I think that now is a good time to see what is happening in the world and how that will possibly affect Christians. I had a thought recently, it was in regards to Prop 8 but it applies to much of the anti-Christian sentiments lately. I realized that "the noose is tightening" around Christians necks. Saying that there is only one way to God through Jesus is becoming quite upsetting to the world. It always has been an uncomfortable reality but as of late strength is building against that belief and anyone who believes that there is only one way to God and it's Jesus, is seen as narrow minded, judgmental, etc.... I'll post the link to the you tube video of Oprah one more time as an example of New Age thinking and it's impact on Christians. (Warning: Super cheesy tone to this video)
In John 14:16 Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me."
Scripture warns us that this Gospel would be offensive to many.
So, in the words of a popular roller coaster ride announcer "Hang on to your hats and glasses folks! This here is the wildest ride in the wilderness!"
9 comments:
Gretchen, I am not sure if much of the "anti-Christian sentiments" have anything to do with our belief that Jesus is the only way to God.
Sure, it is easy to conclude that "they" dislike us because of our faithfulness to God, and the very offensive nature of the gospel.
There were times in history when that was true, and still true in some parts of the world, but I'd be hard pressed to say it is the case with American Christians today.
Heh Heh David, start talking to folks and just say "Did you know that Jesus is the ONLY way to get to God?" and you will get some nice reactions. I am speaking from experience as well. I've had some great conversations with random people and you'd be surprised.
This is also why I put the link to the Oprah segment because she is pretty mains stream and many ladies really love her and listen to what she has to say.
By the way, Jesus and His shedding of blood for us should be the only reason people should be offended if at all. We need to be winsome, loving, generous, caring, thoughtful and kind.
I guess I was a little confused by the reference to proposition 8, since its relationship to Jesus being the only way to God is questionable at the very least.
Couldn't a lot of the "anti-Christian sentiments" have more to do with our political activism? I am not completely opposed to it, but when we demonize and smear our "opponents" just like everyone else does, we have become just like everyone else.
It should be the gospel which attracts "anti-Christian sentiments," but I am afraid it is something else.
I guess that in this post I am just talking about the gospel as opposed to political activism or obnoxious behavior or any other reason for non believers to be annoyed with Christians.
I definitely agree with you that Oprah has propagated some serious mistruths. She really tweaks stuff in a subtle way that is kind of creepy. I don't, however, like the tone of the video, especially the other one linked to it, "Don't Drink the Kool-Aid". It seems like propaganda, even though much of it is true. Its eery music and evil sound effects are unnecessary. I don't, personally see what's wrong with her endorsing Obama or see what's wrong with a peace alliance. I think pushing for peace is a wonderful thing and there should be more out there doing so. Christ himself was a great advocate for peace. I'm not sure what the concern is there. Certainly thought-provoking.
Yes the tone of the video is super cheesy.... but she said it all and endorses some really New Age things in a very subtle and attractive way.
The Obama endorsement isn't as big of a deal except if he believed the same things she did and there is no evidence as of yet that he does.
On the issue of a peace alliance, these are the things of the last days. The talk of peace is so desirable sounding. I mean we need peace right? But the kind of peace that is talked about in these circles means something different and deeply disturbing for Christians, Jews and Muslims.
The Bible talks about these things and I posted this blog to get this stuff thought about and researched.
The further the Christians get away from the power of the empire, the stronger the church will be.
As for Prop 8, it is sad but well earned that Christians have earned a reputation of hating gays.
Guten Abend Gretchen,
I just discovered your blog by following the link to your profile from a comment you had left on another blog~~~Hope you don’t mind me adding to this discussion...
I’m new to blogging, and just recently started some myself, and I have to say that your blog is really interesting, and Gretchen, you have the gift of being able to get worthwhile online discussions started:
I have a unique perspective concerning the way to Heaven through Jesus Christ ~ You know how most people’s belief in God is a matter of faith? Well, with me it is a matter of faith and a matter of fact... I believe that DNA is our Creator’s fingerprint of His blueprint for life, and thus scientific proof of the existence of only one Creator, and that science simply explains to us how He does what He does. As an inventor myself, I can tell you beyond a doubt that things aren’t invented by themselves, and that we were designed intellectually by one Creator, and life on Mother Earth didn’t just happen randomly, and accidentally!
Moreover, as someone coming from a diverse background of Irish & German & American Indian ancestry (and believe it or not, I’m actually a descended of George Washington, you know, that guy who was President and carved his own wooden teeth!), I also hold some American Indian beliefs, and consequently, I believe that the Great Spirit, Our Creator, and Our Christian God are one and the same....
And here is something interesting from Corinthians 13 that I believe is relevant:
“The body is one and has many members, but all the members, many though they are, are one body: and so it is with Christ. It was in one Spirit that all of us, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, were baptized into one body. You, then, are the body of Christ. Every one of you is a member of it.”
And so I have faith that even those American Indian ancestors of mine (including those that lived freely before Columbus invaded the Americas) whose Heaven is the Happy Hunting Grounds, are in fact in our Christian Heaven, IF they lived a life of joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith….
I was baptized Catholic, and as a Christian with the Love of Jesus Christ in my heart, when my life on Mother Earth is over, I will continue living as a Christian… In essence, whether you are American Indian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or Christian, or whatever name you choose to name Him with, or whatever program of worship you choose to follow Him with, Our one God knows what is in your heart, for “You, then, are the body of Christ. Every one of you is a member of it.”
May peace be with you all, and may His Love be in your hearts ~
Daniel
Daniel, thanks for adding to the discussion. I appreciate the different points of view for sure.
Like the verse I quoted (Jesus' words) " I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but through me."
I look forward to some day asking our Saviour what that looked like for those who didn't have a Bible or a missionary to give them the good news. I know that there have been MANY instances where people have seen Jesus in a dream or somehow through some miracle realized or found out about what he did for them and they found the way to the Father.
God loves His creation, He doesn't want those He loves to perish. I have confidence that He guides and shows each person what He needs from them. He is a good God full of compassion, justice and most of all Love.
Post a Comment