Sometimes I get so discouraged seeing how many people ignore the truth of God’s word. It’s not that I live around horrible people with no morals, actually most of the people I work with are some form of “Christian.” But it frustrates me to hear people say that, and then not pay any attention to what the Bible says. This culture has polluted everyone’s minds with the idea that humans can create their own churches, religions, and live however they want but still be pleasing to God. Humans have taken sacred things and turned them into things of the world. People have taken God’s worship and polluted it by adding instruments, entertainment bands, kitchens, game rooms, gyms, and play time for kids. There are churches with Starbucks inside, drive-through Lord’s Supper, and teams playing soccer “for Christ”, it’s ridiculous. It makes me want to cry when I think of how people have slapped God in the face by saying “Coming together simply to worship you is not enough, we need entertainment and food to draw us to you.” “We don’t love you enough to come here and praise you alone, we have to play games and sponsor sports teams, have clubs and cater to our own needs!” “We don’t want to read your word and let it live in our lives, we want to just focus on love and acceptance and forget all the rules you have laid down. We just want some smooth talking entertainer to ‘preach’ for us until we feel good.”
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their OWN desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” -2 Timothy 4:3
A lot of people that worship at churches like these say that adding all these extra things helps attract more people to church, especially the younger generations that need help. The thing I can’t understand is what good it does to attract people that are only coming for the food, games and fun? God wants people to be attracted to HIM and HIS word, not material things. Sure attendance will go up, but is that the main concern, numbers? What about building strong Christians that know the word and seek to serve God in everything?
Then there’s the idea that there is no absolute truth, truth is this elusive enigma that is different for every person. That is the worst lie anyone can be told! There is truth! It is the word of God!
“I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples in deed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” –John 8:31,32
When people start moving away from the word of God, everything goes wrong. There is no way to determine what is right when you take the word out of the picture. I have been to churches that don’t even bring Bibles to the service, their “preachers” do not use any scripture references, and the focus is definitely not on what God says.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16,17
God says it right there, the word is all we need!
Sometimes I feel like a useless Christian. I have never been very good at confrontation and usually sidestep anything I can to avoid upsetting someone or starting a disagreement. I have had a few religious discussions with friends over the years, but I have always been quick to put it aside when things get confrontational. I was reading Acts yesterday about the start of the gospel and I was ashamed when I read the strength and boldness that Peter and Stephen preached with. I am not bold at all. I don’t know how to start studying with someone and show them where I think they are wrong. I have all these beliefs and verses to back them up, but I don’t know how to start and to study with someone in a way that won’t turn them off from listening. I have always felt that it is important to establish things that you agree on before you start pointing out your differences. I am afraid that if I don’t approach things in just the right way, I will discourage them from the truth all together! I know that the power is in the word of God, not the messenger, but at the same time, I don’t always know how to present it in a way that will make any difference!
So much of this sounds like the discussion yesterday in our ladies Mark Your Bibles class! We were studying the topic "The Bible Can Be Understood," and bemoaning the fact that most "religious" people don't read the Bible, don't study the Bible, don't know what it says, and probably don't WANT to know...because they fear, deep down, there are things they will have to change if they really listen to God's word. But failures in the past with trying to interest people in studying together don't guarantee a lack of success in the future. Jesus, the Master Teacher, could not interest some people to seek God. We need to pray for opportunities, wisdom to recognize them when they come our way, and boldness to say what needs to be said. That is what the disciples prayed for in Acts 4:29.
One thing that has worked for me with one friend was asking her to read the Bible with me. She was skeptical at first, but finally agreed. We read the books of Luke and Acts together...over a 3 year period!! Once she became comfortable reading it together, she was ready to actually study it. I wish I could say she obeyed the gospel as a result of it all, but as yet, she has not. But the seed was planted, and who knows...
What a good post!! Really makes you think. I completely understand how you feel. I'm exactly like you in confrontational things. I end up not thinking clearly when I'm in them and can't remember Biblical things I know and end up frustrated with myself. I try to pass out tracts to people I come across - cashiers, waitresses, mail them in bills. That way I'm intordicing people to the truth and they can contact me if they're interested.
Thank you, Torhi, for this post! I have a lot of the same misgivings about approaching and teaching someone the Truth. My daughters are much better at it than I am. I do find it easier to communicate by writing than by face to face. I do think I have been influenced by many teachers by the way they conduct themselves daily, and that,too, is a good way of teaching. Keep trying!
Well Jordan and I are all settled in our new home in Oklahoma City. He is working for a company called AOP in the shipping department, working with forklifts, packaging oil valves and all kinds of manly things like that! I a working as a receptionist at a company called Cameron. We both got hired through Manpower (temp agency) he can have his job as long as he wants, but mine is more temporary. I have no idea how long I will get to stay and I will only have three days notice before I leave so it's kinda stressful, but I know it will work out ok!
We have visited three wonderful congregations here since we got married and last month we placed membership at 84th street church of christ. It is such a good group of christians and we have been so encouraged working with them. They already have Jordan participating in almost every service so he stays pretty busy!
This weekend we are going to ARKANSAS to see our wonderful family and go to a singing with RJ Stevens. We are very excited to have a quick weekend trip.
Our lives are pretty crazy right now and we are excited for a break. Jordan is working 47 hours a week, I am working 40,and we both are taking 12 hours of classes online (Medical terminology, nutriton, pharmacology and US history)...so we don't get a lot of free time!
I'm glad all is well! You'll love 84th street. We did. ...and I hope the last time you saw me was within 13 weeks because if it wasn't then I must have just been letting myself go! ;) Sounds like y'all are busy. Advice I took from a woman at church when I was in a similar situation: accept all free meals, all free help and all hugs. Sometimes you have to recieve for others to have a chance to give. I feel old...
I miss University too. I moved to Columbus GA about 3 weeks ago. I'm now working with a University congregation in Auburn, AL. Like you, I have lots of things keeping me busy but mostly it's work. I'm working about 70 hours a week right now until we get our schedule caught up. I glad to hear that you're both doing well. Wow that much work and school too. I think I'll stick with my schedule over yours anytime. :)
My new little sister just got a blog (soysauce) and when I got on to look at it, i realized I hadn't updated since last September, so I figured I should change that! Lots has happened since September... I finished up my second year of FC and went on my last Friends tour this summer. Jordan and I got married June 23rd and moved to Oklahoma City where we will be going to nursing school next year. I have 2 new beautiful sisters Lindsey and Andie, and a new brother Matt.
If you want to see our wedding pictures, here's a link: http://picasaweb.google.com/Alan.and.Julie.Finley
The pictures are great, and it's so good to hear from you on here! I hope all is going well. I just noticed that it took both Alan and Matt to get Jordan's boutonniere just right (and when I looked up the spelling for that on the Internet, the first 8 entries had a question mark after the incorrect spelling. LOL).
I really enjoyed the pictures!!! Thanks for sharing! Everyone looked wonderful, ecspecially the bride:o) Please email me your mailing address! You and Jordan look VERY happy together!
He is doing alright, he had a choking/seizure incident yesterday that set him back and put him in a not so good state, but I think he is stable right now. He is just not the person everyone knows and loves right now and not in a right state of mind always, so he is still struggling as well as the family! So please keep him and his family in your prayers!!
The Finley grandparents, Mom, Dad, and I went fishing together yesterday.I caught a small brim and dad caught a smalll bass but they were to small so we threw them back and no body caught any thing else.
I am shocked! I thought for sure you were out by now. I meant to bring you one when you were in town that one night but as you can tell I forgot. How many do you want?
They are $14 each. I'll give you the Preacher's daughter discount if I can get my $200 order. Ask your friends if they want anything :o) Get a big anough order, I 'll give you a free eye makeup remover
Sorry, Imust have explained that to your mom instead of you. Anyways, no worries, Ithink I got a big enough order to get your discount. (I have to put is a big enough order to get a discount myself, if not, then Ihave to pay full price for everything and don't make any money) I always tried to give you and your mom my discount b/c I have a special place in my heart for preacher's families ;-) So, $7 each plus shipping to you. How many would you like? I have one on hand, but I am also placing an order tomorrow so get back with me as soon as you can if you want more. Have I confused you enough yet? hehe
they are ordered. They should come around the 16th and then I will ship to you, so email my your addy. I used to have it memorized but it's been a few years and a few kids since then :o)
I have the stuff! I have had it for a while but have not sent it b/c I have been a little distracted with my eye. I'm sorry!! I was afraid if I mailed it now you would be out for christmas. Please let me know your schedual and if you would prefer for me to mail to your parents or you may be going home with your man. Just let me know. Again, I'm sorry for the delay!!!
Hey, your package should arrive by Sat or Monday! Just add $6.00 to the total inside. 6 years ago today, Nick popped the question to me while at F.C. and I said yes! ;-) the rest is history... Tomesha had her baby today!! Alexis Grace, Lexi for short, Mommy and baby are doing good :o)
9 of the coolest people ever + 1 15 passenger van + 1 month + half the US + doing what i absolutely love + meeting lots of awesome christians across the country =FRIENDS TOUR!!!!!!!!!
Yall did AWESOME!!! I am so glad that yall could come this way!! I hope they can come again sometime!! Have a great last couple of shows and I will see you next week!!! Tell everyone in your group they did great!
I miss you to!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I heard yall had phone issues?! your dad gave me your new number, but just let me know when you can actually use it cause at this point I am all confused between all your phones!! hehe :) love you girl!
