Last night on the tele a well-known preacher was teaching that if you are a homosexual, an abortionist, or many other things then you are going to hell. This message was directed at Christians and non-Christians alike. That was the gist of his message.
Furthermore, he commanded as Christians we should be fighting the cultural war in America against homosexuals, abortionists, etc.
My favorite part was when he screamed that he loves the sinner but not the sin. (I'm not judging him, but I got the impression that he loves neither).
Matthew 7:21-23: (NIV)
I think he was referring to Christian preachers who are in the ministry for self-serving reasons. Perhaps some of the folks preaching the importance of tithing and "sowing a seed" while they drive a Rolls Royce and live in a multimillion dollar home.
One concern I have with the condemnation message is it drives Christians away from the church.
We know that those who have been married twice or who are greedy are no better than murderers. How do we reconcile this with salvation?
As born again Christians how do we fulfill our command to obey God? Is not the height of obeying God's word to walk in love? (1st Cor 13:4-8)?
Jesus said that we will be forgiven to the measure that we forgive, and that our greatest command was to love.
Does anyone read Matthew 7 differently?
God Bless
Furthermore, he commanded as Christians we should be fighting the cultural war in America against homosexuals, abortionists, etc.
My favorite part was when he screamed that he loves the sinner but not the sin. (I'm not judging him, but I got the impression that he loves neither).
Matthew 7:21-23: (NIV)
21) Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22) Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'
23) Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
I felt if someone is going to condemn me - I should try to understand on what basis. I read Matthew 7 asking the question to whom is Jesus referring?22) Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'
23) Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
I think he was referring to Christian preachers who are in the ministry for self-serving reasons. Perhaps some of the folks preaching the importance of tithing and "sowing a seed" while they drive a Rolls Royce and live in a multimillion dollar home.
One concern I have with the condemnation message is it drives Christians away from the church.
We know that those who have been married twice or who are greedy are no better than murderers. How do we reconcile this with salvation?
As born again Christians how do we fulfill our command to obey God? Is not the height of obeying God's word to walk in love? (1st Cor 13:4-8)?
Jesus said that we will be forgiven to the measure that we forgive, and that our greatest command was to love.
Does anyone read Matthew 7 differently?
God Bless