Whose Religion Is Correct? Where Is God's Kingdom Hiding?
 |
| A variety of ancient cultures have testimonies about a hairy man. No evidence has satisfied scientific minds, yet not all stories are pure legends or myths. Much how love is a gift as is faith, only those with such gifts can truly 'know' what love and faith is. Thus the children of God go about like legends and myths in a world looking for things external. The evidence has always been there, but men are too fixated on what their eyes see rather than their hearts. |
I was stopped on my walk home the other evening.
A friend I had not seen for some time was shouting towards my way, and came across the street to meet me.
We chatted and caught up regarding the past year and what we've been up to.
I was very happy to see his face.
Soon after the chitchat began a series of questions followed.
I can tell he was struggling with his faith... walking more by sight and less by faith.
He believes there is a God, but is not so sure about the Bible.
He is less sure about religious people or anyone claiming to know God.
The sins and bad examples of 'Christians' has him questioning everything.
I can relate.
I've been there several times in the past.
A few of the many questions:
- 'What about all those other religions?'
My answers: God has set eternity in the hearts of all men the world over throughout times.
Another question:
- 'How do you know you are right?'
My answer: I have seen and I have heard.
- 'How do you know the Bible is right?'
My answers:
Only in the Name of Yeshua the Christ have miracles been experienced since He rose to heaven.
Yeshua is quoted stating that miracles will follow the Gospel message.
Thus 'signs' of good works have confirmed the Gospel's message.
The message: that Messiah (God with us - God in the flesh) appeared on earth, was killed to provide salvation, rose to life, and sat back on His throne in heaven.
Bona fide miracles, not falling down after being pushed down or other circus theatrics.
But legs extending in front of many witnesses when His Name is faithfully invoked!
Looking closer at those who claim to be Christians (one who actually follows Christ and loves others, even their enemies), I thought it wise to further the teaching of being at peace and continuing loving all others.
Sadly, by the end of the first century, the ancient Church began to splinter.
Men were tempted to become divided in their minds and hearts over what they perceived in others.
They allowed trouble to beguile their hearts when allowing their love to wax cold.
Like a mother who will always love her child regardless of what her child goes through, so does God's Church (Christ through His Body) call the faithful to love one another regardless.
Four points to explore... the teaching of love to obey:
“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your Name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
“Do not stop him,” Yeshua said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”
- Luke 9: 49-50
Point #1:
God is able, and willing, to perform miracles through anyone proclaiming the Name of Yeshua.
And whoever invokes the most powerful Name revealed to mankind need not be 'Christians'.
Hard to believe, I know, but there is more at work in the spiritual realm beyond man's understanding and tribalism / 'us' vs. 'them' dissonance.
Here is a testimony confirming this fact. (listen for a few minutes and be amazed)
Thus God can be gloried through persons not a part of your religious group!
Open wide your hearts and eyes to what God is doing!
Focus less on what 'you think' you know is going on, but rather on what God desires you do.
Going further:
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is One Body and One Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;
One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
- Ephesians 4: 3-5
Point #2:
One Body (the kingdom within).
Yet many 'parts' / vessels wherein God's Spirit lives and acts. (see Romans 12: 3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12)
Remember point #1 regarding your attitude towards others.
Become all things to all men regarding how others may (or may not) understand God as you understand.
Learn how another person may perceive things... so you can add to your learning, and how best to speak to others.
Let not words become a point of argument, but let love lead you towards peace.
You may realize, as I have, that God is always teaching you.
Teaching you not only through those who are religiously agreeable to you, but even in someone deemed a 'sinner' or whatever you may label a fellow human being made in His image and likeness.
Keep reminding God’s people of these things.
Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth.
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
Their teaching will spread like gangrene.
Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the Truth.
They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription:
“The Lord knows those who are His,” and,
“Everyone who confesses the Name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
- 2 Timothy 2: 14-19
Point #3:
Knowing what is true is firstly personal and does not always convey to another mind no matter the use of words.
To argue over words (doctrinal points) with those already departed, or confused, is causing trouble for hearers.
It is one thing to proclaim the Truth and keep open your arms to those who oppose it.
It is another thing to argue over words and lose love for those you are called to love and show grace to.
You are to also love your so-called enemies.
Even heretics are still to be loved! and allowed a way to repent.
If you become and stay unfriendly, how will they see Christ in you?
You may reflect the hired hands and imposters my friend has noticed.
Recall point #1, #2.
Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.
This is how we know it is the last hour.
They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us.
For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us;
but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.
- 1 John 2: 18-19
Point #4:
Leaving (breaking community and unity) is a 'sign' / 'tell' that someone (or several people ) failed to keep the peace.
They failed to love due to their actions, or due to the manner of speaking to others.
Failing to love is failing to be like Christ in all situations... even in the face of hostility and death.
There is a tendency, popularized by those leaning on their own mind's puffery rather than patience, to get divided over the most ridiculous of things... even over suspecting the earth to be flat and other such foolishness.
This reveals the evident immaturity in so many religious people thinking themselves to be Christians.
Instead of building on love and God's wisdom, foolishness is their manner and they view themselves as somehow enlightened, but only blown with every new wind of foolishness.
These forward division and strife when arguing over words.
They eventually start yet another denomination... and go far astray.
Such as these are not obedient to what points #1, #2. #3, and #4 elaborate from the teaching of righteousness.
Comments