Size Doesn't Matter

I've heard many people say "I'm too young" or "I don't know enough" when it comes to teaching people about God. I've heard many say "I don't have the resources." Or "I'm not a pastor."

The thing is, however, teaching about God doesn't require you being within a certain age range, education range, or income range. Nor does it require a special title attached to your name, or collar around your neck. Now... before people hang me for heresy, please understand that in no way am I negating the importance of Church, or of having educated ministers teaching us. I am simply attempting to point out that each one of us can also teach about Christ.

The most important lesson within the Bible is that God loves us; and, the greatest commandment we're given by Jesus, is that we love one another as He has loved us. Most children even know this - or, at least know some form of this (i.e. "treat others as you would want to be treated"... which yes, isn't quite the same, but hopefully you understand what I'm getting at).

Teachers of God's Love

Recently, I saw two different stories on Facebook which made me look back on my own life, and the people who made big impacts on showing me God's love. Most of these people were either young, or poor, or lacked a professional biblical education (or had no education when it came to Christianity/the Bible). And yet those in my personal life were instrumental in helping me grow spiritually; just as those in the stories I've read/watched were instrumental in helping teach others about love.

Take, for instance, the 9 year old who planted a garden to help those without food, and built a shelter for a homeless man. Or what about a group of 5th grade boys who recognized injustice and bullying happening to a fellow classmate, and befriended him? These young children didn't hesitate to reach out to those they saw in need. They reached out in love, changing the lives of two people, and probably also changing the lives of their families and communities who witnessed these selfless acts.

For me, there was a young boy (my brother) who always showed that love - to me, and to others. He always reached out in love. He always tried to help when he could, however you could. Even though he was six years younger than me, I learned more from him about love than I did from my own parents, educators, ministers, etc.

There was also a family I grew close to when I was a teenager - a woman, three of her children, and her granddaughter, living in a small trailer. They did not have a lot of money/resources, but always had their door open for "strays". These "strays" were young adults who had no home, teenagers estranged from their family, people who just needed a roof over their head. This family not only provided the roof and other basic necessities, they provided love. They provided friendship. They sat up all hours of the night being a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear - providing love, hope, comfort, peace - things money can not buy.

Even today, I'm close to a few people who have little monetarily - but have huge hearts. They're always willing to lend a hand, or a shoulder, no matter what it is or when it is. They've reminded me that it isn't about what you own, or how you dress, or how many children you have, or what your 'status' in the community is - we're all loved and accepted by God. And they taught this simply by being that example - by being loving and accepting.

Requirements for Teaching God's Love

So the next time you feel you're not equipped to teach about God - take a moment to think about those in your life who taught you the invaluable lesson of God's love. Were all these people old? Rich? Well educated? Pastors? Some, perhaps, but I'm going to guess that not all of them were. God uses everyone - big and small, old and young, rich and poor, educated and uneducated - to teach His love... we just need to be willing to reach out with that love towards others.

That is the only requirement for teaching - a willingness to love.

God bless.

I'm Right and You're Wrong so Suck It

I have realized that arguing about the Bible/Church teachings is just a waste of time

Does it really matter if the Bible says we cannot work on the Sabbath but that Jesus does exactly that? Does it matter if Jesus died on a Thursday or a Friday? Does it matter we take time to enjoy fellowship and also take time for private worship with God?

Does it matter if the Church teaches/practices infant baptism, or adult baptism? Does it matter if they practice a communal cup during Holy Communion or little tiny glasses of wine/grape juice? Does it matter if they consider these things mainly symbolic, or if they place a much higher emphasis on them?

And no, I'm not looking for an answer to any of these questions. To me, the answers do not really matter. You can believe what you want. I'll believe what I want. 

And yes, I realize it is a bit odd for me to be saying this. I am one of the "I'm right, you're wrong, so suck it!" types of people quite often when it comes to the Bible. I love pulling out verses to say "Ha! You have it all wrong you idiot!" to someone else. And I hate when someone else manages to do that to me. But, that's just because I'm human and I know what the Bible says to me. And, like most humans, if it says that to me, well then, shouldn't it be saying the same thing to everyone else?

And I admittedly have preconceived beliefs on the importance of Baptism and Holy Communion, and often feel that yup, my way (my Church's way) is right. Yours isn't. Sorry. And of course, these two are found in the Bible, therefore again, I'm right and why do you all just not see this?

The Bible/Church Does NOT Say the Same Thing to Everyone

For the past year or so, I have been attending church very regularly, and also been attending Bible Study quite often. When the Pastor gives a sermon, what I hear from the sermon and from the Scripture readings is not always the same as the person in the pew behind me. This is the same with Bible Study. One of the two Bible Studies I attend, we have very open discussions, going around to each woman, asking her what she gets from the text. And it isn't always the same. Most often, there are differences - at least minor ones - in our interpretations.

Why? Because we read the Bible as it pertains to our lives. We hear what the Pastor says as it pertains to our personal situations and experiences.

And I don't think this is wrong. In fact, I think it is what God intended.

This doesn't necessarily mean the Bible is open to interpretation. I do believe there is one meaning to the Bible as a whole. And, I have a very strong opinion on what that meaning is. But how we absorb these things, and what we hold importance to, is going to differ.

Yes, some of the text is non-arguable in my opinion. God created everything. God came to earth as Christ Jesus to live an earthly existence, and to die, and to rise again. But the Bible is not intended to be a how-to manual. It's not a rule book. It's a guide. It's meant to light our path - but whether that path is lit with lamps, or candles, or street lights... does it really matter? As long as we're all on a path to God... all following the path lit by Him... does it really matter?


Does it really matter if you're right and I'm wrong? Or I'm right and you're wrong?

If we have prayed for understanding, and read the Scripture, and prayed on what we read, and truly opened our hearts to the Holy Spirit to guide us... rather than blindly following what our church or preacher tells us we must believe... are any of us truly wrong?

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...

Random Thoughts

This past weekend and last couple days have been a little crazy for me. It's had its crazy ups and even crazier downs. Things have gone from "hey! I'm having a great day!" to "hey! I wanna jump off the nearest bridge!" to "hey! I think I've come up with the secrets to the inside of my mind!"

Yes, it has been insane. And, I was finding that reading blog posts was causing more chaos. So, I stepped away for a few days. And now today, I've come back and tried reading some, and have found myself rather irritated with many of these posts - irritated for really no good reason. But, because there are so many random thoughts zipping around, I'm finding it hard to write a structurally sound blog post of my own.

Therefore... Random Thoughts....

1 - just because you don't drink, smoke, swear, or have sex does NOT make you better than anyone else. Any of these on their own are not evil. You aren't going to hell because you had a glass of beer.

2 - just because you believe in God, does not mean life is perfect. Just because your life is in shambles, doesn't mean you don't believe enough.

3 - applauding a child for judging people for the way they dress is, in my opinion, much worse then how the people dress. God says we are not to judge.

4 - women are NOT possessions. We are not to remain silent. And we are NOT beneath men. This kind of thinking sets women up to be raped and abused.

5 - Catholic priest sexually abuses child... these stories really anger me on more than just the sexual abuse level. I try to not judge people based on actions of a few... Catholic priests make it incredibly difficult to follow this policy of mine.

6 - television, music, video games - these alone do not scar children or turn them into murderers/rapists. Unsupervised children exposed to these without getting any kind of teaching... that leads to scarred children and turns them into murderers/rapists. 

7 - I am apparently incredibly opinionated. Someone who's known me for 20 years blames my recent involvement in church for this trait. I say she has apparently been blind the last 20 years.

8 - I love debating. And this is usually a really bad thing. Especially when it's a topic I feel strongly (am highly opinionated) about.

9 - personality disorders are definitely not fun to deal with. They really mess with pretty much every aspect of your life.

10 - consistently telling someone they are wrong in regards to how the see the Bible, God, and their relationship with the Lord is only going to steer them AWAY from God. Everyone sees things a little different. Everyone has their own opinions. Everyone worships in their own way. Everyone holds different things as important in their relationship. Who are any of us to tell them they are wrong in how they hold onto our Lord?

And, I do believe a few of these points MAY end up as full posts, if I can ever calm the chaos in my mind long enough to focus.

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.