rumitoid

(I wrote this to remind myself of what is truly important. I forget. I get carried away. I act from self-interest. I react with anger. I sin.)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world.” (1John2:15) Does that sound crazy enough for you? Or do you think that is not really a commandment but a suggestion, given your love of hunting, sports, cars, fame, prestige, respect, honor, standing, and so forth. When Jesus told the young man to give up his possessions and follow him, it was not the things of the world he was talking about but the hold those things had on his mind. He could keep it all...if he could be free from the bondage of self.

Is there anything more ridiculous than this: “Love your enemy. Do good to those that hate you”? (Mt5:44) Did Jesus really mean this? Do we have to? Isn't it situational, depending on circumstances and conditions...or if they are Demorats or not? No exceptions? No, no exceptions. Absurdity to the nth degree!

The nuttiest of all: Christ is radically different than conventional wisdom and contrary to worldly values.

Below is what Jesus had to say about worldliness, something rarely, rarely ever spoken about in church or seemingly given serious consideration by most Christians. It is just too gosh darn demanding and upsetting to think about let alone practice:
- My kingdom is not of this world, if it were I would fight. I do not live by the standards of this world or political philosophies. For though I live in the world I do not wage war as the world does. The weapons I fight with are not the weapons of the world. 2Cor10:3
- I do not belong to the world and its political intrigues and conflicts. Jn15:19 I am not of the world any more than Christ.Jn17:14
- I do not love the world or anything worldly. For everything in the world...comes not from the father but from the world. 1Jn2:15 The ways of the world are not worthy of us. Heb11:38 Do not conform any longer to the patterns of the world Romans12:2
- The wisdom of this world is foolishness.1cor3:19 God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1Cor1:27
- So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view, and that includes politicians. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Let us set our minds on things above, not on worldly things, for friendship with the world is hatred towards God. Anyone who chooses to become a friend of the world is an enemy of God.

To summarize: Be not afraid. Put away your sword. Stand ye still. You do not have to fight this battle. The lord will deliver you. Rest in Christ, the full armor of God.

That's it. But there is below a bonus section on “Turn the other cheek,” if you are interested:
1. Matthew 5:38-39 You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you not to resist an evildoer. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.
2. Proverbs 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
4. 1 Peter 3:8-10 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.
5. Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
6. Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
7. Luke 6:27 But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.
8. Luke 6:35  Instead, love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind even to ungrateful and evil people.
9, Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
10. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
11. Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
12. Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
13. 1 Corinthians 4:12  we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it.

Liberty Tree

Is there a point here?

rumitoid

If you can't find it then I guess not.

Liberty Tree

Not one, no different than any of your other posts.

crazylibertarian Loc: Florida by way of New York & Rhode Island

If you can't find a point in Jesus' sayings, then I pity you.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

! Corinthians 1:25

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

Ya...Christianity can seem absurd. It's the only faith I know of that says there's no way good works can get you into heaven.

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

You could have boiled this all down into a few words. What you are saying is that Jesus was an absurd and utterly foolish man.

You have the right to practice whatever religion you choose, or not. If you think Christianity is such a horrible religion, take a look at Islam. Quote some of those juicy passages from the Qu'ran.

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

Rhumy, criticizing religion of any kind is absurd. What could a leftist know about believing in anything other than taking from others and altering the natural way of things.

Rhumy sees a pile of dog dodo. Peers down at it. Says looks like dog poop. Bends down. Says smells like dog poop. Licks it, says tastes like dog poop. Stands up and says glad I didn't step in it!.

Wolf counselor Loc: Heart of Texas

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Common_Sense_Matters

Wow, the hate and anti-Christian sentiment in the majority of the posters in this thread, most of which I am certain TRY to pretend they are Christians. If only they could see past their hatred, perhaps they may see the point of this thread.

The point of this thread (that you ALL missed) is not HIM making light of Christianity, it is YOUR hypocrisy in not practicing what Christianity preaches even as you call yourselves Christians.

Liberty Tree

When he starts doing it and goes by all Bible teaching then he can preach to others.

Common_Sense_Matters

Okay, then I am sure you have an example of his not living up to Christian teachings then? Also, it is not our place to judge another, that is for your deity to do, your job is to live up to your deity's teachings and leave the judging of others to your deity.

He was merely pointing out, for your own benefit, the teachings of the new testaments portion of your Bible, so that you may have a closer walk with your lord. And lest we forget, it will make for a happier existence for you if you kick hate out of your "heart". Hatred poisons one, makes them unhappy. That might explain why your lot always seems so angry.

Wolf counselor Loc: Heart of Texas

A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Common_Sense_Matters

And a perfect example of proper "Christian" behavior we see here. Not only does it tie into the original poster's point, it also shows WC's preferred way to deal with anyone with a different point of view. I sure hope you don't try to convince others that you are a Christian, you sure don't act like one, based on your "threat". It isn't very "Christian".