Christians have anopen-minded alternative

Atheist turned agnostic asked:

“What’s the least I can believeand still be a Christian?”

I. The Article

Atheist becomes agnostic

There are things Christians don’t need to believe: a closed-minded faith. E.g.:

1. That good Christians don’t doubt, or

2. Can’t believe in evolution, or

3. Women preachers, or

4. Jews won’t make it to heaven

Too bad Paul didn’t knowRo.9:1-3; 10:1-3

‘There are things Christiansdo need to believe’

Jesus Life Teachings Example Death and resurrection

The Man, not the planHe taught: Jn.12:48

‘Many hunger for open-minded …faith, especially young people’

Glee: church is down on gays, women, and science…

“When you add to that the arrogant and judgmental attitudes found in many churches, it’s easy to see why people are repelled by religion”

Is Jesus guilty? Jn.6:60-66

Alternative to judgmental religion:

“Open-minded mainline and moderate faith” (his greatest passion in ministry)

Wants to attract people that Jesus rejects. Cf. Rich Young Ruler

Lord’s focus is truth, not “mainline”

His preaching: no politically incorrect doctrines need apply

Email: “…I wondered whether it was possible to find a church where my children would not hear hate and intolerance preached…A church that embraces grace instead of judgment”

False dilemma. Jn.1:14 = Mt.5:22

Consistency, a rare jewel

Condemns “us” for condemning sin Condemns us . . . but accepts ‘gays’ Builds church w. the uncommitted

Why bother?

Believe in Jesus & do what you like (EXCEPT believe Bible & preach truth)

Is this ‘hate speech’?

I. The Article

II. The AnswerWhat is the least we can believe?

Mt.5:19

Break: set aside; synonym: destroy, 17

Jesus treasures every letter/mark; how much more the combination of words that express God’s commands

18…one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19Whoever there-fore breaks one of the least of these command-ments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven…

Jesus addresses Jews under OT

One who broke “little” command under OT would bring same attitude to NT

Jesus warns against this disrespect; our Methodist friend defends it

Mt.5:19 does not discuss destiny

Maimonides

The sanhedrim had power, when it was convenient, for the time present, to make void an affirmative command, and to transgress a negative one, in order to return many to their religion; or to deliver many of the Israelites from stumbling at other things, they may do whatsoever the present time makes necessary: for so, adds he, the former wise men say, a man may profane one sabbath, in order to keep many Sabbaths

Mt.5:(18-19) 20

18, high esteem; 19, thereforetherefore; 20, forfor Exceed: not quantity but quality –

Attitude (hunger / thirst, 5:6) Willingness to suffer, 5:10 Second mile, 5:41 Motives (6:1-16)

Not: “What is the least I can believe”

Mt.23:23

Jews tithed tiny plants Jesus commended concern for little

things . . . scolded neglect of weightier Would our Methodist friend say this?

Mt.25

1. 25:25-26, least I can doleast I can do principle: v.27

2. 25:40, 45, illustrates Mt.5:19 Judgment scene: oneone . . . leastleast…

Judgment scenes dodo discuss destinydestiny

What is least I can do…is selfish and disastrous

Summary:

This is nota cafeteria

This is nothate speech

This is notMan w/o plan

I. The Article

II. The Answer: What is the least we can believe?

III. The ApplicationLittle Things Mean A Lot

God demands obediencein “little things”

Lv.10, fire is fire? Nu.19, cows are cows? 2 Sm.6, movement is movement? Ac.19, immersion is immersion?

Was Paul arrogant? …judgmental?Or loving and kind?

God demands faithfulnessin ‘little things’

Mt.6:33, seek firstfirst (cf. 5:19) Mt.16:24, deny selfdeny self 1 Co.15:58, aboundabound Tit.2:14; 3:…8, zealzeal Rv.2:…19, latter works exceed firstlatter works exceed first

Change man or plan?

Doctor fails boards Paramedic fails tests Firefighter/policeman fail tests Pro football coach: moderate approach Rescuers

Is salvation the lone exception?