Fashionable Jesus

"If I'd abandon all that seeks to make my faith informed and chic, could You, would You, show Yourself to me?"
~ Nichole Nordeman~

The religious world is awash in politically current trends these days: Eco-Christianity, Pro-Choice Christianity, churches ordaining & celebrating homosexuality, I could go on for quite a while. But I won't. I was talking to my Language Arts class a couple of weeks ago about Humanism which has been seeping into the Church for ages, but has really picked up popularity since the Renaissance. So called Christian Humanism of the time (and even now) says "I accept the teachings of Jesus as being good rules to live by yet I don't believe in miracles, prophesy or any supernatural manifestations of a higher power."  This thought pervades many denominations today and creeps into our own theology in ways that can sometimes not be easily detected.

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

How often have we "oooh'd" and "aaaah'd" over the most recent Christian best-seller or "hot" sermon? Are books & sermons bad in and of themselves? Not always but we can tend to be so drawn to the coolest and hippest whatever that we lose sight of what we are to measure everything against: the Word of God. The Bible, ancient as it is, can sometimes loom as dusty & not relevant to this modern age. However, it is the plumb  line that we are to use in deciding what it truth and what is deception. To those who try to pick & choose which parts of the Bible they believe are God-inspired and which aren't, I always reply that if God can create the universe He is surely capable of keeping His instruction book to humans intact, all of it!

God wants us to have a faith that will go against the grain of popular culture, if popular culture is against the Word of God. As Paul, about to be killed for his faith, told Timothy: "Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord." Nichole Nordeman's words at the top of this entry are so relevant to all of us. I don't want to have a faith that is politically correct and modern. Instead, I want a faith that is Biblically correct and wrapped around the Ancient of Days. Then, and only then, will I really see God.

Comments

[Miriam Pauline]

The Bible as the plumb line: the essence of what God has been teaching me in one succinct sentence. Thank you!

[eph2810]

I love what you said: "God wants us to have a faith that will go against the grain of popular culture, if popular culture is against the Word of God."
Sometimes we 'pick and choose' of what we want to hear. But we have to take the entire Bible as His Word--even if we don't like what we read or what He reveals to us. We have to accept His Word in its entirety.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this week's quote.

Blessings on your day and always...

[Blessed Beyond Measure]

You said this: "I don't want to have a faith that is politically correct and modern. Instead, I want a faith that is Biblically correct and wrapped around the Ancient of Days. Then, and only then, will I really see God." Great stuff. I've had this quote in my head for days, and what I'm thinking about it is pretty much right there with you. I believe the Pharisees were 'politically correct'!

[Cyndi]

This was very, very powerful. Churches (and stadiums) are filled weekly by those whose ears are itching, but whose hearts so desperately need the Truth. May we all grow more discerning as the day of His return approaches. I loved this post!

[Christine]

Great post! I agree that so many in the church today are looking for a faith that "makes sense" in the cultural context of our world. We just need to go back to basics- knowing God through His Word.

Thanks for participating today!

[Laurel Wreath]

The bible is God's living word that never grows old. Beautiful take on this weeks quote.

Blessings.

[Denise]

Awesome post, really enjoyed it.

[Heidi]

You're right, Christianity isn't supposed to be a trend.

[Crystal]

Ah, this post is so good. Reading it was like taking a deep breath from the fresh air of truth!

Thanks so much for sharing and not being afraid to go against the ever popular modern societal grain.

[Jennifer]

Excellent post!

"God wants us to have a faith that will go against the grain of popular culture, if popular culture is against the Word of God."

Thank you so much for saying that. My church is trying to move to emmulate one of the very successful mega-churches. One of the tenants is that they gave up Sunday Schools & Bible studies and have started having lifegroups in people's homes. We watch videos to talk about "Christian living" I noticed that we never once opened our Bibles. My husband and I have decided to stop attending our "life group" in order to use that time to more effectively spend time with God. It was difficult to go against the popular mindset of our church but I think it was the right one.

Blessings to you-

[Bonnie W]

Lori,
AMEN!
GBY,
Bonnie