel of love and hope!
On the other hand if you are a Christ follower please be like Jesus… please love all people, even when you feel they are “violating” the Bible. Love is what leads people to faith… “faith works by love” the bible says!
Live for Jesus!
Timmy Gibson
Relevant Christian 
Right on Timmy!
I am so glad that Jesus loved me “just as I am” and not for what I should be!
All I can say is “thank God for grace and mercy”.
referred to your site by chris elrod’s blog. Right on dude! I preached this weekend in a series called “Confessions…” that I really don’t like most Christians. There was more to the topic – but the fact that most Christians are really just pharisees or religious nutjobs or co-dependent on their church makes me want to barf.
Cheers. Keep it real man.
Timmy,
I think you are absolutely correct that the church MUST evangelize the lost. Too many churches have become country clubs and some have become insane asylums.
We must reach the pot smokers, the prostitutes and those with tatoos.
I’m curious though. Do you think that the Apostle Paul is someone who you would label as a sucky Christian?
He told people they were sinners, preached Christ Crucified everywhere he went and every opportunity that he had. He openly rebuked other ‘christians’ who disagreed with message that he taught, (See the entire book of Galatians and Acts 15).
He preached in the streets, in the synagogues, on Mars Hill. Got people so upset and riled up that they stoned him, rioted or both. They that he was such a dangerous nut job they followed him from town to town trying to stir up trouble against him.
So if Paul were alive today, doing what he normally does what would you say about him?
Chris,
Thanks for your thoughts!
I think the time we are living in now is a bit diffferent then in the times of Paul. I am thinking that those things were important in establishing the church – then. I think with each generation and in each culture you use different tools to effectively (this is a key word) reach people for Christ! I am for anything that works! I am not too convinced that street preaching is effective these days! Though I will tell you that we’ve done some creative “street” preaching of sorts even recently and it proved to be a positive experience… though we did not use a megaphone and soap box!
Oh believe me I am all for stirring people up… especially if it causes growth, change and reflection… and ultimately a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
One thing to always keep in mind Chris, we (as Christians) are to be LIKE JESUS, not Paul!
Peace
Very interesting.
1.You say in your post:
“And that my friends is what bites my tail! Christians who think they stand in the position as Jesus… perfect and able to cast stones.”
Then in your comment you say:
“One thing to always keep in mind Chris, we (as Christians) are to be LIKE JESUS, not Paul!
So are we to be like Jesus or not?
Matthew 5:
48You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Btw your comment re: Paul says it all. You must be a “new perspective” afficianado.
2. “Jesus was mocked as a wine bibber” Ah yes but He wasn’t one.
Jesus also told the adultress go and sin no more. Why do we overlook that fact. that He said it to everyone he forgave or healed.
3.”Love is what leads people to faith… “faith works by love” the bible says!”
Really! Where does it say this?
Romans 10:
17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
And:
Eph 2:8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Since Paul wrote both Romans and Ephesians I guess we can ignore him since we are not to be like him anyway.
4. Finally this:
“ I do not have to smoke pot to reach a pot smoker!”
Well hey if you don’t want to suck, the least you can do is inhale.
The problem is obvious, no one in the “new move” knows the Word of God, so how could one possibly know His will or how to walk in it?
For a long time I’ve been reading a lot of blogs, and I just guess I’m concerned that there is so much division in how to be like Jesus. I was a youth pastor for quite a long time, and was forced out because we reached “white trash.”
I know everyone is well intentioned, and from all the blogs I read, people genuinely want to follow Jesus. I really have to agree with you. I suppose I’m just tired of all the finger pointing, the fury, the whining, and the belly-aching. I really do understand both points of view, and truly have a foot in both camps.
I am a staunch theological conservative (whatever that means), but believe in doing whatever it takes to reach someone for Christ. Please don’t misunderstand me here. I’ve seen the weirdo pastors that think by cussing, smoking, and toking up that they are in some way ‘helping’ the Kingdom of God. Those guys are idiots as far as I’m concerned. They need the Lord, but man their thinking is way off.
On the other hand, I’ve been a member of some churches that are so steeped in traditions, politics, and are more in love with their own opinions than what God’s Word actually says. They were more interested in preserving their bottom line (the giving) than actually reaching the hurting, the lonely, and the forgotten.
I guess I’m really weary of people trying to grow God’s Church, push their obscure theological slants on others, pointing fingers saying “They’re the evil ones!” I know Scripture admonishes us to test the spirits, and to be on guard. God never asked us to grow His Church, only to share the Good News and make disciples. Growing God’s Church is His job. Not mine.
Scripture also points out that there is a time and place for everything, and not every time is the right time for your ‘thing.’ I just keep reading what people say, and really find it disturbing that the folks with the most bile, the most anger, the most biting criticism of another person claims to be bought with the precious blood of Jesus.
Where is the love Jesus commanded us to have for others? You say you’re wanting to see people saved? Prove it by your love and your kindness to others…especially your enemies.
By the way Timmy, by saying “you” I didn’t mean YOU. I meant all the folks out there who are so ready to criticize and point fingers.
Timmy,
One thing that I think we must remember is that the Pharisees were not believers, and Jesus was pretty blunt with them. I may not see street preaching as my kind of ministry, but I give the guy credit for his boldness. I’ve been studying both Luke and Acts, and boldness seems to be a constant theme. Also, I had never realized that the Pharisees had first rejected John’s baptism of repentance, so they didn’t see their need of a Savior.
Christians are to be LIKE JESUS, not Paul!
Thank you! You are absolutely right! Paul wasn’t even close to being as confrontational about sin as Jesus.
Matt 23:33″You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?
John 8:23And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24″Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
44″You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
55and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word.
Matt12:34″You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.
John 2:15And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;
Revelation 19:15From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.
If only Jesus had been more loving to the Pharisees instead of confrontational He surely would have won them to the Kingdom. If only Jesus had known what you know about winning the lost. Perhaps when you see Him you can point out His error.
Timmy,
“And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Matthew 11:6
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ‘Go ‘therefore and ‘make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ‘teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Sounds to me like the gospel is timeless according to Jesus. Maybe preaching is “not effective” because not many preach the uncompromised Word and allow the Holy Spirit to work, as Jesus is the one who adds to the church. Maybe it is “not effective” because it is not God’s idea of success but man’s.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The bible and the gospel is as effective as it ever was.
2 Thessalonians 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
The gospel is the power unto salvation. Believe it, proclaim it and allow God to do the rest. He will determine what is effective.
God bless,
Todd
Timmy,
I refer you to 1 Cor 4:16. That’s in response to the last sentance in your statement toward Chris.
Timmy:
Just happend upon your blog.
No, Jesus did not condemn the woman to a “hot hell”, but if you’ll go back and read the story (in context), the Pharisees are not the only ones singled out. Jesus said to the woman: “Go and sin no more.” Modern translation: “Stop living like that!” You should also notice that there is something very fishy about this story. If the woman really was caught in adultery…where is the MAN?! Under Jewish law, he would be just as guilty and deserving of punishment.
The whole thing was a trumped up story in an attempt to “catch Jesus.” Keep in mind, the Pharisees already had it in for Jesus; they were just looking for another reason to kill him. He called their bluff and in the process, called a women to repent (she was obviously guilty of SOMETHING, or Jesus wouldn’t have said to her what he did). Jesus loved her enough to tell her of her sin.
No Timmy, times are no different than they were in the time of Paul. Everyone is still sinning with the same sins today. The reason they are not being reached is the fact that modern man has chosen to use different tools, as you quoted, instead of the Word of God. All I hear these days is reaching the youth. Churches are doing anything now just to pasify the youth! Once the pasifier is worn out they’re done or look for another fix. Is the child to be the spirituall leader of the household? Different tools is not the solution to different generations. If we want to see Godly girls & Godly boys it must start by using Gods Word to reach & produce Godly men & Godly women!
Does being a Christian mean that you should use worldly expressions like “suck” which is a not so polite way to refer to fellatio?
You certainly do not talk like the Jesus I know.
Jesus talking to His disciples
John 15:17
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
15:18
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Do the people you witness to like to hear the gospel of salvation from an eternity in hell?
Do they accept you when you tell them they are sinning against God, their creator and God will judge them with a righteous judgement unless they repent and accept the free gift of salvation?
Do they accept you when you tell them how our Lord and Saviour died on the cross as a blood sacrifice for our sins and that He rose from the dead and returned to sit at the right hand of God but he will return to judge the world and separate the sheep from the goats and cast the unrepentent into a lake of fire?
Or, do they just treat you like you “of the world” are one of them?
Timmy,
Please correct my typo in the preceeding post and delete this one.
Thank you.
“Or, do they just treat you like you “of the world” are one of them?”
Should read:
“Or, do they just treat you like you are “of the world” you are one of them?”
The blog’s author, in pronouncing that “Christians (like the megaphone, soapbox style) s&ck,” has managed to fall into a similar category as the street crier. In utilizing the word “suck,” he has found a use for a word which many Christians and unbelievers find offensive. It is not not hard to determine that the source of this word has everything to do with a slang, vile epithet, which has made its way into America’s (now coarse) everyday speech. To many, looks more offensive and foolish than his reviled street preacher. Both seem in a hurry to cut off Malchus’s ear.
I think there is still a place for street preaching/evangelism, but it must be done with love and being “real” (while still confronting sin, of course).
I think what most people are looking for today is to build relationships. They want to connect with people. The key in our churches isn’t having the best music and “entertainment”, but in loving people and letting them see the love of God in us. And of course the Holy Spirit will draw them to Jesus, as pray/intercede for them. And we must lift Jesus up, instead of constantly promoting ourselves and how great our church and ministries are.
Also, you can preach against sin and bring people to conviction without condemning them. We’ve all sinned, and people must know that, but then we must tell them of what Jesus did to pay the penalty for our disobedience.
Timmy,
Regarding the woman caught in adultery; No, Jesus did not condemn her because, “He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Most adulterers I talk with don’t show the same broken, humble spirit that woman did. They are proud of their sin and blasphemous toward Christ.
But WHAT brought her broken and humble, to the feet of the Savior?
Why, the LAW of course. She saw she was caught red handed, guilty, and condemned.
I wonder if you know any other Bible verses? Like, “Open rebuke is better than secret love.” or, “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”or “He that believes not is condemned already.” or, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men.” or “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” ot “Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” or “Whom the Lord loves He rebukes and chastens.” (including the lost)
Yes, the goodness of the Lord leads us to repentance. If God sends the plaza preacher to lay the ax of the Word to the conscience of the people, that is LOVE!-though people may not think so. A child who gets a spanking may not feel that it was done in love either.
Some people don’t even believe in spanking their children. They think they have too much “love” for that. But God declares if you don’t spank the child, then you HATE the child. The goodness of God will confront you with your sin and condemnation so you can flee to the mercy of Jesus.
“And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
Most sinners I talk with KNOW God loves them. They KNOW God forgives. What they don’t know is that God loved everyone who is in hell right now. Nobody ever went there because God didn’t love them. They went there because they rejected His love. God’s forgiveness is conditional… “Unless ye repent…” “IF we confess…” those are conditions. If God’s forgiveness is NOT conditional, then who goes to hell?
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
The Law is STILL a schoolmaster to lead men to Christ that they might be justified by faith. Please listen to Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort. You can listen free online at livingwaters.com Kevin in Nebraska
Hi, Timmy,
You write, “I am a born and raised Christian.”
Friend, please take this the right way. You see, long before I received Yeshua as the Savior and LORD of my life, I would have told you I was a “Christian” if you had asked me. Really! I really believed I was a “Christian,” because I was baptized as an infant: “born… Christian,” if you will.
Yet, the truth was I was very far from God.
Timmy, I believe you are sincere in your pursuit of God… but… have you experienced the new birth? “You must be born again.” John 3:3
May Abba God lead you into the fullness of His truth!
In Christ’s love,
Mrs. E. >
Timmy,
You couldn’t have taken more things out of context in order to prove your point. I’m sorry, but your methods simply aren’t Biblical, the title of your post is course and vile (in direct opposition to the Word of God for speech becoming of a person claiming Christ), and you are leading people astray with your beliefs. The Bible says that Christ came not to bring peace but a sword (Matt. 10:34). If you study the New Testament, you will see that Christ preached repentance, that he was more like the man on the corner than He ever was like what you are describing. His boldness and zeal in bringing the cold, hard truth of hell, but also the hope of being saved through Him dying on the cross is what we should model our lives after. What you are suggesting, and the Christ you are describing, is different altogether. I would beware and go back and read your Bible to get a better understanding of who Jesus was and what He did. I don’t claim to know everything perfectly, but I know that what your ideology is empty words of “love” and “faith” but they have no substance because when you study what these mean throughout the New Testament, it is much different than your conclusion.
Pastor Timmy:
“One thing to always keep in mind Chris, we (as Christians) are to be LIKE JESUS, not Paul!”
Paul, by the Holy Spirit:
“Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do, and the God of peace shall be with you.” Philippians 4:9
(I tried to send this once already; forgive me if you get two like this!)
Hello, Timmy,
You write: “I am a born and raised Christian.”
Friend, if you had asked me– years before I received Yeshua as my Savior and LORD– I would have told you I was a “Christian.” I really believed I was, because I was baptized as an infant: “born… Christian,” if you will. Yet, I was very, very far from God…
Timmy, have you been born again? (John 3:3) Have you received the new birth?
I believe you are sincere in your pursuit of God. I pray that He leads you into the fullness of His truth…
In Christ’s love,
Mrs. E.
Timmy, you write: “I am a born and raised Christian.”
Unless God did the birthing and raising, you’re not. Too many people think Christianity is a “cultural religion”–by parentage, not by choice. Being a Christian is not like being Jewish/Muslim/Hindu/Catholic/etc. You may have been raised in a Christian household, but that’s a different animal.
As Mrs. E. observed, every Christian is born again. Are you?
I pray that you take heed of all the comments that are just really trying to reach you with the truth.
In fact see if what they say is true by searching the scriptures for yourself, I think you will find that most of the people who have commented would welcome it.
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Timmy,
great thought………………….
Thanks
Timmy,
Love is the sword. Love can not be bought. There really isn’t any money in it. If you think there is, you become like those who wish to control the minds of the sheep. The son came into the world to divide flesh from spirit. The sword is The Spirit of God which causes us to hate this earth and long for our eternal home in glory with The father. I don’t like being called a Christian either, I prefer saint. That is what my Father in heaven calls me. If Christians were so proud to take the name ‘Christian’ when it was first used as an insult, why can’t the saints of God’s church take all of language (even the insulting words) and use it to glorify him? Of course, using profanity to tear someone down is wrong but I understand your wanting to express your soul’s feelings by interjecting words which may offend. Look at it this way. Smoking won’t send you to hell but by doing it in front of someone who thinks it will is not too wise. Same thing with drugs or alcohol or even words. Because the Internet is such a big place and sooo many people read what’s out here, some will eventually stumble upon what you have written and undoubtedly take it the wrong way. No one is perfect, least of all me. I swear like a sailor on a tuna trawler. God has to fix that because it has been a part of me since I heard it at home as a youngster. Sin is nasty $hit. It will eat you up inside and it doesn’t care where it will spit you out. Don’t let your freedom to use colorful language to describe the life you have in God to knock you off track. freedom is a wonderful thing if we use it to let God do his thing in us and through us.
Peace
Hey timmy…
I live in Kansas City, too – is your Plaza preacher the Rev. Phelps?
Just curious….his way isn’t Biblical, either 🙂
I wrote a blog entry before I became aware of and read this article. I think it is directly related to this issue of how we proclaim the gospel. You can read it at http://contendersbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2007/04/god-is-love.html
Also, I am studying Galatians and I had a point to an error (possibly just a miss-statement “in the heat of the moment”) of how you described the process of coming to faith. You said, “Love is what leads people to faith… ‘faith works by love’ the bible says!”
“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” (Gal 3:24)
Simply “loving” people by taking care of their needs doesn’t lead them to Christ – it supports our witness and we should do that – but it is the Law of God, the revealed righteous standard of God along with what our just standing is before God. The Bible says that all people by nature are “children of wrath” (Eph 1:3).
It is all of this truth about God’s holiness that makes the good news soooo good. It is what shows God to be the most loving – that he would redeem the completely unworthy from a just punishment of eternal damnation by taking that punishment on Himself.
Soli Deo Gloria.
EJ,
I believe that you would need to go back to verse 21 to get the whole understanding of what Galatians 3:24 is referring to.
21Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ[h] that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
Just wanted to point that out to you.
Peace!
Jimmy
Would you please inform Timmy that I’ve taken the time to post a comprehensive to this post.
He can find it at http://www.extremetheology.com/2007/04/repentance_the_.html
In my response I clearly demonstrate from scripture that Timmy’s arguements actually contradict the clear teaching of scripture.
My hope is that he will read the response, consider what God’s word says and repent.
Thanks,
Chris Rosebrough
As a Disciple working Inside many prisons for no pay, (which I so enjoy) I have to tell you that Love, Sacrifice, and Forgiveness and Salvation lead these men to Christ, Actually saves there souls.
As for using the word suck, My pastor who is a female around 32 years of age when she says suck during a sermon, and she has many times. I am immediately transported from the realm of God into the realm of the carnal. Bad, Is very bad! Repent dude!
all this arguing is why people who don’t believe in God think Christian Suck. thanks for proving the point that Jesus isn’t a king but a clown. Nice. this is why all you religious people are full of crap.
Bo…I would tend to agree with you for the most part…
Arguments about the nature of Christianity will never end because the only “objective” source to resolve them is a self-contradicting book:
judging others:
Matthew 7:1 – Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Leviticus 19:15 – In righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.
loving your brother:
1 John 3:15 – Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
Luke 14:26 – If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
war or peace:
Psalm 144:1 – Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – The Lord of peace himself give you peace always.
are works necessary:
Romans 10:9 – 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.
Matthew 16:27 – For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
If Christians are around in 3007 they will still be arguing about the basics of their religion.
I would both agree and disagree with what was said here. In many ways, Christians have dropped the ball, but that has everything to do with our humanity and not our Christianity. If we were perfect then we wouldn’t need Christ in the first place. I understand what you’re trying to do in this statement. You want people who are not Christians, or people who have been burned by Christians to understand that we’re not all self-righteous, fire and brimstone, hate mongers, which is great in theory, but in all honesty there are very few Christians like that to begin with. Nobody minds general statements like “lying is wrong” or “stealing is sin”. In fact, most people would agree with that, I have talked to a surprising amount of people who aren’t Christians that agree that those things are either wrong, sin or both, along with many other actions. However, when you turn it around and say “have you ever stolen anything”? They generally say “well, yah, but I’m not a sinner”. All of a sudden I am the one who is judgmental even though they are the ones who have called themselves a sinner.
What I’m trying to say is, people’s experiences are often emotionally charged and unreliable. I’m sure a lot of people have called me a judgmental and self-righteous person, but they completely ignore everything I say EXCEPT that I said they sin. No matter that I said ALL OF HUMANITY sins, including myself and I am probably much worse than they. All they have taken from our conversation is that Christians suck. I don’t claim fault for those conversations because it is very clear from Scripture that Christians will be hated and persecuted and may even be killed for what they believe, I am fortunate that I have only been hated. I think more people find fault with Christianity, not because we’re “mean”, but because we’re too busy fighting amongst each other and trying to be “tolerant and relevant” so more people come to church, for whatever that is worth. If we would stand firm and strong and obedient to God’s word and stop trying to make everyone happy, I’m sure a lot more people would take us seriously.
I have been burned by a lot of Christians, but that is because they are human, not because they are Christian. I have also been burned by atheists, muslims, mormons, blacks, asians, whites, the list goes on. I will continue to love all people in spite of this, even Christians
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I totally agree. Reminds me of the megaphone girl outside my office in Washington. . . “REPENT OF YOUR SINS, BITCH!”
The longer I walk with Jesus, the narrower my road becomes. The more I grow in Him, the more I lay down and let go of, in this world. New Home? don’t want it or need it….(except my eternal palce with Him) new car? don’t want it or need it. Plasma Tv….next…..cell phone/ipod/iphone/blackberry/blueberry/headpiece phone or what ever it’s called…don’t want it and don’t need it…..cable/satellite dish…..NEXT…..
latest fashion trends….don’t need it….pierced nose ring……LOL NEXT,……tatts…..LOL keep walking….walking with Jesus, walking with Jesus, hearing His Voice, getting prayer answered…that is LIFE…….
watching EVERY SINGLE MOVIE THAT HITS THE SCREEN LIKE SOME PASTORS DO AND THEN WORKING IT INTO A SERMON…..Shrek…SPiderman , Potter….COME ON !!!!
NEXT!!!!! Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against
thee….LIFE !!!!! Perfect……NO!!! But I’m walking with GOD!!! LIFE!!!
Do I need the latest hairstyle or belly piercing….NEXT!! Get some clothes on American girls!!!
Prayer, worship….ahhh…LIFE!!! Reading God’s word…….LIFE!!!
Listening to Christian/worship music>>>>LIFE!!
WHY IN THE WORLD SOME PASTOR OUT THERE IN BLOG LAND LISTS OZZY OSBOURNE AS SOMEONE HE’S CURRENTLY LISTENING TO,
I’ll never know………strange…..kinda seems like the broad road, there.
But it started with me becoming BORN AGAIN…and that happened when God showed me an open vision at a Van Halen concert….the ground opened up and people were being sucked in…and I was on my way with them…NOT ANYMORE…….
I’ve left the broad road of destruction and am walking the narrow way…..
AND IT IS LIFE…..!! I love you Jesus!!
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The true teachings of Jesus was IN HOW HE LIVED HIS LIFE. He lead by example. Follow his example of love, understanding, tolerance, and gratitude, and everything will be just fine.
Christians are self rightious hypocrites.
Its all fake just to gain control of the people who buy into that.
Its just a way to make people think like one loser who thinks he’s special.
Its for people with no brains.
YES!
I TOTALLY agree with you, Patrick!
All throughout history, the Christian church has tortured, manipulated, and killed people in the name of their god’s love.
Hey I like the article you wrote but i would just like to add
Jesus says him selfs that other faiths followers will perish in (hell)
and I dont understand how Christains are good and loving because all the sudden if you come from a different backround and are not a Christian you are goin to Hell.
Also why is it that most Christians long ago and even today tortured or bought people to become Christains.
This comment is to all my brothers and sisters, whether you are a believer or choose not to be, the simple truth is that one man and one man only was the one who gave his life for me and everyone else walking this earth, he died knowing each and every one of us personally and still he died. whether you believe is your choice.we have a freedom to express our belief whatever they may be .A true christian will never be worried about what anybody else thinks because you know were you stand,NOT ALONE IN RAISING THE KINDOM OF HEAVEN.thats what really should matter that not one of us perish.
Hmmmm…Smarie….did you even read this post…or are you commenting to the title?
This post is not talking about being concerned what other Christians would thing…it is about what non believers would think becuase of the rantings of some street corner wacko…who by the way is most likely NOT spreading the gospel out of love.
Well the biggest problem they have is they accept not others unlike christ
Christians don’t suck. Walking in the flesh sucks. Walking in the Spirit is the calling. Following Christ is the answer that is written in the holy Scriptures. They testify of Jesus, Who He is & why He came, died, rose, and will return for judgement. Check it out. It’s in the original operations manual.
Dave in Reno….
Did you read the post?
There is no question here on who Jesus is or why He came.
most christians are american, but thats not to far fetched considering the stupidity of americans….
Does being a Christian mean that you should use worldly expressions like “suck” which is a not so polite way to refer to fellatio?
You certainly do not talk like the Jesus I know.
Jesus talking to His disciples
John 15:17
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
15:18
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Do the people you witness to like to hear the gospel of salvation from an eternity in hell?
Do they accept you when you tell them they are sinning against God, their creator and God will judge them with a righteous judgement unless they repent and accept the free gift of salvation?
Do they accept you when you tell them how our Lord and Saviour died on the cross as a blood sacrifice for our sins and that He rose from the dead and returned to sit at the right hand of God but he will return to judge the world and separate the sheep from the goats and cast the unrepentent into a lake of fire?
Or, do they just treat you like you “of the world” are one of them?
(POINT IS< CHRISTIANS SUCK BIG TIME!)
Hans,
why are you so angry?
If you don’t like what is printed here…don’t read it.
It seems like this thread was intentionally created to cause controversy among us Christians. Jesus wants us to be one Church for His Bride and yet there are dozens of denominations out there who will preach different ideas about the Bible and Salvation. It seems like people can window shop and choose a church that doesn’t conflict with their lifestyles. The Bible tells us that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. No ifs, ands, or buts about that. Telling people that they are sinners isn’t being harsh, it’s called the TRUTH. The Bible says “For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. We are supposed to tell people that they are SINNING but there is a way for Salvation. Jesus died to pay for those sins. So, by avoiding them and not telling them that they are wrong, aren’t you defeating the whole purpose as to why Jesus died on the cross? We are supposed to love everyone as Christ loved the world but we are also supposed to win souls. Demonstrating Christian values in love and understanding are good qualities but people still need to hear the truth. The truth hurts sometimes. If you believe this sucks, I pray that you search the Bible again and come to the Lord in prayer.
Ok…so you stand on street corners and yell at passers by that they are going to hell?
That is what this post is talking about. The Fred Phelps’ of the world who probably turn more people off to Christianity by their harsh ‘gospel preaching methods’ than they attract to it.
I agree that thruth is thruth…but we need not shove it down someones throat.
And no…this post was not “created to cause controversy among us Christians”…Christianity was caught up in Christianity long before this post came along.
christains suck! athiest rule!
Thank you for visiting.
Peace,
Jimmy
I am a former christian, an ordain baptist minister. I left christianity for many reasons. I agree with a lot you post on your blog. The one real problem I have is that Christians make every excuse why they don’t follow the teachings of Jesus. Modern Christianity has made it more important that you believe the right thing but no need to behave the correct way. James said that faith without works is dead yet in my 28 years of being a christian I heard every sermon under the sun to write off that passage.
Interesting.
I respect all religions even thought I do not have any religions.
But recently I met terrible Christian. He forced his opinion including about Jesus.
And when I told him that I like who I am and please do not force to believe what he believes, he told me ” you will suicide soon. you will spend miserable life. you are so racist( I do not know why he think so. Probably because he failed to make me be Christian) and so on”
I feel terrible and now im scared Christian people.
I think I understand what you’re saying but let me add this.
I’m going to paraphrase a lot for space sake so forgive me.
If we are truly going to love as Jesus loved we are going to have to love the Pharisees as He did. The scripture says that God so loved the world. It does not say that He so loved the world except for the pharisees. We read that Jesus made a whip and threw the money changers out of the temple but forget that He wept over the very same people that were going to kill Him. He called them scribes and pharisees hypocrites, but He also prayed from the cross for those who put Him on the cross ” Father forgive them for they know not what they do”. Also, if you want to understand what motivates people do preach condemnation and judgement you have to do a study on covenant. Many of those who preach this way are sincere but misinformed as to what our covenant relationship with Christ is all about and therefore they mistakenly think and minister as an Old Testment minister/prophet. They honestly believe that the Lord is ministering the same way today as in the old covenant.
The reason there was so much judgment under the OT is because of the nature of covenant making in the culture of that day. We in our western culture know very little of it today. There is not enough space here to go into detail but just briefly here is one point.
When a covenant was made the 2 parties involved would make promises and pledge or make an oath to fulfill then kill an animal ( called cutting a covenant). They would then part it in two pieces and walk between the two pieces. As they walked between the two halves of the covenant sacrifice they would say ” may the lord do so to me as this animal if I do not keep the words of our agreement/promise. When the Lord cut a covenant with the Isralites He gave them blessing and cursings which were very much a part of covenant making of that day. If they obeyed they received a blessing or the life of heaven, if they disobeyed they received a curse or judgment. The Israelites said to Moses all the words that the Lord has spoken we will do. They misjudged what the Lord was doing and unwittingly brought themselves under the curse of the law, because they were trusting in themselves that they could be obey all the law and be righteous through their own power. They continuously failed at keeping the law and therefore God was bound by the terms of the covenant to bring the curse on them. He really did not want to but if God would not have done that then He himself would be breaking the terms of the covenant. The Lord knew they couldn’t fully obey and told them so but at the same time in His covenant mercy held out the promise of restoration if they would repent and returm to the Lords covenant with all their heart. When Solomon dedicated the temple he said in his prayer when ( not if ) your people sin and come to this house then hear from heaven forgive their sin and restore them to their covenant standing. ( 1 Chronicles 5-7) They Lord answered and promised that if they would do what Solomon requested then he would restore 7:14
When the prophets came preaching repentance they were saying return to the covenant that YOU agreed to but rebelled against and therefore have brought this judgment on yourselves because according to covenant terms in those days God was bound to the covenant to judge and/or bless.
The covenant of Moses is never called an everlasting one, which is basically what Paul was saying in Galatians.
The covenant that God made with Abraham and his seed ( Jesus Christ ) was the one that was everlasting. The covenant with David is also called an everlasting one. This is what the prophets saw by the spirit of God and prophesied of a New covenant in which God would write his laws on the hearts of those who believed as Abraham and David did.
What a lot of people/preachers in church have not seen is that Christ the seed of David and Abraham completely fulfilled the terms of the Mosiac covenant and therefore has done away with the the condemnation and curse of the law. In the OT the sign of the covenant was circumcision in the flesh but in the new covenant God has circumsised our hearts and through faith in the blood of Christ has placed His spirit of love and gifts of the spirit driven by love in our hearts which is what fulfills the law in us.
There is a judgment in the New Testament for rejecting the blood of Christ but that is reserved for the Lord to do we are called to bless in the power of this new covenant because we have received the blessing of the covenant through the mercy of God and the blood of Christ.
It’s also possible to be deceived as the Galatians were and put yourself back under the works of the law and become a condeming minister.
I guess that’s enough I hope it makes sense. It’s hard to say so much in such a small space.
If you go to http://www.preceptaustin.org there is a great teaching on covenant. You could also go to my site http://www.covenantministriesofamerica.com and find a link to that site and an audio teaching link to wayne barber.
I would encourage you to have compassion and pray for those who are ministering in condemnation. Ask the Lord to release the compassion of Christ that is in you towards them. They really don’t know what they are doing and don’t realise that they are putting themselves under the Old Covenant. But if you do the same to them then what does that make you.
disillusioned christians today are not uncommon, but then again we have had a 2000year history, it’s about time we’re frustrated with how hypocritical and complacent the church has become today. we’ve got so many sects and groups and doctrines but not enough people who actually live the real thing.
i know it’s 2 years since your post but i just want to say — i hope that you grow a confidence to be the christian that the world needs today.
cf. my response here: http://www.extremetheology.com/2007/04/repentance_the_.html
STOP! playing like you know anything about life after death. No one knows worshiping a lord is a JOKE. We aren’t children anymore you people know nuthing i don’t, yet you quote the f****** bible like its a history book! ALL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH
If “God” hates faggets then why create them? Also why create PEOPLE WHO F******* RAPE CHILDREN? Why let CHILDREN F****** STARVE TO DEATH! Why let people ROT FROM LEPERCY? What if the people who wrote the bible were lieing, wake up people. People are raised that if they don’t belief in “God” and his faggot “son” they go to hell, LIKE A CULT!!! The answer is simple GOD DOESN’T F****** EXIST
Ok…so tell me Mr. 666 and Mr. Phycoscial….what is the truth? Can you prove there is no God?
There might be, might not, no point in wastein time thinking about it. Life is to short and valuable to spend time worrying about it. Religious people act so sure but, they just belief what they where raised to think christians/musliums/jews…
It’s called FAITH…it’s called HOPE.
I would rather live with faith and hope than to not.
Sorry if i offened. I recently lost my dad and I had no warning of it. I was recently living with him and we weren’t on good terms at the time. I was mad over stupid reasons and I heard over a voice mail that an area of muscule ruptered from a 2nd heart attack. I’m 19 and he was 50 he didn’t seem bad at all at the time, and i never got to say sorry or goodbye. A friend of mine in high school her sister was raped by her father when she was one year old… he’s in prison now, but not for long. I’ve seen one of my old friend’s mom taught her son how to smoke crack, he completely fell into that lifestyle. last time i seen him he was 6′ 1” 95-105 lbs. I just will never believe. You call it hope I call it false hope.
False Christians offering false hope and phony sympathy suck.
-ian +
(Latin: suffix form of -an from -ianus, a modifier of the main word to which it is attached: belonging to, coming from, being involved in, or being like something)
ChristIAN means to be like Christ.
Jesus Christ is kind; loving; forgiving; selfless; honest; humble; patient….
Anyone that does not exemplfy these traits (Primarily Love because “God is Love” 1 john 4:8)is not living the life of a Christian, or one who is like Christ.
Psycosocial: your experiences and pain are real there is no doubt about that and unfortunately screwed up things like the things you have experienced happen everyday without explaination and the Christian community has failed to step up and do it’s best to show God’s love because most people claiming to be Christians do not themselve understand it.
Unfortunatley for us human kind is naturally wicked and God gave us all free will. God allows things to happen because if he breaks his word to stop a child molester from kidnapping a 4 year old girl because we asked him to – someone could just as easily turn around and ask him to stop a law abiding gay citizen from marrying their true love so that they can use their medical insurance to treat their partners illness.
Give em a foot and they’ll run with a mile – God cannot go back on his promise of free will or he will be called a liar and God is true to his word no matter how painful the result.
I am sorry for your loss espeacially at such a young age when you need your parents the most. My cousin was 19 when she lost her mother to cancer, she was 22 when she lost her father to multiple sclerosis.
There’s no justifying why things happen, but our anger about it doesn’t resolve our pain. The only thing we can do is surrender that confusion to soemthing large enough to turn it into something that can work for our good.
I encourage you all to consider believing not in endless happiness – wealth and prosperity but rather in a God that no matter the circumstance continues to love you. You can spit in his face – curse his name but whenever you are ready to accept that this life is way too big for you to handle alone, God is waiting with open arms.