"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2Timothy 4:1-5)
I'm going to start this by saying that I respect Oprah on many levels. She is one of the few liberals who actually does a lot to give back. She backs up what she believes in by using what she has worked hard for to give back to those who are less fortunate. However, I have to disagree with this. My wife found out about her 'church' and brought it to my attention.
It is no church at all really, but teachings of YOU being God. I really try to tell myself that the times we are living in aren't the literal last days. I know that in God's mind it has been the last days since Jesus was on the earth. But it almost seems like the end will be soon. I know it could be in 10,000 years, but it could be tomorrow. Times are getting scary. America is the last best hope for the world, but it is crumbling internally. Our 'culture' is trying to destroy God. If we make ourselves out to be God, there will be no moral law left. If we are God, who is to stop us from doing whatever we want?
The concept is ridiculous really. If we are God, then how did the universe come to be? Is the universe and all of its perfection the result of an accident? The number of accidents necessary for life to exist on earth are just unimaginable. It has been compared to shooting an arrow at a target on the other side of the universe, and hitting the target...blindfolded. It's quite simply not possible without God. If there is no God, then what was happening before the Big Bang? Was all matter in the entire universe being contained in a tiny speck the size of an atom with nothing to hold it together? Then for some reason it is released and it forms a system that has order and physical laws that can't be broken? (except by the Writer of the laws) If you examine the world around you and the universe, the only logical conclusion is that it was created by God. A God who loves every person, even those who don't love Him. In fact, it is preposterous to believe that it happened by accident.
Oprah comments in the video that she didn't like her preacher when she was 27 or 28 saying that God is a jealous God. Well, yes Oprah, God is a jealous God, but you need to understand the context of when God says this, and what He is referring to. He is not jealous of YOU. He is jealous of other gods. All of the scriptures that refer to God being a jealous God refer to Him being jealous of idols and other gods, not men. (or women) Look how much God loves you. He created everything in the Universe, and the things in this world that are special to you so that you would see how much He loves you. When you worship other gods, He becomes jealous of that. He wants your love in return, and He deserves it.
42 comments:
Wow! Taken on the big O, very guttsy.
I like Oprah as well. Shame she follows a false path and that she's so liberal in her politics. Still, it's hard not to like her. I think alot a that is her personality and the fact that (like you said) she gives alot back.
As far as the end of times goes, who knows. Heck, they were expectn it 2000 yrs ago and nada. Don't believe it can happen until the Temple is rebuilt in Israel anyhow.
Hope your phones and comput don't get tapped now. Man, takin on the big O, you're crazy brave.
Just watched the Oprah YouTube thing you listed. You know, it made me feel sad. For someone who is so intellegent and could be such a great ambassador for Christ, she simply doesn't understand at all. The ol "many paths to God" belief is quite suprising to me; coming from someone who (supposedly) followed Jesus at one time. Oprah's lack of the basic understanding of what Christianity is is quite eye opening. Makes me wonder if she has ever really read the Bible? Maybe she should include it in her book club :)
All other religions (new age or whatever) teach the same thing, that your actions save you. Only Christianity states the Truth, that Jesus saves. What stood out to me the most was when she said that salvation isn'r belief, it's a feeling. Totally backwards.
Bible in the book club...very funny.
I think what lies at the core of this is the definition of Christianity. I think most people think they can still consider themselves Christians, but not follow the literal translation of the Bible, and find their own path to God. I know you guys disagree w/ that. I'd be interested to know how many "true" Christians there are in this country.
Obviously I don't have an issue with this. Most people try to find whatever is the best fit for them to help them get thru this thing called life. (I realize that's different than what you believe, I just don't find it wrong, necessarily.)
I think people (like Oprah) have a difficult time calling people's belief systems "wrong", when most people agree that it's a belief system, having much to do with faith. There's a lot of non-Christians in the world claiming their way is the only way, and they believe their beliefs to be fact, as well. I think the problems come when we start telling people they've got it all wrong. No one likes to hear that, it pisses people off, and hostility ensues. That's why I think we should just let people believe what they need to. I don't think our society will crumble, as most people probably aren't "true" Christians now anyway.
Of course I'm not saying anything you haven't heard.
"Where are we going? And what am I doing in this basket??" ;)
I would agree w/ you if the issue were just "gettin through this life". The problem is that Oprah is not just sayn that my belief system is wrong, she's sayn that my understanding of my belief system is wrong. Christ makes it perfectly that He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" and that no one "comes to the Father except through Him" (John14:6).
If she thinks Christianity is false, so be it. But to say that true followers of Jesus (according to the Gospels) have it wrong is really sayn that "black is white and up is down" (Nod to stan). the Bible is very clear on what salvation intells.
Oh see I think you and I read that totally differently. I didn't hear her saying anything is wrong with your belief, per se. Just that there are other ways of getting what we need as far as faith goes.
Well, she mis-characterized (probably through lack of knowledge)the whole God is jealous thing. But, since she speaks to millions of people, I think it's fair to answer her mis-representation.
Yeah, that was dumb. I wonder if after she heard that, she didn't look further into it. I mean, she had to of. She's Oprah, for goodness sake. Strange.
Hey. Did you have an ok weekend?
Was workin in Kerrville all weekend. Thanks for askin. Back to Austin manana.
What about you, still sore?
Nope! Good as gold. Goin to the zoo on Tuesday w/ the kindergardeners. I'm gonna try reaaaly hard not to taunt the animals. Those monkeys, tho...ooooh, they're askin for it.
I gotta go. Safe travels tomorrow, J.W.
That should be fun. Ever watch Chimp Eden?
You know what I hate about the zoo. The bears, pacin back and forth. It's like a scene outta Papillon.
Jinx. Never saw Papillon or Chimp Eden. Fill me in on the bears so I'll be ready for it. :)
Really not supposed to talk till you say my name 10 times.
Escape To Chimp Eden is a show about a guy who rescues chimps (from really bad conditions) on Animal Planet. In Papillon, Steve McQueen does alot a pacin in a cell. A must watch movie. Dustin Hoffman plays a great role as well.
That's it for me, must sleep. Good luck manana.
Hey Nest, was lookin back at your last couple a posts, well written. Was thinkin that whatever you decide to do (in the near future) that the writin thing is something you should definately pursue.
I'm just sayn...
Ha! Listening to Beck talk about Obama's hope and change. Chope. :)
He is good. He whips em out pretty quickly too which is note worthy.
I'm struggling with this today.
Reck says,
"All other religions (new age or whatever) teach the same thing, that your actions save you. Only Christianity states the Truth, that Jesus saves."
At Wailer's Blog, we were talking about putting the 10 Commandments up at schools, and R implied that Christianity is the dominant religion in this country and that we're a Christian nation. The thing is, from what I can tell, when a census is taken about religious beliefs in this country, Christianity is this huge umbrella term that would include the likes of Oprah. Not to mention other folks who consider themselves Christians who think they can get salvation through works, or don't believe in moral absolutes, etc.
So I'm feeling like you guys aren't defining Christianity the same way our country in general defines it. And if your definition is generally narrower, than I wonder if the majority of the U.S. is Christian. I hope that made sense. Thoughts?
I'm now ripping myself away from the internet and I'm going to make myself useful. (Costco)
Linda,
I certainly wouldn't categorize most of the nation as being Christians as far as the bible is concerned. The American 'definition' of being a christian is different than what the bible defines it as. The American definition is more like, believing that Jesus was the Son of God. That makes you a christian by the American definition, and is really how you get this stat of 80% of Americans are Christians. But by the bible definition, that number is much lower. James speaks about this type of thinking, that belief alone makes you a Christian.
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." (James 2:19)
A Christian is defined by the bible as someone who is a disciple of Jesus. Someone who follows Jesus' teachings. Is a Christian perfect, no. But a Christian makes every effort to live up to Jesus' teachings.
I would say that America was founded on Judeo Christian principles. The founding fathers looked at the world throught the scope of Christianity. That doesn't mean that they were all Christians by the Bible definition. Ben Franklin comes to mind. But, they used the principles and ideas set forth in the bible to guide their founding of this nation.
I think today, that is getting muddied. What Oprah believes isn't close to Christianity. Even the loosest definitions of Christianity require belief in Jesus. Oprah says it doesn't matter what you believe because YOU"RE GOD. That's dangerous thinking for a generation that already thinks that the world revolves around them.
It's Polytheism really. Most people going into this belief system are already worshiping something else other than God, and now they are worshiping themselves on top of it. The me, me, me attitude is going to destroy this country if it isn't changed. Hmmm, I'm feeling a new post formulating.
Thanks for your answer, it was what I was thinking, too.
Hope this doesn't come out bad, but I can't find better words so bear with me. I guess I don't give faith (Christianity) as much credit as you do. I don't think our society will collapse because I don't think our society lives up to the doctrine anyway. And I think you can teach morals w/out teaching spirituality. I don't understand what's so bad about people finding their own way to be spiritual. If it still results in good people, than what's the fuss? (Obviously they won't have eternal life, but that's sorta THEIR problem, isn't it?)
The me me me attitude is generally always bad. But, I'd rather a person find their own way to be spiritually healthy minded than have a total rejection of religion or feel slighted by God. Like my friend who was raised Catholic, but now says "religion is sht". (I know, but she's my yin to you folks' yang.)
I could be way off. It's possible I underestimate it in regards to human behavior.
I think today was the first time I remembered to keep my Costco receipt out so I could show it to the guy at the door who highlights it.
But it was troublesome. He didn't put a smiley face on it like he often does. Do I have to have kids with me to get the smiley face? Cuz the kids don't need it. They're always happy. They live in childhood oblivionland. I'M the one worried about Obama winning in November, I'M the one struggling with religion, I'M the one befuddled about gas prices! Give ME the smiley face MR. COSTCO HIGHLIGHTING RECEIPT MAN!!!!
(how's that for some me, me, me action?)
Linda,
God destroys idolotrous nations. We have certainly become and idolotrous nation. We're not worshiping Ishtar, Apollo, Ashtoreth, Baal, etc, but we worship ourselves, money, celebrities. We will be dealt with as a nation unless our society changes. Now I know you don't believe that, but it is coming...unless our country changes. I'll get down to what may be the root cause of our nation's issues later.
As a side note. Mostly to Reck. Are you for moving Easter to the sunday after Passover? Let's start a movement!
Ah, well there is that that I hadn't considered. I was unaware that the idea is that we'll get punished in this life and not just in the afterlife.
Gotta rest up for the animal taunting tomorrow! Have a good night!
I like that idea Nest, sign me up.
I think this whole discussion about God's judgement on nations is valid. I wish that ours wasn't falling so far, so quickly (to the Enemy). And I agree that there are alot a those who don't understand what Christianity is. I was one.
Lin is right about the consiquences after this life; however, the benefits in this life are just as important (which Linsey touched on as well). Any hints of true righteousness (which are spread throughout other teachings) lead to better lives. But to really have a relationship w/ God means surrendering to the only One who bridges the gap between the Lord and man. There happiness becomes joy, understanding becomes wisdom and man becomes immortal.
Whatever. Prove there's a (supposed) God and maybe I'll consider your (and Oprah's and Barack's and McCain't and Clinton's) opinions on it for valitity.
But until you do, I just don't give a flying (f word inserted here.)
Good luck w/ all those critters today Lin. Don't feed any of em to the animals.
Stan,
Why you so mad?
Ha! I spared them. Everyone lived. Thought about you at the bears today. They were doing an excellent impression of Steve McQueen. I don't love our zoo. It's so spread out that you walk probably 3 miles and the payoff's not that great. There is a cool Arctic exhibit where you go in a tube under the water to watch the seals and such. Too much walking..my dogs are barkin. Toledo Zoo is better.
My oldest came home from school and told me it was Earth Day, so he had to kiss a tree. I quick struck my best tree pose and he shook his head and walked away! What? Where are you going? lol
Hmmmm...waiting up for some word from the night owls...
Nestor -
> Why you so mad?
Mu.
Dang, I missed Earth day; maybe next year. Glad you survived the zoo walk. Did they have any special theme for ED (Earth day, not the ED from commercials, tho that would be interestn as well)? I was gonna get yall something, but I'm savin up for Mars Day.
Actually, I celebrated Long A** Work Day today. Finished Kerrville, finishin Austin manana, and then back to (hopefully) a normal schedule.
I got stuck late at work as well. I guess today is Christmas for the Environazis. They were giving away those ugly green bags at HEB, but you had to buy 5 items. Well I had Dog Food and a soda, so I didn't get one. I considered turning it down if they offered me one...not because I don't care about the earth, just for GP.
Ah, the green bags. My wife brought one home the other day w/ their little "takin care a Texas..one trip ata time" logo. Like we could get all our groceries in that thing anyhow. Give my plastic, and dbl bag the 2 litre cokes.
So I'm draggin D to another Beck show. June 14 in Akron, OH. Luckily it's on a Sat. or we couldn't do it, it's about a 3 hr. drive according to mapquest. The bummer is I can tickets early bein an Insider, but they go on sale Monday and I'll be up north. So it'll be interesting to see how many people get tickets before me on Monday. Had an Excellent GB dream last night, btw.
So the closest his show is coming is OKC? Sorry Glenn, not gonna happen. You better hope I move to SC or something.
Reck,
Regarding the HEB green bags, I don't like those. They're ugly and small. Whole Foods has much nicer ones. My wife uses one when she remembers to bring it. But WFs' paper bags are good as well. I agree with you, HEB needs to just stick to the good ol' plastic bags, unless they get some better looking 'earth friendly' ones.
Speakin a earth friendly...
my youngest said to me a few minutes ago that her teacher told her today that is you use a charcoal grill it creates acid rain.
The indoctrination begins.
Can you prove it doesn't? kidding
Better fire up the propane Coleman portable come campin time! Those Boca burgers'll come out great! Don't try grillin the veggy hotdogs...heard they don't grill well.
Nestor engages in "holocaust denial" -
> ... Environazis. ...
Nestor, what you're doing is projection the supposed evil of environmentalists to the level of real evil of the holocaust by calling environmentalists nazis.
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