How do "moderate" Christians square this meme version of Jesus, that they have made in their own image with the actual Jesus from the bible? I think many worship themselves, and their own made up values rather than what Jesus claims himself to be. The Jesus I see was compassionate yes, but also VERY confrontational. He constantly challenged people to be better, and constantly made people uncomfortable. He flipped over tables, called people dogs, whitewashed tombs, said "get behind me satan". He even showed compassion to a woman caught in adultery. He didn't condemn her, but de did demand that she "go and sin no more".
It amazes me how perfectly balanced Jesus is. Where has our balance gone between mercy, grace, and actually insisting on following the teachings of Jesus? Jesus would not consider it compassionate to tell people they can practice sin in open rebellion to God.
Do we really love our brother if we allow them to practice sin, and not tell them that if they do that they are in open rebellion to God, and are going down the road to perdition, that leads to hell?Quote:
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1 Jn 3:7 - 10 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
How do you justify ignoring the commandments of your Lord? Do you really love Jesus, or an idol?
Quote:
Matt 5:17 - 19 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments