Monday, February 18, 2008

Top Ten Heresies in the American Church

1. Prejudice against the lower class
When Jesus says “blessed are you who are poor.”

2. Thinking salvation = comfort
When Jesus says, “Woe to you who are wealthy, for you have already received your comfort

3. That the only good leaders are seminary-educated leaders
When Jesus says, “The greatest among you shall be your slaves.”

4. Believing that the United States is or should be a Christian nation
When Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is near, repent and believe the gospel.”

5. Thinking that any political leader is a good Christian just because he uses evangelical language.
When Jesus says, “You shall know them by their fruits.”

6. Whole-hearted support of war
When Jesus’ command was to “love your enemies”

7. Supporting the unrestricted personal use of wealth
When Jesus’ command was to “sell your possessions and give to the poor.”

8. Believing that prayer is less effective than political or military action
When Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find.”

9. Accepting the current division of ethics in politics along liberal and conservative lines—adopting rather than questioning worldly morality
When Jesus said, “Call no man teacher, for your only Teacher will be the Messiah.”

10. That obeying Jesus is only for super-saints, like Mother Teresa, and that living like Jesus isn’t possible for any “normal” Christian.
When Jesus said, “Who is my mother or brother or sister? The one who hears the word of God and does it.”

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