Faulty Statements

I think it is fun to listen to what people say. For example, there are those who say, "I don't believe there is a standard of right and wrong". If you ask them, "Do you think it is wrong for someone to impose their standard on you?" They will undoubtedly say, "Yes, that is wrong!" You've won the argument. That person obviously DOES believe there is a standard of right and wrong . . .they just don't want to do what is right!

Here are some statements you hear Christians say a good deal but if you think about them they are foolish.

1. The Statement: Family must come first (when it is given as a reason for not being involved in the church). The problem: if your family is first then you are an idolater. We are to put God first in all things. Second, if your family really was that important to you you would be concerned about their spiritual and eternal well-being you would be working diligently to teach their family to give God priority over all.
2. The Statement: the church is full of hypocrites. The problem: it is true that the church is filled with people who are not very consistent. But . . . isn't that the vere place we all need, since we are hypocrites too.
3. The statement: you don't have to go to church to be a Christian. Problem: God commands us to "forsake not the assembling together". We are told that we are to be a healthy and contributing member of the body of Christ. So, even though no one can earn salvation by going to church . . . a true follower of Christ will worship with the faithful. I suppose the statement should say, "you don't have to go to church to call yourself a Christian."
4. The statement: I don't want to impose my faith on my kids. I want them to decide for themselves. The Problem: the world has no trouble imposing their values on your kids through friends, television, movies, music, magazines, the Internet. If you really want your children to make an "informed decision" you had better get to work balancing the message they are getting from the world.
5. The statement: I preach with my life rather than my words. The problem: The Bible tells us that "faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God." We need to both proclaim AND demonstrate our faith.
6. The statement: God will forgive me. The Problem: God will forgive us if we will entrust ourselves to Christ and repent of our sin. We are told, "If we confess our sin (agree with God about the hateful nature of that sin) He will be faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". God hates the sin in our lives. If we hate that sin also and want to move in a new direction He will indeed forgive us. That's a grace we don't deserve.
7. The statement: I received Christ at an evangelistic meeting so I know I'm going to Heaven. The problem: This is a great statement if you actually became a follower of Christ at that meeting. Unfortunately, many people merely respond to a stimulus, have an emotional moment but don't really follow Jesus. If you are making this statement to excuse the lack of fruit in your life....it's possible that you are going to be one of those who say, "Lord, Lord" only to have the Lord say, "Depart from me for I have not known you."

If you have other statements send them to me at bruce@unionchurch.com