1 John 4: 1 NKJV
When it comes to news, I usually tend to screen more than a few different sources in order to get a balanced view of what's going on in the world. However, I found out some time ago that the spin doctors of cable news cared less about the news and more about a political parties agenda. Often times ignoring the truth, they spout the views they feel that we should adhere to. To them , there is but one view of things and it's their own. I also have come to realize that spin doctors don't always exist in the broadcast news business. No, there are plenty of these purveyors of opinion to be found in our houses of worship as well. I know what you're thinking, spin doctors in church? Well, I didn't want to see it for awhile either. However, after sitting through my share of sermons, I've come to the conclusion that those pulpit pounders were indeed simply sharing their views of the gospel. I get it. From a close friend I've gained a bit of knowledge as to the teachings of the modern seminary. Therefore, I'm not surprised by what is being preached from the pulpits today. Of course, were I the one in the pulpit I would share what I believe to be the truth of Christ Jesus as well. After all, Jesus is the beginning and the end of what the scriptures are all about. His story is told all through scripture, from the prophets who foretold of His birth to His apostles who tell us of His life. If we're seeking the truth of the gospels, it is Jesus where we must began and end {John 1:1}. This is where I would began. However, all too many pastors these days do not see things that way. These Christian spin doctors would much rather paint a gloomy picture of Christian life than tell of the freedom we will find in a relationship with Christ Jesus. They would much rather speak to the struggles we will go through in our lives as we try in vain to "be like" Jesus. What about God? Well, most church theology tells us that we are separated from Him due to our sin nature. This is, of course, the error continually preached by the spin doctors. The truth of the matter is that we don't need to strive to be like Jesus...we already are like Him {Galations 2:20}. It is God who breathed into each of us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}, thereby placing Himself in each of us. Each of us, whether we realze it or not, carries the very dna of our heavenly Father within us. He created us, so there should be no doubt that His fingerprints are everywhere in His creation.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 1: 1 - 5 NKJV
One of the obstacles to telling of the truth of Christ in us is that we are speaking against hundreds of years of church theology. All those spin doctors have convinced many a well intentioned believer that they were the only game in town. There is a reason that the apostle John warned us to "test the spirits" of those who would proclaim the gospel {1 John 4:1}. He even went so far as to proclaim that many false prophets had gone out into the world. I would agree. So, are we to test the words of even our trusted pastors? Absolutely! There have been many stories of wayward pastors who have misguided their flocks into a false belief. Can I promise that my message of Christ in me isn't a misguided theology? Test the spirits. At the end of the day, we will know in our own heart whether what we are hearing is of God or not. No spin doctor can deliver the freedom in our spirit which a relationship with Jesus can bring. There is something to be said about a freedom from the trappings of the traditional institutional church. Freedom to worship without worrying if you are forgiven. Freedom to be in the presence of Christ without fear that you're not good enough. The spin doctors will tell us that a life being LIKE Christ is a life filled with working to gain His approval. If we fail, as many often do, the guilt and shame we encounter can be enough to leave us with a negative view of God. What we need to remember is that not only has Jesus provided for our redemption at the cross, but a new life of freedom in Him as well. That's something you'll never hear the spin doctors tell us.
~Scott~
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