May 17, 2008 11:50PM GMT
Question
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Religion - Christianity
Christians: What kind of Christianity should we be preaching?
I have seen a multitude of Christians on SodaHead of different denominations and walks of life. Many are eager to get God's message out to others, yet I have seen multiple versions of "Christianity" preached. I'm curious to find out what kind of Christianity my fellow Christians think should be taught on SH.One form of "Christianity" seen on SodaHead could best be described as "Pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by." In this form, God is all-loving, never judges anyone for anything under any circumstances, and everyone gets into Heaven no matter what they do or in what they believe. There is no judgment, no sin, no Hell, and, ultimately, no real need for redemption.
In another form of "Christianity," God is purely vengeful and full of wrath. Here, God is seen as constantly angry and condemning pretty much everyone to everlasting torment in Hell. There is little (if any) discussion of hope for eternal life in Heaven with God, just fire and brimstone.
Another form of "Christianity" emphasizes God is both loving, yet just. In this form, God indeed loves all of us dearly, but His holy nature cannot tolerate sin, and sinners will never see Heaven... Unless they accept His gift of eternal life through Christ's sacrifice. There is a strong emphasis on the danger of sin and Hell, but an equal emphasis on the redemptive nature of a relationship with Jesus.
What kind of Christianity should we Christians be preaching here on SodaHead? Which of these three is most in line with Scripture and thus closest to truth? Which is best to help those who do not yet believe, to save those who are currently in spiritual darkness?
If you believe a fourth (or fifth, or sixth, or seventh, or...) type of Christianity is closer to the truth, please pick "Other" and share with us!
I have tried to make this a balanced poll, so I apologize if I offend anyone. I've tried to give a nutshell description of the three different brands of Christianity I've seen on SodaHead.
Thanks, all.
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Answered Other (please share!)
Shirkie, I think your question is a very good one. However, I am sorry to have to say this, but none of the choices fully fit the truth of Bible teaching. Perhaps just an oversight on your part. The one that comes closest; "God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven." I could have chosen that one IF it had read more like the following;
"God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ, and live for Him as His word commands, and who persevere until the end, will be in Heaven."
Folks, despite what so many believe today, merely believing or receiving Christ as Savior does not save a person. It does however give us the POWER to be saved. Power to resist this world, power to resist this flesh, and power to stand on the truth and walk in all that Christ commands. Many receive the power and discard it, unused, as they go back to their old life just having a new title, calling them self "Christian." Loving Christ is obeying Him and following His words, not the words of men.
Please read the following verses carefully before proceeding. (You should also look them up later to verify the context. Always a good idea when you see Scripture.)
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the ...Shirkie, I think your question is a very good one. However, I am sorry to have to say this, but none of the choices fully fit the truth of Bible teaching. Perhaps just an oversight on your part. The one that comes closest; "God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven." I could have chosen that one IF it had read more like the following;
"God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ, and live for Him as His word commands, and who persevere until the end, will be in Heaven."
Folks, despite what so many believe today, merely believing or receiving Christ as Savior does not save a person. It does however give us the POWER to be saved. Power to resist this world, power to resist this flesh, and power to stand on the truth and walk in all that Christ commands. Many receive the power and discard it, unused, as they go back to their old life just having a new title, calling them self "Christian." Loving Christ is obeying Him and following His words, not the words of men.
Please read the following verses carefully before proceeding. (You should also look them up later to verify the context. Always a good idea when you see Scripture.)
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12
"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;" Hebrews 3:14
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:13-14
"...even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 4:17
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
So hopefully we can see that those who receive Christ, even those who believe on His name, are given the POWER to become a Christian, to be saved. We must daily walk in that power until the end, if we will be redeemed fully at the appearing of Christ and the Judgment, because what we have in this life is the "earnest," the down payment if you will of the salvation God has promised to those who love Him.
Fortunately for us, and because God is a loving God, He is willing to treat us as though we were already fully redeemed, calling things that are not as though they were (Ephesians 1:13-14)
We are given the, "Holy Spirit of promise...until the redemption of the purchased possession." Many have been careless supposing they are fully redeemed already. When one understands this clear Bible teaching they come to realize there remains the possibility of falling away, and that there is no longer any cloak for careless living. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Many, even those who say they are born again Christians, will reject this message and that is unfortunate for them. The Bible is to be understood as the Holy Spirit of God guides us into the truth. It is not dependent on denominations, the teachings of Wesley, Calvin, or any other man. Many have had their understanding hijacked by such teachings and been led astray from what the bible has to say. Seek the understanding given only by God and he will bless you with the mind of Christ. ~ Jim(less) -
Very good comments, Jim. I maintain that salvation is through grace alone, through accepting Christ as Lord and Savior and repenting, and that the obeying of God's commandments and doing good works are the "Thank you," your demonstration of gratitude for Him for your salvation. But I think I'm pretty much on the same page as you because I agree this is a daily walk for Christians. I just don't see us losing the salvation we gained through Christ if we fail as Christians, being sinful and all, and do not faithfully keep all of God's commandments. His strength is greater than our weakness and inability to fully obey as we should. After all, look how many times God forgave and redeemed Israel after they COMPLETELY abandoned God and His teachings and even ran after idols!
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I appreciate your comments Shirkie, and I appreciate your attitude, but do not agree that the Bible teaches "grace alone". Men teach grace alone and Jesus never did. There are many verses and passages I could quote that clearly teach we can backslide and fall away in this world. Your "arguments" about not losing salvation are old ones, ones that were preached to me until I came to know the truth through diligent Bible study and prayer. My friend God delights to show His children His truths, but first He wants us to come to Him emptied of self, the world and the teachings of men. Come to Him as an empty vessel and let HIM fill you up! What a blessing it is and I hope you come to know it as I have.
God did forgive and redeem Israel many times didn't He? But how many of them did He strike down? Often times tens of thousands at a time. How many who wandered in the desert made it into the promised land?
Please consider: "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"
Hebrews 10:29 -
Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
the only Christianity that should be preached is the truth of God through His Word and the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross to forgive us of our sins and make a way for us back to God. Resurrected and seated at the right of the Father, making intercession to those that ask for through faith in Him to save them and be their only way into heaven....amen. -
Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
The third one is the one Jesus taught. he warned about Hell. but He made it easy for us to get to Heaven through Him. I think that we should try to emphasize His love for us. But to tell everyone that they are OK without Jesus is just not true. Jesus even said that most won't make it. It's not a bunch of rules to live by, but a free gift. You must be born again. -
Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
All this, plus make it known that accepting Christ only truly happens when one turns from their sinnful ways, and strives to walk in His footsteps. All fall short of completely accomplishing this, but being sensitive & aware of ones own sins is one of the signs of the Blessing of His Salvation. Then most certainly-less talk, and more walk! Show those around you that you live with Him in your heart, and walk along His path.
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Well, thanks for sharing your thought, but this poll specifically says "Christians: What kind of Christianity should we be preaching?" meaning it's a poll directed at Christians rather than those who consider God "some supernatural being that has no proof of existence."
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Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
The Character of God requires balance to be truly Loving on all counts. This is denoted in the Hebrew word, Chesed, which is best rendered in English as Loving-Kindness...for love that does not punish wrong is really not kind, and justice that punishes too much is not kind either.
Therefore, central to both Love & Justice is the desired outcome of Kindness. The Bible tells us that this "Chesed leads us to repentance." :) -
Answered God is all-loving, never judges, and everyone's going to Heaven no matter what.
We create our own heavens and hells right here on this planet, this material plane. Through many births (reincarnation) we work out karma until we become God-realized. Jesus said, "Ye are gods". -
However, Jesus did. Read in the Gospels when He was with His disciples and was suddenly transformed. It has to do with Elijah (or Elisha) when Jesus told His disciples that the prophet had come again but know one recognized him. Then the disciples knew he meant John the Baptist.
Marky :o) -
No, He didn't. Elijah is still alive; he never died (remember, he was taken away in a chariot of fire?). We saw him on the Mount with Christ and Moses.
Jesus was being metaphorical when He said Elijah had returned and was John the Baptist. People die once and face judgment, period. That's why it's crucial for people to choose Christ here and now-- because there are no second chances. -
We definitely can agree to disagree. I was not attacking you; I was explaining what the Bible teaches by referencing Scripture. I did not call you names or call you stupid or anything; I was just explaining what mainstream Christianity has to say on this topic. Sorry if you felt attacked, it was not my intention. Bless you.
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Thank you for your response. I do not want to have any hard feelings toward anyone here nor do I want them aimed at me. I believe this should be a safe haven in which we can express our beliefs and respect the beliefs of others.
"The only thing I know for certain is that I know absolutely nothing for certain."
God Bless,
Marky :o) -
OK, phew, I didn't want you to think I was mad at you or trying to disrespect you. By no means. The only people I get mad at are those who harass me or try to intimidate me on SH because I believe. I am always willing to talk to people like you who are respectful and polite and open to discussing faith!!!
And that's a cool quote by the way, Marky. :) -
It is a beautiful site to see that you are in God's Word enough to know exactly what you are writing about Shirkie! I did not see it as an attack either. You were only leading someone into the correct account of what is written & taught in His Word. God Bless You for not being fanatical or snide by any means.
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Jesus offered the Messianic Kingdom to Israel. If they would have received it, John the baptist would have fulfilled that roll. Not to get into a theological debate about if the offer was sincere or not, but Israel rejected the offer. I believe Elijah will come as one of the two witnesses and restore things before the Second Coming (after the rapture of the Church). So I still believe this prophecy will be literally fulfilled.
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Answered Other (please share!)
I believe god understands our imperfections. He knows we are not perfect and that any denomination that claims to be the only one that will get you to heaven is badly mistaken. I think there will be a lot of people that will go to heaven no matter what church they attend. I also think it possible to go if you attend no church at all . He knows you from the inside. He is the only judge. Not a pastor in a building. I dont think there is a hell either. Only the one we are in now. If you dont do what you are meant to do on this earth and are a horrible being. I think the soul dies along with the body. No type of after life what so ever. Just dead and forgotten. That to me,is the most horrible thing that could happen. -
raves +3
Answered God is loving, but just. We are all sinners in danger of Hell, but all who accept Christ will be in Heaven.
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