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The Silence is Deafening

kjfreeze

Gator Great
Jan 17, 2005
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I have divorced myself from the institutional church. It's like I cut the cord that shackled me and now I am free from the preaching that continues to ignore the peril our nation is living through. These "churches" are afraid to speak out! The true Church of Jesus Christ is growing outside of the framework of denominations that harbor man-made, systematic and legalistic traditions preaching for their own survival instead of speaking out against the evils inflicting our nation/world. I'm done.

https://americandecency.org/2023/the-silence-is-deafening/

https://ericmetaxas.com/books/letter-to-the-american-church/
It’s vital that the church find her tongue now! We must obey God rather than man, proclaiming truth with love, as watchmen on the wall. As Metaxas wrote, “not to speak an uncomfortable truth to someone who needs to hear it – and giving the excuse that we are loving them – is not to love them but to harm them.
What are some of these uncomfortable truths, injustices, and atrocities that preachers and Christians should be compassionately and lovingly sharing?
The atrocity of unborn children being murdered and their body parts sold for profit. The injustice of very young children being deceived regarding sexuality from schools, entertainment, and the culture at large. The atrocity of teens and young adults having their bodies mutilated due to believing the lies from sexual activists found in our schools and culture. The unjust attack on the sacredness of marriage, life, and the Word. The atrocities that are led to by the seditious socialistic and communistic ideas that are being pushed through nearly every American institution – ideas that oppress the poor, rob us of our freedoms, and attempt to dethrone God. The injustice of those unconstitutionally held and mistreated, like J-6ers. The injustice of silencing those who would speak out against government lines, particularly COVID-19, its mandates, and “vaccines.” And the atrocity of a government forcing/coercing people to take an experimental gene-altering drug, especially with early reported negative effects and unknown long-term effects.
The church must find its tongue, speaking the truth WITH grace, regarding these and other issues. They are not simply political or cultural – they are Biblical and we are called to stand fast for the sake of Christ. We aren’t standing for ourselves; we are standing for Christ and for our fellow man. To the extent that we are heavy on either grace or truth – to the diminishing of the other – we are not presenting Christ or His gospel accurately –may the Holy Spirit guard us from either extreme.
 
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I have divorced myself from the institutional church. It's like I cut the cord that shackled me and now I am free from the preaching that continues to ignore the peril our nation is living through. These "churches" are afraid to speak out! The true Church of Jesus Christ is growing outside of the framework of denominations that harbor man-made, systematic and legalistic traditions preaching for their own survival instead of speaking out against the evils inflicting our nation/world. I'm done.

https://americandecency.org/2023/the-silence-is-deafening/

https://ericmetaxas.com/books/letter-to-the-american-church/
It’s vital that the church find her tongue now! We must obey God rather than man, proclaiming truth with love, as watchmen on the wall. As Metaxas wrote, “not to speak an uncomfortable truth to someone who needs to hear it – and giving the excuse that we are loving them – is not to love them but to harm them.
What are some of these uncomfortable truths, injustices, and atrocities that preachers and Christians should be compassionately and lovingly sharing?
The atrocity of unborn children being murdered and their body parts sold for profit. The injustice of very young children being deceived regarding sexuality from schools, entertainment, and the culture at large. The atrocity of teens and young adults having their bodies mutilated due to believing the lies from sexual activists found in our schools and culture. The unjust attack on the sacredness of marriage, life, and the Word. The atrocities that are led to by the seditious socialistic and communistic ideas that are being pushed through nearly every American institution – ideas that oppress the poor, rob us of our freedoms, and attempt to dethrone God. The injustice of those unconstitutionally held and mistreated, like J-6ers. The injustice of silencing those who would speak out against government lines, particularly COVID-19, its mandates, and “vaccines.” And the atrocity of a government forcing/coercing people to take an experimental gene-altering drug, especially with early reported negative effects and unknown long-term effects.
The church must find its tongue, speaking the truth WITH grace, regarding these and other issues. They are not simply political or cultural – they are Biblical and we are called to stand fast for the sake of Christ. We aren’t standing for ourselves; we are standing for Christ and for our fellow man. To the extent that we are heavy on either grace or truth – to the diminishing of the other – we are not presenting Christ or His gospel accurately –may the Holy Spirit guard us from either extreme.
My walk, my true walk…..began when I left religion behind and just spent time with Jesus. Kudos brother.
 
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Was raised Catholic, and happy that I was. But by the time I was 15, I realized they had different beliefs than I did. I decided God did not care what "religion" I claimed I was, as long as I believed in him, and lived as best as I can by the golden rule. I hope I was right. I am 100% non denominational. My Mom was not very happy.
 
Was raised Catholic, and happy that I was. But by the time I was 15, I realized they had different beliefs than I did. I decided God did not care what "religion" I claimed I was, as long as I believed in him, and lived as best as I can by the golden rule. I hope I was right. I am 100% non denominational. My Mom was not very happy.
I was deep into Catholicism myself until about 18 years ago.
 
So wasn't sure which thread this would be best for, but wanted to offer some 'thought starters'.

Most Christians believe in the idea that Jesus' Second Coming will be predicated on the earth and its people falling into great suffering, at the hands of the devil and Jesus will come back to save us from ourselves, basically. The thought is that things have to get much worse before they get better. I often hear Christians talking about the problems in the world today and proclaiming that's a GOOD thing....because all the evil and destruction will eventually lead to Jesus coming back to save us.

I often hear 'Only Jesus can save us now!', I think I've even heard it on this board before.

A few questions/statements that are designed to do nothing more than get you thinking about the answers:

Does God want to see Christians happy or suffering on earth?

Does the devil want to see Christians happy or suffering on earth?

In Genesis, it says that God created the earth and that it was GOOD. Does the Bible ever speak of a time when the earth will no longer be good, or when it will be destroyed?

The Bible clearly states that New Jerusalem will be on earth.

The Lord's Prayer clearly states that God's will be done 'on earth, as it is in Heaven'.


Let's revisit the prevalent idea that Jesus is coming back to save us from the devil, and ourselves. The Bible is quite clear that man has been given authority over earth. But in the Garden of Eden, the serpent tricked Eden into taking the apple from the Tree of Knowledge, and that resulted in Adam and Eve being banished from the Garden.

When the devil tempted Jesus, he offered Jesus all He could see, and said he had the AUTHORITY to do so. That suggests the authority that had been given to man in the Garden, was taken by the devil.

But after Jesus is crucified, He states that all authority on earth belongs to Him.

If Christians believe that Jesus will come back only when the earth reaches such a dire point that only Jesus can save it, what would we do?

We would stay on our porch and wait to be saved.

Think about this honestly: How would that bring glory to God?

God created man in His image, and gave us authority over earth while we were in the Garden. To go from that, to living in fear, evil and extreme distress waiting for God to show mercy on us and send His Son back to save us from ourselves....how does that story bring glory to God?

Or would it bring more glory to God if He saw His children grow into the roles He desires for them, and they stand up and assert their God-given authority and take over the earth, and rid it of evil?

Jesus is described as The King of kings. Who are the 'kings'? It's easy to just assume that the kings are the rulers on earth, and Jesus will be the ruler of the rulers.

But what is the 'kings' are really all Christians? What if all Christians are given the authority by God to be kings and rule over the earth. And what if Jesus' Second Coming isn't predicated on the world falling into irredeemable sin, but rather, on Christians growing into their natural role as the 'kings' that God wants us to be? What if Jesus' return doesn't happen until we prove we are ready to claim the authority that God has gifted us?

If that is what predicates Jesus' return, then by acting as if the earth has to get worse before things get better, we are actually delaying the Second Coming.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately.
 
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@GhostOfMatchesMalone I'm sort of on line with what you are saying. I really never thought about us as the "kings". Yet, throughout the OT God interceded when the people turned away from Him. Nineveh is a great example. They repented and all went well until they turned away again and God destroyed Nineveh. Think about Moses. Here he was on the mountain communicating with God Himself when rebel rousing began. God was going to waste them all, but Moses interceded and God partly relented.

In so many ways, Christians are lazy in that they have this preconceived idea that they are gonna be taken away and all hell breaks loose on earth and they will not be a part of that. That idea just sticks in my throat. We continue to turn away from the God of the bible. When I hear people speak about Jesus, which Jesus are they talking about? Which watered-down version to suit their own worldly desires are they following?

I believe God will continue to let us slime in our own filth. Think about this: Most of the time we turn to God when things are bad, not good. When things are good we tend to forget God. So, if it takes us seeing that there are no human saviors of the world, then perhaps we will turn our eyes heavenward. But will we really?

I for one do not think Jesus will return anytime soon. I am one who thinks this world will continue to slide into the abyss of sin and the depravity that comes with it. And this is why I think it so. There just aren't enough of us falling to our knees daily and begging God's mercy for us. (I'm including me in my own thought.) HOWEVER, Moses alone changed God's mind. How about that? Perhaps there will be but a few that can swing this world in a different direction. Prayer-that's my struggle right now. This world has trapped so many people and prayer is the only way out. Yet, it is also one of the most difficult things to stay consistent with.

Football season is upon us. I'm watching it, but I have been praying about it where I can walk away if need be. For example, if it reaches a point where it detracts from my scripture reading and prayer time, or family time, or some form of charitable work. OU is at the 4 yard line. It's third down. My son walks into the room and says, "Dad, can I talk to you a second. Something came up." In the past, I would have said, "Hold on a second son. This is an important play." What did I just do? I put that stupid game before my son. That moment is one where I pause if I can, or just walk away and listen to my son. That's what its going to take to become disciples of Christ. We must be able to do the things He demands of us. But before that happens I think God is going to have a great shake-up of the world.
 
I do have to admit, going to a Catholic school was one of, if not the best thing that ever happened to me. Morals, ethics and FAR better education than private schools
My brother got a wrist slap with a ruler by a nun. It didn't do the family well I'd say. :)
 
So wasn't sure which thread this would be best for, but wanted to offer some 'thought starters'.

Most Christians believe in the idea that Jesus' Second Coming will be predicated on the earth and its people falling into great suffering, at the hands of the devil and Jesus will come back to save us from ourselves, basically. The thought is that things have to get much worse before they get better.
Matthew 24
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
I often hear Christians talking about the problems in the world today and proclaiming that's a GOOD thing....because all the evil and destruction will eventually lead to Jesus coming back to save us.

I often hear 'Only Jesus can save us now!', I think I've even heard it on this board before.

A few questions/statements that are designed to do nothing more than get you thinking about the answers:

Does God want to see Christians happy or suffering on earth?

Does the devil want to see Christians happy or suffering on earth?
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
In Genesis, it says that God created the earth and that it was GOOD. Does the Bible ever speak of a time when the earth will no longer be good, or when it will be destroyed?
Genesis3
7 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
The Bible clearly states that New Jerusalem will be on earth.
Matthew24:
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
The Lord's Prayer clearly states that God's will be done 'on earth, as it is in Heaven'.


Let's revisit the prevalent idea that Jesus is coming back to save us from the devil, and ourselves. The Bible is quite clear that man has been given authority over earth. But in the Garden of Eden, the serpent tricked Eden into taking the apple from the Tree of Knowledge, and that resulted in Adam and Eve being banished from the Garden.
Matthew24:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
When the devil tempted Jesus, he offered Jesus all He could see, and said he had the AUTHORITY to do so. That suggests the authority that had been given to man in the Garden, was taken by the devil.

But after Jesus is crucified, He states that all authority on earth belongs to Him.

If Christians believe that Jesus will come back only when the earth reaches such a dire point that only Jesus can save it, what would we do?

We would stay on our porch and wait to be saved.

Think about this honestly: How would that bring glory to God?
Matthew 24:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
God created man in His image, and gave us authority over earth while we were in the Garden. To go from that, to living in fear, evil and extreme distress waiting for God to show mercy on us and send His Son back to save us from ourselves....how does that story bring glory to God?

Or would it bring more glory to God if He saw His children grow into the roles He desires for them, and they stand up and assert their God-given authority and take over the earth, and rid it of evil?

Jesus is described as The King of kings. Who are the 'kings'? It's easy to just assume that the kings are the rulers on earth, and Jesus will be the ruler of the rulers.

But what is the 'kings' are really all Christians? What if all Christians are given the authority by God to be kings and rule over the earth. And what if Jesus' Second Coming isn't predicated on the world falling into irredeemable sin, but rather, on Christians growing into their natural role as the 'kings' that God wants us to be? What if Jesus' return doesn't happen until we prove we are ready to claim the authority that God has gifted us?
1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 6:20
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Melchisedec = Righteous King
Melek = King
Zedeck= Righteous

If that is what predicates Jesus' return, then by acting as if the earth has to get worse before things get better, we are actually delaying the Second Coming.
Matthew 23:39
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Baruch haba B'Shem Adonai


Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
 
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