Does anyone else see the absolute need for American Christians to WAKE UP?!
There is so much false teaching now, it seems you have to discern every preacher before listening to him. Now you should always back up what you hear with the Bible facts. However, so many so called "Christians" just listen to hear what their tickling ears want to hear! If one pastor doesn't tell them what they want to hear, they can easily find one that does. They make the truth into whatever works for them, taking God's word out of context or interpreting it to suit their sins.
As I was reading Matthew a few weeks ago, my mind started thinking how different American Christians interpret God's word. As I was reading, I re-wrote some thoughts with what fits in Christianity today- the Word is so twisted in America today- PLEASE read the Bible for yourself and don't take anything someone says as truth until you double check it with the Bible!
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
American Christianity today
Lay up as many treasures as you can on earth, live in nice, middle and upper class neighborhoods, away from the poor and dirty. Have a solid alarm system so thieves can't break in and steal all your treasures. If your house gets too small for all your possessions, don't sell them or give them away, rent a storage shed to store your excess stuff or just move to a larger home. Your treasure is your house, car, bank account, material possessions and they will fill your heart with pride and gladness. The more you have, the more you are #blessed.
Matthew 6:24
"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
American Christianity today
We can serve two masters, for we are blessed by God when we have lots of money. You can be more devoted to your job and bank account than to God, for God wants us to serve him through our wealth with large, luxurious church buildings with all the comforts of this world and fit for King Jesus.
You can serve God for an hour or two on Sundays, all while enjoying the comforts of your church and friends in a safe environment. It will be a nice social break for you and will keep your children entertained. (Oh, and don't forget you will serve at least twice a year on a "service" project in the community.) If your children are bored studying God's Word and are not being entertained, find a new church that will be "fun" for them so they will want to go back. It must also keep you entertained with music you enjoy and a lively message that tickles your ears, otherwise you might need to find a new church- because, you know, church is all about you.
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12)
Bible text vs. American Churches
Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are the rich and proud in America, for they are living in their kingdom on earth. They are self-sufficient.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are those who mourn (over their sin), for they shall be comforted.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are those who are healthy, happy, and "good" people, for their life is comfortable.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are the proud and self-confident, for they shall rule the earth.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are those who want for nothing, for they are satisfied.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are the rich and powerful, for they receive recognition and wealth.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are the selfish and greedy in heart, for they shall own God.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are the comfortable and wealthy Christians behind their church walls, for they feel safe.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are those who never need to defend their faith, who never experience persecution inside their church, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Bible/Jesus-
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven.
American Christianity today-
Blessed are you when others stay out of your way, when there is no controversy or fear of death for your belief, when you don't have to battle on God's account. Rejoice and be glad that God has kept you safe and rewarded you with worldly treasures and an easy life on this earth. #blessed.
Jesus was showing here that heavenly blessedness is opposite of the worldly understanding of blessedness and happiness. Our American world believes that happiness is found in wealth, success, abundance of stuff, comfort, leisure, and self-sufficiency, to name a few. Remember that we are utterly hopeless without God's grace. Don't let pride allow you to miss the gift Jesus offers.
