Thursday, April 12, 2018

Transformation

“The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”  (Dwight L. Moody)

When it comes to the scripture, many individuals  believe what others tell them is supposedly found in the Bible. We don’t often stop to consider the magnitude of what the Bible represents. It is literally God revealing and communicating Himself to mankind in written word.

Many Christians believe unbiblical information (told to them by others). This shows a lack of researching the scriptures for the correct information.  Here are just few unbiblical ideas that have made it into today’s society:

1.   Bad things happen to good people: Often we place ourselves in the judgment seat of what is good and bad, or who is good and bad. The most popular way to make that judgment is by comparison. According to the Bible, we’re all on equal ground because none of us is inherently good.


2.   Cleanliness is next to godliness: The people around you may appreciate you staying clean, but this is not Scripture. Parents may use this unbiblical statement to motivate their kids to clean their rooms. 

 
3.   God helps those who help themselves: This statement is actually anti-Bible. The attitude of trying harder and doing better gets in the way of the work of God. Jesus saves those who die to themselves.

 
4.   God wants me to be happy: It’s a common belief that God exists to be our personal genie waiting to give us our every wish. It’s amazing how we will justify our sinful actions by saying, “God just wants me to be happy.” Happiness is tied to feelings and emotions that are often based on circumstances, and those change all the time. God wants us to be obedient to Him, trust Him and know that everything He does is for our good even if it doesn’t make me feel “happy” in that moment.

 
5.     God won’t give you more than you can handle: Actually, all of life is more than we can handle. The point of living in a fallen world is not for us to try really hard to carry our heavy burden, but rather give-up, quit and surrender to God, that’s what faith is all about. Everything is more than I can handle, but not more than Jesus can handle: 

No temptation has seized you that isn’t common for people. But God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, CEB)

6.   We all worship the same God: There is only one true and living God. However, He only accepts worship that comes through Jesus Christ, not Muhammad, Buddha, Joseph Smith, etc:


7.   We’re all God’s children: Although God has created everyone, not everyone relationally belongs to Him. Only those who have repented of sin, placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and possess the Holy Spirit of God inside of them can claim Him as their Father. Those who don’t have Jesus as their Savior belong to Satan. 

8.   We’re all going to the same place when we die: There are two possible destinations when we pass: Heaven and Hell. However, only those who are in Christ will be with Him for all eternity when they physically die.


9.   When you die, God gains another angel: Humans are humans, and angels are angels. This remains so even in eternity. Angels are intrigued by the interaction between God and humans.


“God never fits His word to suit me; He fits me to suit His Word.” (Oswald Chambers) [i]



[i] Sources used:

·        “7 Unbiblical Statements Christians Believe” by Shane Pruitt

·        “9 Unbiblical Statements Christians Believe” by Shane Pruitt

 
 

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