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So, Friday afternoon, I was having one of those religious discussions over some smoothies Friday afternoon with a good friend of mine. She tried to convince me the error of my heresies. She spoke true from her heart, and yet her words failed to convince me.
They say that those who do not have faith cannot understand.
But I do understand. That's because the reason I believe God and the reason that I am a heretic are one and the same: My faith is based on the actions of people, both good and evil.
The reason I am a heretic is because I do not base my belief on the Bible. Too often, people use circular logic when it comes to their faith.
Why do you believe Jesus came to save us? Because the Bible told me so.
Why do you believe the Bible is God's Word? Because Jesus told me so.
I can't really argue against that type of reasoning. So all I can do is tell you some thoughts that I've never been able to wrap my mind around.
Sure, I'll concede to you that the Bible is a revealed text. But I believe the true power of daily Bible reading isn't in studying God's Word. Let me suggest to you that the power of daily Bible reading is creating a daily routine in your life, and most people operate better on a daily routine. It's even better when you memorize Scripture because those kinds of skills are often forgotten in this day of age (but who needs to remember how to spell when you have spellcheck?).
Sure, I'll concede to you that prayer is powerful. But I beleve the true power of prayer isn't in making of litany of requests. Let me suggest to you that the power of prayer is keeping people and events close to your heart, and most people operate better if they have a sense of calm and relief. It's even better when you write your prayer requests because you can see God working through your life when your requests are answered (so if they are not answered, the prayer was either not in God's will or God answered in a way that was different from what you were expecting).
Sure, I'll concede to you that fellowship is fun. But I believe the true power of fellowship isn't in making friends. Let me suggest to you that the power of fellowship is discovering people who hold ideals and beliefs similar to yours, as most birds of a feather flock together. It's even better when you open to each other because then you are displaying the true bond of fellowship (and growing not only in friendship but also spiritually as well).
Sure, I'll concede to you that witnessing brings many lost souls over to the good Lord. But I believe the true power of witnessing isn't in reclaiming lost souls. Let me suggest to you that the power of witnessing is spreading something that you have become enamored with, just like any parent wants to talk the world about their baby. It's even better when you have someone who become a disciple themselves because then you are truly multiplying yourself as Christ commanded (for you are like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden).
After saying these things, my good friend calmly stated that I was going to hell.
I wish she could tell me something that I don't already know.
But that's the funny things about heretics: they don't believe they are going to hell.
They say that those who do not have faith cannot understand.
But I do understand. That's because the reason I believe God and the reason that I am a heretic are one and the same: My faith is based on the actions of people, both good and evil.
The reason I am a heretic is because I do not base my belief on the Bible. Too often, people use circular logic when it comes to their faith.
Why do you believe Jesus came to save us? Because the Bible told me so.
Why do you believe the Bible is God's Word? Because Jesus told me so.
I can't really argue against that type of reasoning. So all I can do is tell you some thoughts that I've never been able to wrap my mind around.
Sure, I'll concede to you that the Bible is a revealed text. But I believe the true power of daily Bible reading isn't in studying God's Word. Let me suggest to you that the power of daily Bible reading is creating a daily routine in your life, and most people operate better on a daily routine. It's even better when you memorize Scripture because those kinds of skills are often forgotten in this day of age (but who needs to remember how to spell when you have spellcheck?).
Sure, I'll concede to you that prayer is powerful. But I beleve the true power of prayer isn't in making of litany of requests. Let me suggest to you that the power of prayer is keeping people and events close to your heart, and most people operate better if they have a sense of calm and relief. It's even better when you write your prayer requests because you can see God working through your life when your requests are answered (so if they are not answered, the prayer was either not in God's will or God answered in a way that was different from what you were expecting).
Sure, I'll concede to you that fellowship is fun. But I believe the true power of fellowship isn't in making friends. Let me suggest to you that the power of fellowship is discovering people who hold ideals and beliefs similar to yours, as most birds of a feather flock together. It's even better when you open to each other because then you are displaying the true bond of fellowship (and growing not only in friendship but also spiritually as well).
Sure, I'll concede to you that witnessing brings many lost souls over to the good Lord. But I believe the true power of witnessing isn't in reclaiming lost souls. Let me suggest to you that the power of witnessing is spreading something that you have become enamored with, just like any parent wants to talk the world about their baby. It's even better when you have someone who become a disciple themselves because then you are truly multiplying yourself as Christ commanded (for you are like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden).
After saying these things, my good friend calmly stated that I was going to hell.
I wish she could tell me something that I don't already know.
But that's the funny things about heretics: they don't believe they are going to hell.
