Jump Start  # 842

Acts 21:30-31 “Then all the city was provoked, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. While they were seeking to kill him…”

The Boston bombings shocked the nation. It appears to be another act of terrorism that is based upon radical and extreme religious brainwashing. It is hard for many of us to understand how religion and violence can be connected. We don’t comprehend hatred with religious differences.

There are two immediate thoughts to consider.

First, the spirit of tolerance in religion is more of an American experience than anything else. Decades ago, the concept of ecumenism became the flavor of the month. It has remained among many mainline denominations. That spirit gave us such expressions as, “Attend the church of your choice,” and the idea that there are many different roads to Heaven. Preachers from different churches exchanged pulpits with churches in town and sat in on unity and peace conferences. Those religious leaders interpreted “love” as looking the other way. The “loving thing to do” was not to judge but accept. Those front runners of this movement opened the door for churches across the country to redefine their teachings and beliefs. Divorce was no longer questioned. Homosexuality was allowed. These churches moved from teaching the doctrine of Christ to becoming social reformers. Some of the popular preachers among them proudly announced that they do not talk about sin. They smiled and taught a twisted form of love that Jesus never did.

Those who have accepted the spirit of tolerance cannot understand why some are intolerant. They are critical of those who want to stand for righteousness and holiness. They point fingers at those who still use the word “sin,” and make those who stand behind Jesus feel as if they have done something shameful. When radical groups rise up to destroy those who differ with them, these tolerant folks are in the state of utter disbelief. How could anyone be like this?

Jesus was. He was not for violence, stamping out others, or bringing fear or harm to others. No. He wasn’t. But He wasn’t for tolerance either. It’s the will of God that says in Ephesians, one Lord, one God, one Spirit, one hope, one baptism, one faith, one body. What is that ’one faith?’ It is not the generic, bland, stand for nothing, “we love Jesus,” that the tolerant folks want. It is the words of Christ. John said, if you do not abide in the teaching of Christ, you do not have God. Jesus said, if you are ashamed of me and my word, that word will judge you. The words of Jesus that says He is the only way. The words of Jesus that taught turning the other cheek, also taught there is only one acceptable cause for divorce. The words of Jesus demanded holiness. The words of Jesus taught immersion for the remission of sins. The words of Jesus demanded that we deny ourselves and follow Him. The words of the apostles were considered the commandments of Jesus (1 Cor 14:37). Those words including withdrawing from members who no longer walked faithfully with God. Those words said to do what they did and to follow their examples.

Most today have given up the idea of being right, for finding a church that makes them happy. As Phil on Duck Dynasty often says, “Happy, Happy, Happy.” That’s all that matters. Following the strict pattern of the New Testament doesn’t do much for the tolerant folks. Remove the blinders. Look carefully at what Jesus says.

I am not for radical violence. It is wrong. I’m not for hurting anyone. However, I do see in some of these radical groups, an understanding, although crooked, that it does matter what you believe. The Jews were this way. This is why they chased Paul and often tried to kill him. He was teaching something different. That didn’t fit in with their beliefs. They were not in the group of tolerance. They didn’t think, it’s ok. It wasn’t ok for them. All or nothing. In or out. With us or against us. Right or wrong. You wouldn’t find those Jews saying, “Well, that’s your interpretation. I have a different one.” They knew that God had one view. One will.

Tomorrow, we will look at our second point. If you are one who thinks it really doesn’t matter what you believe or how you worship or what a church does, think again. It does. You will not find that tolerating tone in the N.T. What you find in the Bible is that God prescribes worship. He tells us what He wants. This is why we have all those details about what day ancient Israel was to worship on. Details about animal sacrifice, including the kind of animal, the sex, the age and the condition of the animal. God was telling Israel what He wanted. Those that tried things differently insulted God. Their worship was not acceptable. God never says, “Surprise Me.” He never says, “Be original.” Follow the pattern is what God wants. The pattern for music. The pattern for raising money. The pattern for salvation. The pattern for organization. The pattern for the purpose of the church. When someone doesn’t follow that pattern are they wrong? Some just can’t say that word. It hurts them. Their lips can’t shape that expression. Wrong. Wrong because they did not follow the Bible. Some will email me, “Oh, Roger, that sounds hateful.” “Oh, Roger, you sound like you are intolerant of those who see things differently.” “Oh, Roger, you sound like a terrorist.” REALLY? Could it be that the terrorist are not the only ones brainwashed these days? Have we been drinking at the well of “happy, happy, happy” for so long that we don’t know what to think about those who are different. Do we really think it doesn’t matter. Abortion…does it matter? Same-sex marriage…does it matter? Living together before marriage…does it matter? Has sin disappeared? Does it matter what kind of music in worship? Does it matter what is preached? Does it matter who preaches? Does anything matter? Brainwashed…makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

More tomorrow…

Roger