Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Christian Haters Hating Christians

I kinda wonder if the apostles that stuck around Jerusalem after Stephens execution belittled those who ran off? (Acts 8.1) Did they condemn them for their lack of Faith?  Did Pete, John and the rest of the crew brag to each other how dedicated and fearless they were?

I am aware of how hypocritical this entry is.(Romans 14.22??) I am hating on the Christian haters.  I am so disgusted with the 'gospel experts' sitting behind their keyboards and pulpits declaring everyone else a pharisee or a phony.  How many people have accepted the Gift of Eternal Life because someone pointed out a 'flawed' theology?  Contrarily, how many people have become confused or bitter because of all the negativity and finger pointing? 

Yes, I have had conversations come up with others about Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, the Christian haters online and local preachers. Yes, I have been asked questions about what those people preach.  And yes, I have volunteered my opinion what those dudes are preaching.  There are things about each one these dudes that I can disagree with and agree with. It is tough to not get caught up in threads and debates about who is right and who is wrong.  I like to post something totally irrelevant in the threads, such as Project 86 is the greatest band ever. Or if you don't know Mars Ill, you don't know Hip Hop.  Or even something as stupid as my favorite color is snot green. 

With such easy access to express an opinion, its kinda hard not to spout off what we believe about Faith, sports, politics, work.  I believe it comes down to each persons motivation. (Romans 2.16) Why do we do what we do? Why do we preach what we preach? Is it share Jesus or is it to argue and debate about things that only time will tell?

I think anyone that chooses to limit Holy Spirit to the doctrine of one person is a fool.  I think anyone that wants to spend their time and talents tearing down other peoples doctrines instead of praying for those people is a bigger fool. I think anyone that wants to preach hate instead of preaching the Love and Grace of Jesus (yes, that includes confession (1John 1.9)and repentance (Titus 2.11-14) of sin) is the biggest fool of all.  I think there are too many Christians playing the role of a fool.  And too many times I play the fool.

It's true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they'll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world. One group is motivated by pure love, knowing that I am here defending the Message, wanting to help. The others, now that I'm out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the 
better—they think—for them. 
Philippians 1.15-17 The Message

3 comments:

David said...

I have written about this before.

http://fireandgrace.blogspot.com/2009/11/top-10-stupidest-things-christians-do.html

Why we feel the need to point out miniscule errors is retarded.

We do need good teaching on why the occult is bad, why some folks are in cults, and what non-Christian religions believe so that we can love others with truth. But arguing over this is crazy.

Instead of calling my non-spirit-filled brethren names, I invited them on a mission trip to see the power of God first hand. I wish I could afford to take more of them!

Anonymous said...

You go, Dave! I just read that scripture an hour ago, because of some FB "friends" who like to bash other Christians' beliefs.

I like what Paul said next: "
Phil 1:18
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,"
(from New International Version)

Jesus told his disciples: "He who is not against us is on our side" (Mark 9:40)

It would behoove us all to learn that we all have a common goal - to preach Jesus and him crucified. We have to let the Lord deal with doctrinal error (I dare say ALL of are wrong about something.) Let's not by in to the devil's devices to bring division amongst the Body of Christ...

Tracy said...

I so agree with you Dave. It's always made my heart heavy when I hear Christians putting down other Christians. I've frequently, perhaps like "Anonymous" here, thought of that next verse, #18, in Philippians 1. If Jesus Christ is being lifted up - why are we thinking we're the "doctrine" or "motive" police. Why can't we just leave that to God and instead look to where we can do something - at ourselves. To make sure we are each about the business that God has called us to.