For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV)
How hast thou fallen from the heavens, O shining one, son of the dawn! Thou hast been cut down to earth, O weakener of nations. (Isa 14:12 YLT) or How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!(Isa 14:12 KJV)Trouble is, we often find pointing fingers crossing, like swords in a duel. All the while, the world looks on in wonder at the "men of God" pasting labels, casting dispersions and declaring outright falsehoods against those with whom they disagree. And we wonder why the church isn't "turning the world upside down" with its gospel of love, mercy and grace. If I didn't already love the Lord, there's no way anyone would entice me into some den of religion. Mention the subject of alienation of the unchurched around most tabernacles of Christendom, and you will get vociferous agreement and bony, condemnatory fingers pointed at "Them." It's always "Their" fault. "If They'd only live according to Holy Scripture, we would have no problem with them." It would appear someone is suffering from an acute case of beam-in-the-eye ... but not me! Doesn't the Bible say, "Love those that agree with you and are favorably disposed toward you?" Heck no! God's word commands love in so many passages that we'd be well advised to read the whole Bible. And where it doesn't command love in so many words, it spells out what love means and how to do it within the church and in the world. Christendom is full of "brethren" who refuse to fellowship with them, because we're right. Sounds Biblical to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment