The biggest threats to Biblical Christianity in 2014

[kyredneck]

Knowledge of some systematized doctrine or a life more obediently lived? Hmmmmm, what a no brainer.

And just in case you need a little scripture. You might want to consider Micah 6:8

That is a ridiculous dichotomy.

Without systematized biblical doctrine, what exactly are you being obedient too? You have to know what God is telling you to do, before you can do it.

Tell me, do you actually understand the gospel? I say that, not to be mean, but because I don't see how anyone who understands the Gospel (salvation by faith in Christ, as revealed in scripture APART from works) could think that WORKS is more important than DOCTRINE (belief). That is just completely anti-gospel.

Cut the childish "works by salvation" allegations. It is vastly more important to grow and live the principles found in the pages of scriptures than it is to have some doctrinal knowledge of systematized theology. VASTLY

Both of you are right:

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect;
23 and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.
24 Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith.
25 And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. Ja 2

(....ppsssstt, QF, I think you meant to say 'salvation by works'.... )

 

[Van]

Are you saying that Mormons and Catholics are better christians? Look good fruit is only part of the equation, but good doctrine is more serious and more vital. Plenty of Mormons show fruit, but they have another gospel.

Please address what I say, and stop putting absurdity in my mouth. I provided "good doctrine" biblically based. We are to look to ourselves and compare ourselves to Christ, not be grumblers and fault finders. Recall, one of the virtues we are supposed to be diligently working on is brotherly kindness.

Many of the posters seem like the guy who prayed, I am glad I am not like that other fellow....

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

The greatest threat to Christianity in 2014 has been amply displayed on this very thread.

Care to think along with me and tell me what it is?

 

[saturneptune]

Please address what I say, and stop putting absurdity in my mouth. I provided "good doctrine" biblically based. We are to look to ourselves and compare ourselves to Christ, not be grumblers and fault finders. Recall, one of the virtues we are supposed to be diligently working on is brotherly kindness.

Many of the posters seem like the guy who prayed, I am glad I am not like that other fellow....

Why yes, you never find fault with anyone, and especially show brotherly kindness to those who believe in doctrines of sovereignty and grace. The greatest threat to Christianity would be a local church calling you as pastor.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

The greatest threat to Christianity in 2014 has been amply displayed on this very thread.

Care to think along with me and tell me what it is?

No takers?

 

[saturneptune]

......................

 

[Van]

Why yes, you never find fault with anyone, and especially show brotherly kindness to those who believe in doctrines of sovereignty and grace. The greatest threat to Christianity would be a local church calling you as pastor.

I do not know about the greatest threat, but I must agree that my character is so flawed I am disqualified to "pastor" my brothers and sisters in Christ. But Christ uses "broken reeds" for other purposes, and I like to think I have a holy calling, a measure of faith, a sphere of ministry within the body.

 

[MB]

I'm sorry you didn't list the greatest threat. It is of course the lack of faith.
MB

 

[preacher4truth]

What will they be? Name the top 3. Obviously the true church cannot be harmed, however the "undecided" will be affected by the threats.

I say the top 3 are.

1. The Charismatic Movement
2. The Seeker friendly Movement
3. Biblical ignorance and apathy

People today are ignorant of their bibles, and often do not care about doctrine. They do not like reading books, listening to sermons, diving into the word, and as a consequence are not out witnessing like they should. That is because lots of people these days that sit in churches are very likely false converts. The Charismatic movement is a breeding ground and a safe haven for such people.

We all have our opinions and I'll offer this: Political correctness as it is in direct opposition of Romans 12:1-2.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

OK, I'll say it, since no one wants to "think along with me" ... or is afraid they're right, one or the other.

The greatest threat to Christianity is the unbrotherly behavior of Christians toward one another. I said in my first post that the greatest threat to Christianity this year, had already been amply displayed on this very thread. And it has. Just look at some of the exchanges, and unfortunately, it is often the very same people who do the very same thing on every thread. Don't agree with them on every minute turning point of doctrine, and it's all out war.

It is the same thing when we encounter brothers and sisters in our local fellowships who have fallen into sin, addiction, temptation, or folly. Instead of coming alongside them, wrapping our arms around them, loving them, as Paul urged the church at Galatia.

Galatians 6, NASB
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.​

Christians are the only soldiers in the world who shoot their own wounded.

 

[nodak]

Probably the greatest threat, and it happens among Cals and Arminians and seemingly most forms of systematic theology:

We start basing our salvation on our works, or our understanding of theology, or our church membership, or anything rather than the simple trust in the shed blood of Jesus.

 

[Van]

OK, I'll say it, since no one wants to "think along with me" ... or is afraid they're right, one or the other.

The greatest threat to Christianity is the unbrotherly behavior of Christians toward one another. I said in my first post that the greatest threat to Christianity this year, had already been amply displayed on this very thread. And it has. Just look at some of the exchanges, and unfortunately, it is often the very same people who do the very same thing on every thread. Don't agree with them on every minute turning point of doctrine, and it's all out war.

It is the same thing when we encounter brothers and sisters in our local fellowships who have fallen into sin, addiction, temptation, or folly. Instead of coming alongside them, wrapping our arms around them, loving them, as Paul urged the church at Galatia.

Galatians 6, NASB
1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another.
5 For each one will bear his own load.
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.​

Christians are the only soldiers in the world who shoot their own wounded.

Spot on, from the Bible, and on topic.

 

[Van]

Probably the greatest threat, and it happens among Cals and Arminians and seemingly most forms of systematic theology:

We start basing our salvation on our works, or our understanding of theology, or our church membership, or anything rather than the simple trust in the shed blood of Jesus.

Well, well, two for two. Great, and I really mean it, great observation. It is trust in Christ, and not in knowing the "right" doctrine. That means God could cause a Catholic, a Calvinist, an Arminian, or a Mormon to be born again, even though all four believe in flawed doctrine to a degree, such as works or predestination.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

Spot on, from the Bible, and on topic.

 

[Aaron]

Christians are the only soldiers in the world who shoot their own wounded.

That's simply not true.

 

[Aaron]

We start basing our salvation on our works, or our understanding of theology, or our church membership, or anything rather than the simple trust in the shed blood of Jesus.

Of which to know requires a bit of theology and dogma.

 

[nodak]

Aaron--agreed! I don't advocate against Christians behaving as God ordains, or against the study of theology. Just that some get so wrapped up in it that they forget how simple salvation really is. The Holy Spirit, through the preaching of the Word, convicts the sinner who throws themselves upon the mercy of God through the shed blood of Christ.

 

[Jon-Marc]

Like any good military strategy, the best way to destroy the enemy is from within--planting doubts and fears, and turning hearts and minds to think of the enemy (in our case, Satan) as not as bad they were told; these are generally people who are only pretending to be Christians. Also, there are those Christians who are not willing to "fight the fight" and "run the race". They become what God says He hates, lukewarm. They're born again, but they do nothing for the Lord.