9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

This verse brings up a point I’ve been making a lot lately when discussing Christianity with others.  Mainly that to be a good Christian, many believe they need to have lots of problems and be weak.  This somehow makes people feel that they have something for God to fix, and that by having problems, they are being tested.  Imagine the power you have over people if you are able to convince them they must be weak.

As I tweeted earlier this week… if you want to find people with lots of problems, look no further than your local church.

^{9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.}

See… when you don’t see the Lord’s promises fulfilled in your life before you die… it’s because the Lord is slow to fulfill his promises.  It’s not because he doesn’t exist, or doesn’t care… he’s just slow.  He’s being patient towards you.

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

So… make sure you go do good, so you can reap… but wait… I thought the prize wasn’t based on good works.

Oh, and definitely make sure you’re ESPECIALLY doing good works for those in a household that believes… nothing like preaching to the choir.  But… I guess that’s what must be done.  It will get you more when you go to heaven.

This all would have been a great way to get those who don’t believe… to join the cause.  Great way to build up the church.  Help them if they believe.  I’m sure many who needed help ‘joined the cause’ just to get help for them and their family.  Then those who are helping feel even better because they’ve ‘converted’ and they are now helping fellow ‘believers’.

But… the bible isn’t a political tool…. no…. it couldn’t be. </scarcasm>

36 “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Well, I can think of more than few Christians who have apparently forgotten this verse.  Too bad for them, I guess.

“3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

I think a lot of Christians should read this verse over and over and over.  I don’t know very many who act this way.  Instead, they are better than those who don’t believe.  They are a better Christian than so-and-so because they do more.  Their sect is the REAL Christian sect because of such and such thing that they believe or do.

Yep… think a lot of Christians out there would be surprised to read this.

“29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”

Really nice idea, but if the above were true, I doubt we’d have world hunger.  How many people call out to God to be fed and clothed and taken care of and get no answer?  I’d estimate millions.  What a crock of crap.  I guess the Father knows many people need these tings, but doesn’t do a damn thing about it.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, [1] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We must be perfect, but we know this is not attainable.  I’m confused again.

John 8:32

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

So, Jesus is the same, forever.  Which, since he is God, would mean God is the same forever.  Which means, since he wrote the Bible (using men, of course, because you know, God can’t physically write something himself… that would be unbelievable), the Bible is never changing.  Most christian churches believe that the Bible is the perfect, unfailing, word of God.  Not the words of men.  So… if the Bible is unchanging, and the same FOREVER…  then I’d like to understand why the Christian Church is so quick to say that certain parts represent the time when it was written and don’t apply in the same way today.

Things like women not having rights (well, except the right to cook, clean and have babies).  Things like women are not allowed to be leaders in the church.  Things like slavery being okay (well, you know, as long as you give them the sabbath off).

When I have asked Christians, both leaders and non-leaders, about these issues, and others, I get the run around.  Something that sounds nice, but in reality… just isn’t true.  If they believe the Bible is wonderful and good and 100% true and correct… then they need to explain these pieces better than they do.  For, it was either written by men and is not perfect, or it is perfect and the church is just deciding to gloss over the aspects that don’t fit in with today’s culture.  Can’t have it both ways.

So, which is it?

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

This verse has a very nice sentiment.  It also, in my experience, is completely ignored most of the time.  What usually happens when a person is caught doing something wrong is the following:

1. Everyone in the church talks about that person behind their back (also known as a prayer chain)
2. They give this person the ‘knowing’ look with a little bit of pity thrown in
3. This person, many times, is so completely ostracized that they end up leaving the church altogether
4. Everyone then talks about how this person has left God, is angry at God and really needs God… so we should all pray for that person (which is really just another way to continue the gossip chain)

Amen!

Oh, and on another note… Happy Father’s Day to all of you father’s out there!