Using God for our own interests?
I am having problems with any Christians who are in the unreality and unconscious hyprocrisy when they are using God for their own interests. I cannot hide behind liberalism and say that it is my worst enemy. One of the enemies facing the Church is the dictatorship of the traditions, when traditions becomes "lord" in the life of the church. Another enemy facing the Church is Christians wanted to get important work done more quickly and easily. Those Christians wanted to teach doctrines that Jesus and His Apostles didn't really teach. From the "surface", Christians are looking for any denominations or non-denominational churches who teaches the way people WANT to hear so they could give their time to pursuits more to their liking, such as enjoying the pleasures of the world.
It is my opinion that the real battle line in the theological war today is not the line that separates traditionalism from liberalism or any other personal views. All sides have said their say boldly. Everyone can know where they stand on such matters as the inspiration of the Scriptures, the deity of Jesus Christ, salvation through the blood of atonement, death and judgment, heaven and hell. The true battle line is elsewhere.
Where?
A person's HEART. Please read the Scriptures and research on the topic of the "heart". Even Jesus spoke the issues of a person's heart. One great example is this verse: Matthew 5:28 "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
God is not impressed by my works (1. Samuel 16:7). The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord don't make decisions the way you do. People judge by outward appearance (i.e. works), but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions (heart)." (NLT)
In Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (NLT)
In Proverbs 21:2, "People may think they are doing what is right, but the Lord examines the heart." (NLT)
"David son of Jesse is a man after my own heart, for he will do everything I want him to do." Acts 13:22 & 1 Samuel 13:14 (NLT)
Matthew 22:36-38 (New International Version)
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment.
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