"Liberal" Christianity - 2

I am glad to be able to have a discussion with whom ever wants to. Sometimes however, the written word can be misunderstood. In a recent posting called Liberal Christians I responded to the question "How do you convince a Liberal Christian the bible from Genesis to Revelation is the Word of God?"

My basic response was you shouldn't even try because unless a person has the same convictions about the authority and inerrancy of the Scriptures as you do there is little that can be said from an intellectual stance to convince them other wise because the Scriptures are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2).

However, I do want to be clear (more clear)...the Bible tells me God loves every person, even the most vile and sinful - that includes me. If that is the case then I must love everyone as well. I mention that because apparently I may have given the impression to "write off" anyone that doesn't believe the Bible is the Word of God.

No! In regards to convincing someone through well thought out intellectual arguments I said is useless, pointless because the Bible is living and active, it is the spiritual revealed Word of God. Therefore, unless someone becomes like a little child and humbles himself and receives the Word by faith, the Bible and therefore my words, arguments and opinions about the Bible are just mere words.

For such a person, my lifestyle must be evident and point to the reality of the Bible. I am far less concerned about whether someone believes the story of Jonah and the great fish and more concerned that they experience the Love of Christ through my life.

I guess what I'm trying to say is this... be doers of the Word and not hearers only (James). If people do not see the reality of God, the power of God, the peace and grace of God etc. in our lives, if we can be around the unsaved and them never know a difference in the way we walk and talk - let's forget convincing them the Bible true - because our lifestyle is speaking louder than our words!

These so called "Liberal" Christians must have a real encounter with a living God. We, the people of God, the church of Christ, we are the ones who bear the responsibility of expressing God. We have become too comfortable with a powerless Christianity. We have mixed the Holy with the common, no wonder much of the North American world is "nominal" in their Christian experience.

Our life of Holiness and power will make the difference in the lives of people who do not know God. I believe everybody, yes everybody hungers for God. They may never express it that way but I believe it is a fact. They don't want more talking, rules, regulations, lists of do's and dont's, liturgy or dry Melba toast religion. They want the real thing! A God who makes a difference, a God who loves unconditionally, a God who will deliver them.

Write nobody off! Love, serve, do all you can to express the life of God to everyone - but avoid foolish arguments, they profit you nothing. Amen.

What about the Palestinians?

In Christian circles we hear a lot about how important it is to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the Jews are God's special chosen people, we must support Israel at all costs etc. I believe we should pray for and stand with Israel, no question God commands it.

My question is who will care for the Palestinians? I agree, Israel has a special place in the heart of God but in Christ we are all God's chosen people. There is no other name given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

I wonder...there are people in the church from countries like Iran and Iraq, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, various African nations...what goes on in their heart when all they hear is Israel, Israel, Israel? Isn't Jesus the Saviour of the world (John 4:42)? When is the last time we prayed for God to bless Palestine or Iran? There are several well known Televangelists border lining on fear-mongering. "Those Palestinians, those Muslims they are all evil people. They want to destroy Israel, destroy America and take over the world! We can't let this happen!"

I'm not unaware of the potential threat from radical extremists. I believe we should do all we can to protect our nation and our allies. However, I believe we've allowed politics to cloud the redeeming gospel of Jesus Christ.

Along with supporting Israel, let the church express the love of Jesus to the Palestinian people as well! And while we are at it, how about the Saudis, Iranians, Iraqis...all people of the earth. Jesus said "go into all the world and make disciples of all nations". But we are going to have to put away some prejudice first.

"Liberal" Christianity

Recently someone asked me "How does one convince a 'liberal' Christian that the bible (from the first word in Genesis to the last word in Revelation) is in fact the word of God or God speaking to us and that we should not change it to conform to the worldly ways."

My short answer is...don't even try. Why not? For the simple fact that if a person does not believe the Bible is the inspired inerrant Word of God, there is no real common place for discussion about God (at least with me). There is a great difference between understanding the Bible or being able to effectively explain the Bible and believing the Bible (Genesis to Revelation) is the Word of God. A great difference! I might not understand everything the Bible says but that doesn't for one second deter me from believing it is the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 2:6-14 teaches about spiritual wisdom - the natural mind does not receive the things of the Spirit. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. Christianity is spiritual. The Word of God is spiritual. God's ways are spiritual. (See...I must always refer to the Bible...can't help it, it is the source of truth, it is the foundation for any meaningful discussion about God). God always acts according to His Word.

In Mark 12:24 Jesus said; are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? Lots of critical mistakes are made because so called "Christians" do not know the Bible (Scriptures) nor the power of God. For many, God is just an idea, not a living, personal God of life giving power.

I believe it is a waste of time to try to convince anyone that God is real or the Bible is the Word of God solely by intellectual means. Can't do it! A person with an argument is at the mercy of another person with a better argument. My opinion counts for nothing. I must show them with my life. Let God speak, let God be true and every man a liar!

As far as changing the Word of God to conform to worldly ways...? For a Bible believer like myself that doesn't make sense. The moment I begin to change the Word of God to reflect worldly ways is again proof I do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God. Did not God say (Isaiah 55:8) my ways or not your ways? It is the height of human arrogance and pride that says to God - Change Your Word to conform to my lifestyle.

Paul says avoid foolish arguments (2 Timothy 2:23-26) pray and believe God to change their heart and open their eyes. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (Colossians 4:5-6) Amen.