I think churches as a whole are co-opted and corrupt. I believe in the Word itself. I know many will say that some bibles are corrupt, or some are divinely inspired. But as far as I am concerned, His word can speak from any bible that isn't overtly perverted, like the New World, Joseph Smith Translation, The Message, etc. Paul said that we should gather in church for the fellowship that strengthens us as followers. But of interesting note, is that Jesus is present in a gathering of 3 or more. So "Church" doesn't mean a huge building singing the most recent christian rock jam while following a canned sermon. Jesus is with us when we seek Him and seek the word to help us be armed against what we face in this reality.
I do believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. I also believe that satan is VERY real, and has corrupted most institutions of this planet such that no one even realizes it anymore unless they actually read His word to see it.
True evil exists, and so does true good.
I think churches as a whole are co-opted and corrupt. I believe in the Word itself. I know many will say that some bibles are corrupt, or some are divinely inspired. But as far as I am concerned, His word can speak from any bible that isn't overtly perverted, like the New World, Joseph Smith Translation, The Message, etc. Paul said that we should gather in church for the fellowship that strengthens us as followers. But of interesting note, is that Jesus is present in a gathering of 3 or more. So "Church" doesn't mean a huge building singing the most recent christian rock jam while following a canned sermon. Jesus is with us when we seek Him and seek the word to help us be armed against what we face in this reality.
I do believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. I also believe that satan is VERY real, and has corrupted most institutions of this planet such that no one even realizes it anymore unless they actually read His word to see it.
True evil exists, and so does true good.
The one part that I am really uncertain of is Jesus as Lord and Savior.
It strikes me as a possibly perversion of his message, by leaders more interested in establishing a Church rather that helping people achieve salvation.
Something about being granted salvation via simple belief in Christ strikes me as lazy and incorrect. Jesus as being a messenger of how to live your life makes much more sense to me, but all of the early Christian faiths seem to disagree on this point, and the Council of Nicaea didn't help.
Regardless, the vast majority of organized religions don't inspire a ton of faith in me, as they almost always seem to be more obsessed with financial matters than spiritual ones.
I can give a fairly long write up on Jesus being Lord and Savior, but I don't want to do it unless your really interested.
I am interested, but can you post it tomorrow? I am about to listen to my call-in radio show.
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