Monday, October 13, 2008

Blind Man's Bluff and Sacred Cows

Have you ever considered why you believe what you believe about Christianity? I mean why do you (and I) cling to certain “sacred cows” within the church and ignore others? I think we would all agree on the basics. Those of course being that man sinned, and God sent Jesus as a sacrifice. Through His sacrifice we can receive pardon, reconciliation, and salvation. Again, I doubt very many folks would have any problem with that line of thought, but what about the other “stuff”? You know, the “stuff”. The stuff that makes up how we “do” Christianity. Let me give you a few examples.

What about tithing? Is tithing still something we should worry about? Now most of you are probably saying, “Well yeah you big dummy, of course it is!” If that’s your response, let me ask you a question? Why? Why do you believe that? Can you (or me) at this very moment explain what the bible has to say about the subject of tithing especially as it pertains to the new covenant? Would you attempt to answer the “why” based on what you have been told by someone, or by what God has revealed to you through His word? What about jobs within the church? Is there really such a thing as a “senior pastor”? Did God create a hierarchy within His church, or did man? What’s your answer? Again, why do you believe what you believe? What about drinking alcohol, or female deacons and pastors? I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. Now you may be wondering if I am just trying to stir up trouble (I have been known to do that), or do I really have a point. Well…..yes, I do have a point and here it is.

I believe we are living in an age in which many Christians are for the most part biblically illiterate. No one seems to know (or even cares to know) what “Thus saith the Lord”. Oh people are full of opinions, but ask them to back it up with the word and you’ll get plenty of funny looks! Yes it is important to know “what” you believe, but shouldn’t we also know why we believe it? I “believe” it is not only important, but absolutely crucial!

So, why did I write this? To stir up trouble of course! NO, actually I just wanted to challenge you and I to do a little thinking. If we’re relying on what “Thus saith the preacher”, we’re probably in serious trouble. Heck “preachers” are usually just as screwed up as the rest of us (they are human you know). They just generally don’t want people to know they’re screwed up (it’s a job security thing). They do the best they can, but you should ALWAYS check them out. Always find out what the word has to say before you take any message to heart.

In 2 Timothy it says, “…..from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Bottom line: Without God’s word, our “precious” faith becomes just a guessing game! Blind Man’s Bluff is pretty fun to play, but it makes for a sad approach to finding truth to live by! So, take off that blindfold and look around (in His word). You might be surprised at “what” you find!

2 comments:

Jenny said...

Dang...you nailed that one on the head! I'm so guilty of going by what has been taught throughout life and not really diving deep into the scriptures to back up what up what is said or lived. Thanks Ken!

Tammy Howard said...

You know lately all I can think when I hear you talk is....what happened to that nerdy guy that I went to high school with?

Ken, God has brought you (and all of us) a long way. You are a strong man of God and I'm impressed with you (although deep down I still think you are a nerd).

I'm glad God has brought you and Terri and your family back to us. You & Terri bless us deeply.

Keep making us think ninja man!!