Why I Don't Listen to the Bible or Church

First, allow me to state that the irony (and/or sheer stupidity) of some of what I'm about to write does not escape me. I quite literally chuckled out loud as I was playing this post through in my mind and seeking Scripture references. You'll see what I mean (maybe) in a few moments (should you continue reading, of course)...

I Don't Listen to the Bible

Oh dear. Did I really just say that?

Allow me to explain...

I do not know Jesus loves me because the Bible tells me so. While a pretty song, I disagree with those first two lines.

I do not love God because the Bible tells me to do so.

I do not avoid killing people, nor do I attempt to not hate people, because it's in the Bible (sorry for the double/triple negative there).

I do not believe in God because the Bible says to. I do not follow Christ because it says to. I do not pray because I'm told to. I do not try to listen for God's voice because it tells me I should.

I do not believe I am saved because it is written in the Bible.

I Don't Listen to the Church or those Teaching

All of what I wrote above... goes the same if I'm hearing it from my pastor, or from others within the Church, or because that is what the Church believes.

I Listen to God

Don't get me wrong - it is good to read the Bible. I think it is essential to our Spiritual growth. I also think it is good to listen to our teachers/preachers/pastors/priests. I believe they are also essential to our Spiritual growth. I also think it is essential to listen to different points of view on different subjects regarding Christianity, and even other religions. This doesn't mean we have to follow/believe these points of view - we just need to be open to listen.

And then, most importantly, we need to be open to listen to God. I do not believe Jesus/God loves me because it's in the Bible, or because a Sunday School teacher told me so, or even because a pastor who is my mentor has told me this. I believe it because God has put that faith within me.

I try to avoid sin (usually), not because it is written in the Bible, or because a man called by God says to avoid it, but because it is a desire God has put within my heart.

I try to follow in Christ's footsteps because that is the path God has programmed into my internal GPS navigation system.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) - The Word of God came before the Bible. And after the Bible. And today. 

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life." (John 5:39-40) - We must turn to God. Not the Bible... God.

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." (1 Corinthians 3:6) - pretty self explanatory, in my mind. Yes, the Bible and teachers and the Church help. They are essential. They are builders. But they are not the foundation.

As I said before, yes, the Bible and Church are important. But God must be the foundation, otherwise you can read the Bible a hundred times over and not be a true believer or follower. You can go to every Church service and not be a true believer or follower. God's Voice is the one we must listen to - the voice that echoes through our very soul, mind and heart.


(Oh... and in case you didn't recognize the irony... I'm using Bible verses to explain why I don't listen to the Bible.... Clever me.... )

Recognizing a False Prophet

The insult and accusation of "You're a false prophet!" seems to be a common one thrown out there. If we disagree with what someone is teaching in regards to God, the Bible, and Christianity in general, we throw out that accusation. Admittedly, and ashamedly, I have done this before. And, I have also been called a false prophet. It's one accusation that really stings... and so now I do try to refrain from saying that term, unless I truly believe it to be the case.

But, what is a false prophet? Whom can we rightfully call this, and when should we check ourselves?  It isn't just someone who disagrees with our theology.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:15-23)

God has given us the tool to use to determine if someone is a false prophet - the Bible. All we need to do is compare the teachings of the person to what is within the Bible. Does he teach correctly about who Jesus was and is? Is he teaching the Gospel (the full Gospel... not just the parts he likes)? Is he teaching any flat out lies (i.e. something which is specifically negated in the Bible... not something you interpret differently)? And what about his character? Is he prideful? Greedy? Looking for power or attention?

Allow me to give a couple examples..

Gira the non-False Prophet: 

The first person, we'll call Gira. Gira is old fashioned. He believes he's allowed to control his wife in all she does. He determines if and when they have physical relations, regardless of her desires. He believes the Bible orders her to give herself to him whenever he wishes. He believes the Bible gives him the right to control her. She has very little rights, if any, in the marriage - other than to serve him and call him Lord.

He believes he has the right to strike his children with physical objects because the Bible gives him that right. Actually, it doesn't just give him the right, it commands him to strike his children in this way.

Do I agree with Gira? Not even remotely. I think he takes a much too literal stance on the Bible. I think he's a controlling old man who is just looking for an excuse to abuse his family and keep control over them. I think he's a pig. But, I do not believe he's a false prophet. I just think he refuses to examine the scripture any further than seeing it allows this type of control.

It could be argued he's a false prophet because of his refusal to go deeper into the Gospel, and because of his arrogance, and because he is teaching these lessons to young people he knows. But, I personally just think he's an idiot and an ass.

Kapaneous the (False) Prophet:

 Kapaneous is different from Gira. He teaches hate. He flat out tells people we are to hate sinners. And when someone tries to disagree with him, and points out scripture that is against his belief? He doesn't come back with valid scripture. Instead, he gets angry and starts cutting you down. He tells you you're stupid and don't have a clue what you're talking about. He accuses you of not being able to read, or not owning a proper Bible. He accuses you of simply being "noise" that he doesn't need to listen to.

He's arrogant - every time he speaks, he reminds people that he is a chosen one of God - not you. He  was called by God to preach - not you. He insists he's humble and simply a servant, but he consistently says this, while drawing attention to the fact that God does not call too many to preach and prophesy... but that he is one of these few.

This man - who calls himself a pastor - is one whom I would consider a false prophet. He teaches flat out lies. He does not use Scripture to base his teachings on. And when Scripture is used to point out his teachings are wrong (not just against ones own interpretation, but against the main message of the Gospel)? He gets angry and volatile. He is prideful. He believes himself to be above those he teaches, and is not afraid to let people know this. At times, he almost seems to put himself on the same playing field as Jesus.

To me, this is a false prophet. This isn't just a man being too set in his ways to learn the truth - it is someone who believes he is the truth, and willfully teaches lies and seeks acceptance as being better than the rest of us.

What do you think? 

What is a false prophet to you? Would you agree with the previous two descriptions? Have you encountered a false prophet?

And another thing I really do not know the answer to, and would love to hear others views...

What do you do when faced with a false prophet? Simply ignore that person? Call them out for what they are to prevent them from swaying others into such a harmful teaching?

Please comment and let me know your thoughts...

Hatred and Lies in the Name of God??

Perhaps this is very poor taste... but I feel a strong pull on my heart, soul and mind to post this. This was a conversation between myself and someone who claims to be a pastor. Basically, it started with the "pastor" saying that Christians are considered hate-mongers because we hate sin... and I was trying to explain that it's not because Christians hate sin (we're supposed to hate sin). It's because many Christians hate the sinner. We sometimes act like those who sin are not worthy of God's Grace, Love or Mercy.

I also want to state that I really am not proud of my own behavior in this conversation. I got angry, and started to show that exact hatred and judgment that I speak against.

That said, here is the conversation. With the exception of the text of the scriptures (I linked the verses instead of pasting them), and removing the name of the "pastor" and one other person who's name was mentioned, nothing has been added or removed from this conversation....

Hatred and Lies

“Pastor”:

Christians are now hate mongers? Because we hate sin.

“Very true . If I share that fornication is a sin , I'm hatin' . If I say that Homosexuality and gay marriage is a sin , I'm hatin' . satan has really flipped the game .........” 

Me: 

No... it's hating when you say God hates gays, or that God hates adulterers. Or that gays, adulterers, etc are going to hell and/or are unworthy of God's love and grace. It's hating when you attack anyone who disagrees with your view on homosexuality. It's hating when you use the Bible to justify acting in any way other than love towards another person.

“Pastor”:  

+Brandi Eissinger God hates sins. Wow please grow. 

+Brandi Eissinger whatever bible you are reading from please find an accurate one or get a teacher. Both would be most acceptable. Because every comment is usually slanted or uninformed. 

Me: 

lol see now THAT is hating.

IF you would have actually read what I said, I was trying to say that people do not say Christians are hating when we say something is a sin. They say we're hating when we say God hates the sinner, or that the sinner is not worthy of God's grace and love. How is this uninformed? How is this slanted? How is this worthy of you attacking me and acting in a completely non-Pastor/non-man of God fashion? 

“Pastor”: (note… I removed the actual text of the verses the “Pastor” quoted only to save space in this. Instead, I have placed links on the verses to Bible Gateway.)

Let's discuss sin. Paul in Romans
Romans 1:25-32 KJV

Ezekiel 18:20-23 KJV

Acts 2:38 KJV

1 John 5:18 KJV

To sit back and want to speak half a gospel because of what ever serving agenda is isn't gospel preaching. Its killing them. Robbing them of the truth. You dont let your kids play and traffic without scolding them. You dont let your friends play with firearms. I don't know where you want the gospel of half to be preached but again. Unless you are truly willing to stand in the gap snd battle sin inside a man because you love him. Stand aside please. Because the comments presented are weightless. Because the very same gospel or point of view as you say is a saving gospel. I would much rather be accused for being a hater of sin than a critic without a foundation. I am glad you are hearing it. There is hope. Because no one comments for things they dont like. They comment because something sticks. Otherwise I don't engage. Preach the whole bible not the just the parts you like. Preachers don't get that luxury. We preach what the Holy Spirit tells us. That is in our bible as well. 

Me:

You preach lies if you preach that it is ok to hate anyone. You preach lies if you do not teach that we are to love the sinner.

I am not saying do not hate sin. I have never said that and I would never say that. I speak only the truth as God instructs me to teach. But you teach that it is ok to hate people. It is ok to condemn them. You teach that it is ok for you to attack me for simply trying to clarify a point.

HATING a person is a SIN. Attacking a person is a sin. And telling people that this is ok? Passing yourself off as a Pastor when you believe and teach these lies is a sin. You're right - I don't let my kids play in traffic or friends play with firearms... which is exactly why I would never allow any of them to attend a church with you as a leader. It would kill their soul.

“Pastor”: 

+Brandi Eissinger gladly enough God speaks who goes to church not you. If we let mab decide where we go. We would be all in hell. No manner of your chatter will change that. The line stretches around the corner for those who have ill things to say. You are more than welcome to bring your picket sign and speech. I welcome it. Nothing wikl silence me until my life is called to Heaven. Until I hear ny name called. I will preach to you and everyone. You can tune out. Comment. Spew barbs. Throw stones. Nothing will silence my voice to preach and teach the gospel. You are the very reason men and women need to speak the things that are discussed. And I bless you dearly and love you dearly. And welcome your attacks. Bring them forward

Me:

You are NOT preaching or teaching the Gospel if you are preaching and teaching hate! That is my point. I go to church... every Sunday and whenever else there is church. I go to two different Bible studies. My best friend is a Pastor who knows the true Gospel and teaches it to me all the time. The Gospel is NOT about hating people. It is about love. So quit insulting me. I am not some uneducated idiot. God speaks to me. God calls me to teach the truth. And God has called many wonderful, knowledgeable people to help me with this mission. Do not give me any lines of bull that you bless or love me because you do not understand such words and concepts.

“Pastor”:

+Brandi Eissinger god bless and godspeed to you. 

Me:

Nice dismissal. Go back to being a false prophet. But that won't stop me from telling people you teach lies. :) I'll pray for your soul.

“Pastor”:

+Brandi Eissinger you are dismissed you aren't saying anything that is truthful about me or otherwise. Just talking. I don't listen to noise anymore than I do giving it life. Your talk hasnt contained a shread of truth. So I moved you along. There are more naysayers than to concentrate on one. You have your mind made up. Awesome. Now move along. 

-----------------------------------------------

Am I wrong in seeing this as preaching hatred and lies? Did I do anything (at least, at the opening of this conversation) to be treated as if I am uninformed and in need of growth (although, to be honest, we all can use some spiritual growth). 

Am I wrong in seeing this as someone whom should not be preaching? I'd almost go so far as to say he's a false prophet. 

Is it acceptable to teach hatred of others in the name of God??? 

Please, everyone... before you follow any Pastor, Priest, Minister, Preacher, etc... always compare their teachings to Scripture. It is not in Scripture to hate others. It is not Biblical to spread hatred or to teach it in His name.

God bless

Don't Give Me that Feel-Good Crap!

I hate "feel-good" people. You know the kind - no matter what is happening, they always have something overly-sappy, sweet and pathetically encouraging to say. They're the ones whose Facebook wall is over-ridden with all those inspirational pictures. They're the people who, whenever they speak or post something on social networking sites or in email, make you throw up just a little.

Our church recently welcomed in a new interim pastor who, in my opinion, is one of these "feel-good" people.I was not happy to find out she'll be our pastor for a while. Don't get me wrong - she's incredibly nice... all bubbly and happy and friendly. I don't like her. (No offense, by the way).

I have never liked the "feel-good" pastors. Yes - God is full of greatness and goodness and grace. Yes - God is wonderful. His gifts are bountiful. He is perfection and forgives us all our imperfections. I don't disagree with any of this. But do not preach it to me. I already know it. Or, at least, don't always preach it. I want a preacher who will help lead me - or will at least push me towards to the right path. I want the person who isn't afraid to give me a little smack upside the head when I start acting stupid, and start straying from that path. I want a pastor who is willing to be a mentor - who is willing to give me hints and tips and advice, but ultimately lets me make my own decisions, and yet is still there to catch me when I stumble.I want someone not only willing to teach me how great God is... but who's willing to show me the right way to live according to God's Word.

This is what I look for in people. Honestly. Steadfastness. Those I truly consider friends - these aren't "feel good" people. They're real people. They're people who are willing to tell me the truth but stand beside me no matter what mistakes I make. This is what I want from a friend... from a teacher... from a pastor. Don't give me the feel-good crap. Give me a good lesson that makes me think - that makes me want to become a better person. Don't feed my ego - feed my soul.

Questions

I'm quite certain many people are wondering a) why I am keeping up with this blog; b) where on earth I get off preaching; c) if I really know what I'm talking about or if I'm just sputtering out a bunch of bull; and d) well, I'm not sure what "d" is, but I'm sure there is one.

Anyway, this post isn't a sermon, but rather a chance for me to answer the above questions, and pose a few questions of my own.

A) I started this blog for fun because of a challenge aimed in my direction. I am keeping it up because I'm enjoying the challenge, and because I am finding it educational. It's also a very good writing exercise.

B) I have been preached at by everyone from pastors to parents to strangers who think they have the right to tell me I'm a horrible person for things I have done. If they can do it, so can I. Besides, I am enjoying it. I would even try to get my own little cult going, but my Twin has already started this, and I can't take it away from him.

C) I'm just sputtering out a bunch of bull. And it's great fun. I will point out, however, that I do believe the bull I'm sputtering.

Ok, those questions answers, now allow me to ask a few of my own. These are questions I have often considered and thought about. I have my own answers, but am curious what others think...

1) Is suicide an unforgivable sin? I've heard it is, and heard the reasons. But, I find it difficult to believe that God would send someone to hell whom was simply trying to escape such a hell

2) How are we to believe the Bible as a true and accurate account of God if the Roman Catholics left out so many books?

3) If a child promises their soul to the devil in exchange for peace, are they then soulless? Is there any hope?

4) Well, I'm sure there is a "4" somewhere, but my brain is quickly shutting down tonight.