06/20/13 Three Fatal Flaws...
Some thoughts I shared last night at Bible study.
Three Fatal Flaws...
1- Cultural Standards Overrunning Christian Commitment. It is obvious with the lost, unsaved, sinning world. They choose blatant sin (addictions, adultery, perversion, pride, vulgarity, violence) over Christ and the way of righteousness. Today there is more acceptance of the most radical lifestyles. Sinners are more applauded today than avoided. However, those who claim faith in Christ are more amiable to cultural standards than Biblical standards. There is less submission to authentic spiritual Christian authority than there use to be. Each person becomes his own standard, and could care less about "avoiding the very appearance of evil," and "instruction in righteousness."
2- Denying Self Denial. Faithfulness to Christ is demonstrated in Self Denial. Self Denial is not a popular concept, especially in wayward churches and backsliding believers. Some people mistakenly believe that God does not require Christians to turn from sin and walk in righteousness in this sinful world. Other people think that turning from blatant sin (murder, stealing, abuse, lying) is sufficient self denial. However, God does not just require us to surrender the bad things in our life; He wants us to give Him everything, and trust Him for our daily bread and fulfillment. Jesus said we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him, if we want to be His disciples.
3- Having a Form of Godliness, Without the Power of God. People want to "Be a Christian" without "Becoming Christian" through faith and repentance. People want to "Be a Christian" without "Being Conformed to the Image of Christ." In other words, people want to, "Be a Christian" without "Being Christian."
