RELIGIOUS MISUNDERSTANDINGS

“Religious” misunderstandings, from both sides, stem from a lack of knowledge by believers of the TOTAL Word of God, and a general lack of knowledge of basic scriptures with non-believers.

Point #1…. One would understand and believe there IS, indeed, one God if one would STUDY His Word, not just casually read it. This is called head knowledge. Then one could decide whether one wants to accept His Son for their life or reject Him. If one chooses to reject Him, one would then be like satan… he believes in the one God but rejects His Sovereignty. So if you have made your choice - allow us ours.

Point #2…. “Cherry-picking” Bible verses to make selfish points shows one’s ignorance of the scope of the message of the Bible.

Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me...”

Jesus was rebuking the religious leaders of His day who were trying to kill Him (see John 5:19-47).

Jesus went on to say, “…and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.”

Point being, the books of the Old Testament were written about and TO the Jews… but for OUR benefit! For example, the Jews’ dietary laws have nothing to do with either the first century Christians or today’s Christians. That “change” or amendment, if you will, is specified in the New Testament so we KNOW God changed it… while verses such as… “A woman shall not wear man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God” -Deut. 22:5 …cannot be changed or amended because they speak of a perversion in humanity.

Point #3…. Religious misunderstandings have their roots in the traditions of men, which stem from PRIDE. There is no part of the Word of God that does not agree with any other part, while the words of men are in conflict and contradiction with each other.

"A false doctrine is in conflict with the whole Word of God, while the Truth is in harmony with every part of it." --W.J. McClure

Point #4…. Non-Christians, non-believers, and even some professing “believers” have no clue when they try to debate “religion.” One must ask oneself seriously… “Why are there so many denominations, schisms and factions?” Because of error, pride, jealousies, arrogance, and a general lack of humility and love. All of those character flaws go with the splinter group. They are of the same people they leave, and they take the same ignorance with them.

Point #5…. Non-believers have no intelligent argument against Christianity so they resort to personal attacks and vulgar derisions of Christians. The bottom line is they do not know what they are talking about. It would be like me trying to argue with Einstein, on scientific ground only, against his theory of relativity. I would be a fool. It is the same with a non-believer in God arguing against His existence. The proof is all around and all they have is denial. But they also have guilt, and the source of that guilt (in their eyes) is the Christian who they blame for their own consciousness of guilt. Without Christians, they conclude, there would be no Bible, no scripture, no God to condemn them. So Christians must be eradicated. They don’t realize they are already condemned… born into it. The scriptures and God are salvation, not condemnation. It’s what Jesus was saying above and in John 3:17-19… “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

Now here I should point out that most will not read that, and so that is why they remain in their condemnation.

Point #6…. Schisms occur when either enlightened people leave, or when ignorant people leave. They both fail in their responsibilities to the “church.” Anyone who the Lord enlightens and “matures” could fail in their attempts to “teach” the congregation what, in fact, the Lord wants all to know. And then too, the ignorant person fails in their responsibility to listen. “My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” James 1:19.

Teaching is a gift, and not to be entered into arrogantly.

1 Cor. 12:29-31 -  “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all TEACHERS? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you A MORE EXCELLENT WAY…

…And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. 1 Cor. 13:13.

“Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!” James 3:10

So I would conclude with, “Brethren, speak in Love.” And to those who don’t like what they hear; turn around and go away… don’t hate.