Narrowed Christianity

What narrows a belief system?

LEGALISM

The use of only one Bible translation.

This narrows and therefore limits.

Some say, "You should only use this translation (the one they use). The others are wrong."

This sounds similar to cult group members whose organizations write their own "bibles" that conform to their doctrines. 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 John 4:1-6

If we only use our favorite Bible version or versions, we can miss out on what other groups of scholars have found in their latest research.

We shouldn't be afraid to compare spiritual with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13

Peter acknowledged that some parts of Paul's writings were hard to understand. 2 Peter 3:16

To look at other Bible translations might give us fresh views and make the word become clearer for us.

However, we should make sure that these translations are from authentic and widely-accepted Christian sources, approved by scholars.

Then, we invite the Holy Spirit to teach us all things. John 14:26; 16:13

Let's be hungry and thirsty for the Lord's righteousness so that we're filled. Matthew 5:6

Here's another legalistic practice --

"There's only one way to interpret any Scripture."

This is usually the interpretation they hold onto.

But common sense and modern scholarship should inform us differently.

Why?

Scriptures can be clear and unclear.

Those who have studied the Bible for years understand this.

Whether or not we can bear to hear a truth at any given time John 16:12 depends on a few factors.

What's our level of spiritual growth?

Are we babies? 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

Or are we able to handle spiritual solid food? 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:14

Are we open to the possibility that the Lord Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever? Hebrews 13:8

Or have we been taught and accepted that Jesus only took care of our sin problem Hebrews 9:26 and nothing more in this life?

Another factor is that some read and even study the Bible INCORRECTLY.

How?

By NOT taking what ALL of the Bible and various Christian versions say about a supposed truth.

The whole counsel of the Lord is needed to find context and dig out what His wisdom and truth are. Acts 20:27; 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-16

Some may grab a Scripture or a passage and make it say something false.

"Look, it says it right here!"

Yes, but they may have skipped over the preceding verse or verses and those that follow so that they miss the INTENT of the Holy Spirit through these writers.

Have you read how the Holy Spirit is referred to in certain places?

This can let a disciple know that the Holy Spirit was involved in the Scriptures. 2 Peter 1:20-21

Consider these examples --

While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked,

"How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared:

'The Lord said to my Lord,

"Sit at My right hand

until I put Your enemies

under Your feet."'

David himself calls Him 'Lord.' So how can He be David’s son?"

And the large crowd listened to Him with delight. Mark 12:35-37

In the book of Hebrews, we can read,

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:

"Today, if you hear His voice,

do not harden your hearts,

as you did in the rebellion,

in the day of testing in the wilderness,

where your fathers tested and tried Me,

and for forty years saw My works." Hebrews 3:7-9

The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:

"This is the covenant I will make with them

after those days, declares the Lord.

I will put My laws in their hearts

and inscribe them on their minds." Hebrews 10:15-16

John wrote to Christian believers.

You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. 1 John 2:20

The anointing is the Holy Spirit John 14:15-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8 sent from the Father and Jesus, the Holy One. John 6:69; Acts 1:4-5; 2:33

Later, John shared more about this --

And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. 1 John 2:27

Let's NOT undervalue the importance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. John 16:13; Romans 8:13-14

BELIEVE and DO WHATEVER YOU WANT?

This would seem to expand, not narrow.

But think about it.

If all things are lawful as Paul wrote, every belief and activity is OKAY, so we're free.

True?

"Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12

"Everything is permissible," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. 1 Corinthians 10:23

Notice that Paul wrote in these sentences that NOT all things are beneficial or edifying, NOR would he allow any to get the mastery over him.

False beliefs, 1 Corinthians 15:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude v.4; Revelation 2:14-15, 20

sinful words, Romans 14:23; Ephesians 4:29; 5:4

and unholy actions 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:7-11; Colossians 3:5-9; Revelation 3:15-17

are NOT those that build people up into the maturity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:15

The Lord wants followers to obey Him. John 14:15; 1 Peter 1:14

And to be holy as He is holy. Romans 6:22; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 2 Peter 3:11

And to NOT twist Scriptures to our own destruction. 2 Peter 3:16

LOVE OF THE TRUTH?

Jesus prayed to the Father, "Sanctify them [set believers apart for the Lord's purposes, make them holy] by the truth; Your word is truth." John 17:17

Jesus labeled the Father's word to be truth.

He gave us the Father's word John 17:8 so we CAN know the truth.

First of all, then, I [Paul] urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, Who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

But in our modern world, some consider themselves to be Christians.

Some say that they're "reformed" or "progressive" Christians.

Have they been born again as Jesus said that people can and must be? John 3:3-8

How could someone know?

Do they have a changed and changing life? Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15

"Truly I tell you," Jesus said, "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

What fruit can we know them by? Matthew 7:15-20; Galatians 5:19-24

Do they testify of and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit does? John 15:26-27; 16:14

Are they inspired by the Holy Spirit to be a witness to Jesus? Acts 1:8

Some of these whom Paul might call "false brethren" Galatians 2:4 easily and without shame accept lifestyles that the New Testament calls sinful. Romans 1:32; 2:23-24

They think that this shows tolerance and love.

But we don't want to turn the Lord's grace, undeserved and unearned favor, into a license to sin, do we? Romans 6:1-2; Jude v.4

Are we enemies of our culture Galatians 4:16 if we tell people the truth about sin and sins, and salvation from them through the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ? 1 John 1:1-10; 2:1-6, 15-17, 22-23; 3:23-24; 4:14-15; 5:11-12

Paul wrote,

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Jesus said,

"The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil." John 7:7

If any of our beliefs and actions are what Jesus and biblical writers call evil, Mark 7:20-23; Romans 1:28-31; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-9; 1 Timothy 1:9-11; Revelation 2:14-15, 20; 3:15-17 then these would NARROW our relationship with Him.

We don't want to hear at any time in this life or the next, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!" Matthew 7:21-23

EXPANDED CHRISTIANITY

How could we expand our fellowship with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit? John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3

The New Testament has many positive ideas on this.

Here are some --

Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and overall, love.

Bear with others and forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Let the word of Christ richly live in you.

Teach and gently warn each other with full wisdom as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thanksgiving.

Whatever you say or do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, which is His authority, character, and power that you learn of from the Bible.

Give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.

Colossians 3:12-17

Do we want an expanded Christianity working in our lives? Philippians 2:12-13

Maybe we can pray and believe as Paul did --

I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, will have power, together with all the saints [Lord's people],

to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

Your thoughts?

R. Jason