* What the world needs is reformed Communism. Not really, we don't need Communism at all.
* What the world needs is reformed Socialism. Not really, we don't need Socialism at all.
* What the world needs is reformed Islam. Not really, we don't need Islam at all.
* What the world needs is reformed Christianity. Not really. we need Biblical Christianity. We need to be transformed from self trusting to God trusting, self ruled to God ruled, self filled with God filled. We need to be conformed to the likeness of God's Son.
"BUT," you say, "wasn't Christianity reformed under Martin Luther and other Reformers during the Reformation?
A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
NO. NO. NO. The original protestants were Roman Catholics who were protesting some of the errors of Roman Catholicism in order to make it more closely resemble Biblical Christianity, since the Roman Catholic Church had so thoroughly corrupted the doctrines, the order, the ministry, and the morals of Biblical Christianity. However, the Romanists leaders would not allow a Reformation, therefore the Reformation eventuated in the schism known as "The Protestant Reformation." The Protestant reformation did not restore Biblical Christianity, though it was a small step in the right direction to rediscover Biblical Christianity.
Biblical Christianity did not need REFORMING, it needed to be rediscovered and accepted. The message of God has not changed, but it has been rejected, misunderstood and misrepresented.
Jude 1:3-4
(3) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
MISPLACED BLAME
I just recently wrote a comment, which applies to misplaced anger and accusations against Christ, Biblical Christianity, salvation and Christians. I will share that comment here.
DLG wrote...
I understand that resentment, anger, negativity can follow when a person has had a bad experience in the past, including a religious experience.
We have all had bad experiences, though some have been worse than other's. I am sorry when a person has been hurt, especially in the name of Christ or His Church, however, it was neither Christ nor His Church that did the hurting.
If there was any actual hurting that took place, it was either because of misguided exuberance of a well meaning (but errant) person, or an intended evil by a wicked person, or a misunderstanding by a rebellious person. In any case, it was not a representation of Biblical Christianity or Christ. However, our response to offenses is our choice, and we can't blame the offender for our present anger or vengeful attitude. There have been people who have suffered great injustices, yet they overcame their anger and prejudices. Also, there is true healing for our hurts, injuries, found in Jesus.
There were many lives enriched by some of the ministry that took place in that building. To condemn the building is absurd. The building did not do any harm to anyone, and the purpose for which the building was built was not intended to harm anyone. It certainly is no excuse for rejecting Christ or salvation or Christian people.
As far as the "fire and brimstone," message, it is consistent with the Bible message. God (the true God, the God of the Bible) is not vengeful, looking for people to torture. He is loving, offering salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son. However, there is a judgment to face if we will not turn from sin and turn to Jesus.
Sometimes people become antagonistic to anything that represents Christ, salvation, Christians or Christian morality because they do not want to submit to the Lordship of Christ.
These are just a few quick thoughts. I hope it helps explain my point of view. If it causes confusion, I am sorry. Please let me know and I will try to clear it up
I just recently wrote a comment, which applies to misplaced anger and accusations against Christ, Biblical Christianity, salvation and Christians. I will share that comment here.
DLG wrote...
I understand that resentment, anger, negativity can follow when a person has had a bad experience in the past, including a religious experience.
We have all had bad experiences, though some have been worse than other's. I am sorry when a person has been hurt, especially in the name of Christ or His Church, however, it was neither Christ nor His Church that did the hurting.
If there was any actual hurting that took place, it was either because of misguided exuberance of a well meaning (but errant) person, or an intended evil by a wicked person, or a misunderstanding by a rebellious person. In any case, it was not a representation of Biblical Christianity or Christ. However, our response to offenses is our choice, and we can't blame the offender for our present anger or vengeful attitude. There have been people who have suffered great injustices, yet they overcame their anger and prejudices. Also, there is true healing for our hurts, injuries, found in Jesus.
There were many lives enriched by some of the ministry that took place in that building. To condemn the building is absurd. The building did not do any harm to anyone, and the purpose for which the building was built was not intended to harm anyone. It certainly is no excuse for rejecting Christ or salvation or Christian people.
As far as the "fire and brimstone," message, it is consistent with the Bible message. God (the true God, the God of the Bible) is not vengeful, looking for people to torture. He is loving, offering salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son. However, there is a judgment to face if we will not turn from sin and turn to Jesus.
Sometimes people become antagonistic to anything that represents Christ, salvation, Christians or Christian morality because they do not want to submit to the Lordship of Christ.
These are just a few quick thoughts. I hope it helps explain my point of view. If it causes confusion, I am sorry. Please let me know and I will try to clear it up
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