IN chart below, the real Truth is Biblical Christianity, not Cultural Christianity.
|
Biblical Christianity
Only understood by those
who are joined to Christ through the cross
|
Cultural Christianity
Believed by the masses
to represent genuine Christianity
|
It is... | A personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ, based on faith. John 17:20-26; Rom. 8:37-39 | A religion based on humanist logic, "feel good" experiences, and popular interpretations of Scriptures. |
Come to God through… | Faith in Jesus Christ Who has revealed Himself in His Word and by His Spirit. John 14:6 | Faith that our own good works and intentions are good enough. |
View the Bible as: | The absolute, unchanging, Word of God. The Bible is inspired and guarded by God --- including its honest reports about evil acts among God's people. 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Pet 1:25 | A collection of guidelines, allegories, myths, and stories useful for good living. Offensive verses must be ignored. |
Our goal is... | God's approval. To know Him, do His will, follow His way, and live each moment in fellowship with Him -- by His wonderful grace! Gal.1:10 | People's approval. To please, not offend, the world and its communities. Fun, feel-good fellowship. |
Source of Strength | God's unlimited grace and power. Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:19 | Our human abilities -- plus God’s help when "needed." |
See our human self as… | Weak and inadequate apart from Christ. 2 Cor. 12:9-10 | Strong and capable if we have confidence in Self. |
See sin as... | Leading to spiritual bondage and death. Rom. 6:23 | A normal part of life. Ignore it, or you might offend someone. Or enjoy it, for "God understands" you needs and inclinations. |
Deal with sin through... | Confession and faith: trusting Jesus as the "Lamb," our Savior who bore our sins on cross. Rom. 6:1-6 | Try to do better next time, or just tolerate it. Don't offend anyone by making them feel guilty. |
Caring for people... | Bring people to Christ. Demonstrate God's love. Trust God to meet needs by His Spirit working through our surrendered lives. Rom. 12:9-18 | Bring people to the church or group. Don’t tolerate uncompromising Christians who might offend people. Do to others as you would have others do to you. |
Response to suffering: | Trust God to use suffering to deepen our faith and endurance, prepare us for ministry, and demonstrate His love and power. 2 Cor. 1:3-11 | Pray, endure, and trust that God will help. It's okay to challenge God’s love, power, and purpose -- and to seek quick relief through whatever means available -- no matter how it conflicts with His Word. |
Commitment: | Trust and follow God. No compromise. Rather die than betray our Lord. Rom. 12:1-2 | Trust and follow feelings and human logic. Compromise essential to avoid offending the world. |
Expect to... | Face rejection and persecution. John 15:20-21 | Get along and influence the world. |
Outreach: | Bring God's love and good news to the needy, then bring the needy to Jesus. | Adapt the church to the "community" so that everyone will feel at home. |
Daily hope: | Eternity with Jesus, our Shepherd and King. 1 Peter 1:3-9 | Success, acceptance of all people, fun and fellowship in this life. |
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