Changing the Face of Christianity
We help you and fellow Christians to authentically love God and others
DEAR LARRY:
I have spoken to many Christians (some of them pastors) and they have told me that torturing enemy prisoners is morally acceptable on the grounds that it saves innocent lives. I find this difficult to accept at face value. What does the Bible say about the subject of torture? Does God condone torture? If so, under what circumstances? Thank you for your time in responding.
Jason [Read more…]
Many times Christains are called judgemental. Does our behavior support this judgement on us?
Log in your eye
In Matthew 7 Jesus says, ““Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Judgement in the place of love is something that every person seems to struggle with at time even back then. However, Jesus calls us not to judge.
“Let our hearts be led by mercy”
The Casting Crowns song Jesus, Friend of Sinners address this need for His love over judgement. Take a listen to the song and read they lyrics. How does this strong impact you? Listen for the lyrics like “Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers. Let our hearts be led by mercy.” Let God uses this song to impact your heart!
Jesus, Friend of Sinners
Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth’s become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they’re tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I’m so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Yeah…
Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who’s writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we’re for only what we’re against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they’re the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
‘Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours
And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah…
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet
What do you think?
Use the comment section below to let us know about other songs that have inspired you. We would love to highlight them in future articles. Thanks!
The word “love” or a version of it is mentioned in the bible almost 700 times. It kind of makes you think it is important.
Lack of Love is a Clanging Symbol
1 Corinthians 13:1 says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” It is very clear that any task that is not covered in love is insignificant and almsot annoying.
The Proof of Your Love
For King & County’s song “The Proof of Your Love” addresses this need for love. The song gives examples of how actions without love are empty. The song also reminds us how we can be reflection of His Love to the world around us. This song is a great and strong reminder of how God would like us to live. Look at the video below and read the lyrics. How does it impact you?
The Proof of Your Love
If I sing but don’t have love
I waste my breath with every song
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise
If I speak with a silver tongue
Convince a crowd but don’t have love
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You’re made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
If I give
To a needy soul but don’t have love then who is poor?
It seems all the poverty is found in me
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You’re made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
Oh, let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
When it’s all said and done
When we sing our final song
Only love remains
Only love remains
Let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
Let my love look like You and what You’re made of
How You lived, how You died
Love is sacrifice
So let my life be the proof,
The proof of Your love
What do you think?
Use the comment section below to let us know about other songs that have inspired you. We would love to highlight them in future articles. Thanks!
I think we’ve all encountered them at some point in our lives. Sometimes they are friends, sometimes they are acquaintances or co-workers, and sometimes they are family. I’m talking about Difficult People.
What makes difficult people tick? Do they find it hard to get along with everyone…or just select individuals?
This is an area where I admit openly…I don’t have a clue. Am “I” the one that’s actually difficult to get along with? Jesus, please help me to discern the truth!
Although I don’t have a reliable compass for navigating through such tough relationships, God does.
A few verses come to mind.
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
The message? Forgive and keep on forgiving! Good advice.
Matthew 5:22-24 (NIV)
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
The message? Don’t become angry, even with those who seem to be looking for a fight. Don’t harbor a grudge and bitter feeling that will only prove to eat you from the inside. Such grudges are used by the Devil to separate us from God. Instead, sincerely seek reconciliation. If they aren’t open to reconciliation…put it behind you and do your best to live with love in your heart for them.
Here is another lesson worth following. When you get angry with someone, instead of gossiping about it with others (which only tends to make the problem larger than life), dig into God’s word. Allow God to speak to your heart and advise you on the matter. God’s council is infinitely wise and true.
So, what has been your experience in dealing with difficult people? What works? What doesn’t? From someone who desperately needs help in this area…what advise do you have?
Article re-printed with permission from Changing the Face of Christianity.
A few months ago, I picked up a religious “Tract” that was left by a person with very good intentions…to “save” a soul.
For those of you who’ve never heard of “Tracts” or never seen one, it’s a small pamphlet that talks about Jesus and why we should confess our sins and accept His free gift of salvation and eternal life. Sounds harmless…and I think some are.
In this case, the tract was “over the top”. It was Scare tactics 101 – basically “you are a SINNER! and you WILL burn in a torturous and fiery eternal hell unless you repent right now!” It only gets worse from there.
After I read the Tract, I was seized by the question “Is this Good or Bad for Christianity’s reputation?” And, “Isn’t there a better way?”
Since stumbling upon that tract, I’ve discussed it on Facebook, chatted with friends, and tweeted about it. What I’ve heard is that YES…it does occasionally save people…no doubt about it.
However, the overwhelming majority of people I’ve talked to are repelled by such Tracts. As I’ve discussed such things with non-believers, it’s Tracts such as these that give Christianity a bad name, and a bad stereotype. It positions US as if we are in the judgment seat.
Instead of coming across as loving, we come across as judgmental…even hateful. Instead of showing God for the loving God that He his, we position Him as exclusively wrathful and angry. Non-believers are repulsed by such attempts to “save their soul”.
My opinion is these Tracts do more harm than good. Remember, it’s not about our “intent”. Non-believers are turned OFF by these…not turned ON. So much better is to relate to people in your circles of influence in a personal and real way…and show the Love of Christ.
But hey, we want to hear what you think!