How far SHOULD you judge Christ by Christians?

[jo]

[soul101]

He does say that sort of thing quite often... and I agree that it makes Paul a lot more palatable (he comes across very strongly on some controversial topics, so it's nice to know that he's a hypocrite ).

I'm always careful when mentioning that Jesus came for the sinners, as that can (if not worded well) give the impression that sin is "acceptable" practice within the church. We do need to hold each other accountable, and attempt to move towards being christ-like, and not be the same christians we were when we first repented. After all, we are supposed to "not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds." Obviously I mean the sin is unacceptable. the people, as has been said, needed to be loved, but not left to stagnate in their sin (yes, that's right Linda, love the sinner, hate the sin ).

I think there is something to be said for judging christianity by the state of the christians, although I would be less likely to judge Christ Himself (Him being God and all... I never thought of that as a clever move).

[jo]

[soul101]

[Adam]

[jo]

[soul101]

[Allison]

[Karen]

[John Anthony]

[Adam]

[Shadowland Dweller]

lately I have been kinda frustrated with christianity on the whole, it just seems that so many people act as though the bible is a nice set of rules that one must follow to recieve the favor of God on earth, i.e "If I pray alot and try to love people then God will bless me with a ___________ (insert blessing here) "

That attitude has been frustrating me a lot lately. First, God never said that earth would be a version of heaven, so I don't know why christians really place so much value on creature comforts, to the point that God can't work through them because they refuse to give those things up.


As I am reading Watchman Nee's book, The Release of the Spirit, I am finding that he is putting into words what I have been feeling for some time now. It seems that the attitude of christians I have been around is, "I just try the best I can". Well Jesus never said we need to try to follow Him. My husband and I had a great conversation where I was reminded that our "job" as christians isn't to try to do what God wants us to do, but we are supposed to get ourselves out of the way so that the Holy Spirit can move through us. He is the one who gives the strength to do what we must. If christians are trying to do good on their own, it's really no different than a "good person" doing good things.

I don't think that christians should be let off the hook in this area. I think that we have become too consumed with our programs and the progress.

I don't like to see Christ being judge by lazy, self absorbed, prideful, unloving people. Sadly though, this is what is happening because so many come to Christ because they think He will give them the warm fuzzies, but they are unwilling to give themselves over to the service of the King.

I don't say these things like I am some wonderful example to be followed, but the sad thing is, christians really are ambassadors and I am sad to see how He is being represented.

[Adam]