We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Have You Created Your Own God?

"Throughout history, the further people have strayed from the supremacy of Scripture, the more removed they have become from their Creator.  In our corrupted human nature, we love to create our own god.  A safe god; custom-designed to suit our tastes.  Let’s face it, we all have our own desires and agendas.  If we can just get ‘god’  (however we may conceive of him) to back us up...well, now that’s really a ‘higher power’ we can worship!  The Jesus of the Gospels is not the non-confrontational, infinitely tolerant, impotent idol the liberal church has molded Him into.  Such a ‘revised’ image of Jesus may not threaten willful sinners, and they may stay comfortable in whatever lifestyle they please.  A selective reading of Scripture may yield a very different deity; not a true representation of the One True God. 

"Jesus is not the harsh, ascetic taskmaster the Church of the Dark Ages portrayed Him to be.  The Christ of the Bible is a gentle Shepherd, not a drill sergeant.  Still, He takes sin very seriously.  It cost Him greatly.  A perfectly holy God cannot wink at sin and still be just.  In order to fully grasp God’s unfathomable love for His people, His infinite mercy, and His hatred of sin (as well as His definition of what ‘sin’ is; not ours), you must  go straight to the source.  The Bible is the only direct revelation humanity has from the lips of God.  As you pursue knowing Him, God will reveal His heart to you (Jeremiah 29:13; James 4:8)." 
Marie Notcheva, Redeemed From the Pit, pp.128-129

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