Whoopi, Joy, and Barbara do theology

WORLD ^ | 11/22/10 | Janie B. Cheaney

[DWar]

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

American Christians mistakenly assume the goodwill of other citizens. American Christian leaders must prepare themselves for the potential of ideological battle at every public forum.

[vpintheak]

That’s the big problem I have with Osteen and Warren. They are in it for the money, plain and simple. A Christian Pastor, if for any reason was found in that same position, would have been a Christian Soldier and stood up for Christ. Instead, Osteen showed himself again to be lilly-livered and will be denied when his judgement comes.
This is not me speaking but the Truth that is within me.

[DWar]

This scriptue has to do with the Christian about to be martyred and is called by secular authorities to defend his beliefs and actions before a legal assembly.
See Matthew Henry's Commentary online: http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/luke/12.html

In a forum where testifying to your faith is called for, I think the following is more applicable:
1 Peter 3:15- But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

[DWar]

Your vitrol concerns me, dear brother. No one, neither a "Christian leader" nor their critic nor an outside observer does or says anything for one reason alone. There are always a multiplicity of motivations, known and unknown, in every human heart.

Personally, I am painfully aware and humbled by the fact that many, to me, obviously flawed messengers have nevertheless been used by the Lord to do greater things than I'll ever do.

The scripture, 1 Peter 3:15; instructs Christians to testify to the reason of the hope that lies within themself and to do so with gentleness and respect.

Even in disputes with Satan himself, it appears that judgement and vitrol are neither the behavior nor model recommended.

Jude 1:9
But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"

With regard to messengers not in agreement with me and the "Truth that is within me" I try to remember the words of the Lord:
"for whoever is not against us is for us." Mark 9:40 (NIV)

Matthew Henry Commentary
http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=41&c=9

Many have been like the disciples, ready to silence men who have success in preaching to sinners repentance in Christ's name, because they follow not with them. Our Lord blamed the apostles, reminding them that he who wrought miracles in his name would not be likely to hurt his cause. If sinners are brought to repent, to believe in the Saviour, and to live sober, righteous, and godly lives, we then see that the Lord works by the preacher.

I think the two bigest surprises in eternity will be:
1- The self assured who are missing, and
2- Those who didn't believe like me who are there.

Peace be unto you.

[vpintheak]

Thanks for your comment, sincerely. I have a question though, there are certain times in our lives where we have a chance to stand up for Jesus. I’m sure you’ve had those moments, as have I. Will He not deny us if we deny Him? I see being a Christian as more than a clean way of living as many wolves promote it to be.
I welcome you insight.

[RichInOC]

Okay, that’s “must pee” TV right there.

[DWar]

My understanding is that as a true Christian, acts of disobedience, denial, etc. are perpetually covered by the blood of Jesus unless and until the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and we resist His leading towards repentance.

Too often Christians are concerned with debating points not totally necessary for salvation. Humans have this insatiable desire “to be right”. Christian humans, too. We argue with a very unChristian spirit against family who have just a little different take on things. Or who haven’t yet grown to a place in the Lord that we have. And by our insistence to get them to believe the “Truth” our attitude drives them away from needed fellowship or back into sin. That’s why Paul taught that eating meat that has been sacrificed to idols is OK because the idols are lifeless, meaningless objects and strong Christians are aware of that ... But when in the presence of a weaker brother abstain.

I think it is better to “Stand up for Jesus” against the sin nature within ourselves first and then against the secular humanists who are rapidly extinguishing faith, in America rather than against family members whom we judge to not be fully in harmony with the “Truth”. One of my personal challenges in this regard is the wealthy televangelist who wants the little old lady to send her Social Security check to him and that’s the message that is the predominant one of his “ministry”. But if Christ is also preached enough that the lady is saved and comforted, I’ll swallow my objections and trust the Lord to work through his ministry in spite of the messenger.
That preacher will be responsible to the Lord Himself, for the rest.

I have the feeling that most of the time my tendency towards “righteous anger” comes too easily and that gentleness and humility with too much dificulty.

For me Micha 6:8 is an important guide:
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Peace be with you.

[Wile E Coyote Genius]

“They couldn’t find a CAIR representative to harass about homosexuality?”

If this forum suddenly announced that we were Mooselimbs and that we should start stoning gays, those three would have nothing to say!