Is Christendom spiritually famished ?

[Neuropteron]

If you are a serious student of God's word, do you at times feel like Lot ?
. . .for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds".(2 Peter 2:8)

Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?

A cleric of Manhattan' Madison Av Church said: "the world is faced with a religious vacuum on a scale never seen before".

God tells us why this could be the case: " My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and have hewed out for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jer 2:13)

According to Jeremiah then, it's because Christendom's religions have strayed from God's Word. They have hewed out for themselves man made cisterns, cisterns that can hold no real spiritual refreshment.

This was admitted by a preacher in Pittsburgh (Earl L.Douglas). He asks "Why have we so often failed in our efforts as ministers?
His answer:"They come seeking for the bread of life, and we frequently offer them philosohy, sociology, psychology, politics and a review of current events.

Are these the broken cistern God was referring to in Jeremiah 2 ?

 

[Regiomontanus]

"Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?"

There is no doubt a disconnect between what the faith (even very liberal, unorthodox versions) should result in and what we see "on the street."

Sorry to drag politics into it, but look at how strong the support is for Trump among self-described evangelical Christians! It blows my mind

I think your suggested answer is a good one.

Peace

 

[Earthling]

To answer your question, I think they are.

Now can I ask you a question? Are there any parts of the Bible which you have doubts about? For me Job has always been problematic. It reads like mythology. The parts about Samson and Delilah do as well. Any Bible students have any thoughts about that?

 

[74x12]

If you are a serious student of God's word, do you at times feel like Lot ?
. . .for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds".(2 Peter 2:8)

Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?

A cleric of Manhattan' Madison Av Church said: "the world is faced with a religious vacuum on a scale never seen before".

God tells us why this could be the case: " My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and have hewed out for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jer 2:13)

According to Jeremiah then, it's because Christendom's religions have strayed from God's Word. They have hewed out for themselves man made cisterns, cisterns that can hold no real spiritual refreshment.

This was admitted by a preacher in Pittsburgh (Earl L.Douglas). He asks "Why have we so often failed in our efforts as ministers?
His answer:"They come seeking for the bread of life, and we frequently offer them philosohy, sociology, psychology, politics and a review of current events.

Are these the broken cistern God was referring to in Jeremiah 2 ?

Who teaches or preaches that the holy Spirit outpouring is needed? Who seeks for this gift from God?


Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets: She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Broken cisterns that hold no water. Who is seeking for the outpouring of the holy Spirit. True living water from God?

You search the scriptures because in them you think you have eternal life but they speak of Me(This is Jesus, but it's the Spirit of Jesus also. The holy Spirit).

Just like in the time of Jesus people search the scriptures but they don't see the most important thing. Back then; they did not see Jesus. Now, they do not see the baptism of the holy Spirit.

And many Christians do not believe they need it anymore. It's for today as it was for yesterday and it's for tomorrow also. Even for as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 

[The Anointed]

If you are a serious student of God's word, do you at times feel like Lot ?
. . .for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds".(2 Peter 2:8)

Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?

A cleric of Manhattan' Madison Av Church said: "the world is faced with a religious vacuum on a scale never seen before".

God tells us why this could be the case: " My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and have hewed out for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jer 2:13)

According to Jeremiah then, it's because Christendom's religions have strayed from God's Word. They have hewed out for themselves man made cisterns, cisterns that can hold no real spiritual refreshment.

This was admitted by a preacher in Pittsburgh (Earl L.Douglas). He asks "Why have we so often failed in our efforts as ministers?
His answer:"They come seeking for the bread of life, and we frequently offer them philosohy, sociology, psychology, politics and a review of current events.

Are these the broken cistern God was referring to in Jeremiah 2 ?

Neuropteron, wrote……. If you are a serious student of God's word, do you at times feel like Lot ?
. . .for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds".(2 Peter 2:8)​

The Anointed...… The Book of Jubilees 16: 7; "But Lot we saved; for God 8 remembered Abraham, and sent him out from the midst of the overthrow. And he and his daughters committed sin upon the earth, such as had not been on the earth since the days of Adam till his 9 time; for the man lay with his daughters. And, behold, it was commanded and engraven concerning all his seed, on the heavenly tablets, to remove them and root them out, and to execute judgment upon them like the judgment of Sodom, and to leave no seed of the man on earth on the day 10 of condemnation.

 

[shunyadragon]

If you are a serious student of God's word, do you at times feel like Lot ?
. . .for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds".(2 Peter 2:8)

Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?

A cleric of Manhattan' Madison Av Church said: "the world is faced with a religious vacuum on a scale never seen before".

God tells us why this could be the case: " My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and have hewed out for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jer 2:13)

According to Jeremiah then, it's because Christendom's religions have strayed from God's Word. They have hewed out for themselves man made cisterns, cisterns that can hold no real spiritual refreshment.

This was admitted by a preacher in Pittsburgh (Earl L.Douglas). He asks "Why have we so often failed in our efforts as ministers?
His answer:"They come seeking for the bread of life, and we frequently offer them philosohy, sociology, psychology, politics and a review of current events.

Are these the broken cistern God was referring to in Jeremiah 2 ?

I believe Christianity is burdened by the justification of ancient scripture and mythology to justify the doctrines and dogma of a belief system that is contradictory irrational and illogical when confronted with the contemporary world and the full scope of the history of humanity, and science.

 

[Regiomontanus]

I believe Christianity is burdened by the justification of ancient scripture and mythology to justify the doctrines and dogma of a belief system that is contradictory irrational and illogical when confronted with the contemporary world and the full scope of the history of humanity, and science.

Hello. Orthodox Christianity, perhaps. IMHO, it is all in the interpretation of scripture.

Peace

 

[shunyadragon]

Hello. Orthodox Christianity, perhaps. IMHO, it is all in the interpretation of scripture.

Peace

I have difficulty with humans creatively interpreting and mixing and matching scripture to make things fit. Sort of driving square pegs in round holes. You end up with a lot of splinters on the floor..

 

[Windwalker]

To answer your question, I think they are.

Now can I ask you a question? Are there any parts of the Bible which you have doubts about? For me Job has always been problematic. It reads like mythology. The parts about Samson and Delilah do as well. Any Bible students have any thoughts about that?

Yes. When I was in Bible College and we read those sections, I agree. They read like mythology. They do for a reason.

But here's the real question to the OP. Why is it that you equate a lack of spiritual substance in Christianity, in other words an "authentic" Christianity, with a "return to God's word" or the "Bible"? Can't someone understand the Bible as the story of man's search for God written in mythologies, poetry, and inspired insights, and be deeply spiritually connected with God? Who, is making it about belief in the Bible being a particular way?

I would rather no Christian worshipped the Bible, none who believed the stories were scientific and historical facts, but in fact show the Love that are spoken about in the teachings of Jesus. Maybe, the problem is belief in the Bible? Maybe that's where Christians get hung up. They don't listen with their hearts... or they don't know how yet. That makes it hard to be an authentic Christian.

 

[Ellen Brown]

"Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?"

There is no doubt a disconnect between what the faith (even very liberal, unorthodox versions) should result in and what we see "on the street."

Sorry to drag politics into it, but look at how strong the support is for Trump among self-described evangelical Christians! It blows my mind

I think your suggested answer is a good one.

Peace

I'd been to Honduras twice, and Kenya once working, and the devout, fervent love for God blew me away. Then I returned to America, and my family and friends wanted me to forget all about it and go back to my entitled, hedonistic life. After 9/11 I experienced conservative, Evangelical Christians violating the very words of Jesus Christ. By 2003, I'd had enough and left Christianity; convinced that if Jesus Christ was real, people would not do that.

Admittedly, there was no viable Candidate to run against Trump, and with interference from abroad, he won. I too was astonished that he could work supporters up to a heated frenzy, almost frothing at the mouth. By 2012, I'd finally returned to Christianity, so was nonplussed about the campaign and outcome of the election. I worry that dire things will happen now.

 

[Ellen Brown]

Yes. When I was in Bible College and we read those sections, I agree. They read like mythology. They do for a reason.

But here's the real question to the OP. Why is it that you equate a lack of spiritual substance in Christianity, in other words an "authentic" Christianity, with a "return to God's word" or the "Bible"? Can't someone understand the Bible as the story of man's search for God written in mythologies, poetry, and inspired insights, and be deeply spiritually connected with God? Who, is making it about belief in the Bible being a particular way?

I would rather no Christian worshipped the Bible, none who believed the stories were scientific and historical facts, but in fact show the Love that are spoken about in the teachings of Jesus. Maybe, the problem is belief in the Bible? Maybe that's where Christians get hung up. They don't listen with their hearts... or they don't know how yet. That makes it hard to be an authentic Christian.

Sometimes, I wonder if the Bible is useless? In my opinion, I wonder if there are about a dozen scriptures that summarize the whole of God's will for us, and describe what will please him. Micah 6:8 is one. Then there are the words of Jesus Christ himself where he says to love God, and to love each other. Another is the one where the principle is laid out that if we take joy in God punishing someone, he will stop doing it. Yes, perhaps a condensed Biblical Brief that explains all that we need to know?

 

[TheBannerofHomuraAkemi]

If you are a serious student of God's word, do you at times feel like Lot ?
. . .for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds".(2 Peter 2:8)

Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?

A cleric of Manhattan' Madison Av Church said: "the world is faced with a religious vacuum on a scale never seen before".

God tells us why this could be the case: " My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and have hewed out for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jer 2:13)

According to Jeremiah then, it's because Christendom's religions have strayed from God's Word. They have hewed out for themselves man made cisterns, cisterns that can hold no real spiritual refreshment.

This was admitted by a preacher in Pittsburgh (Earl L.Douglas). He asks "Why have we so often failed in our efforts as ministers?
His answer:"They come seeking for the bread of life, and we frequently offer them philosohy, sociology, psychology, politics and a review of current events.

Are these the broken cistern God was referring to in Jeremiah 2 ?

Assuming that you live in America. A lot of 'Christians' in America only go to church because of tradition and not real faith. So why would they care if they could reach the actual word of God.

 

[Desert Snake]

If you are a serious student of God's word, do you at times feel like Lot ?
. . .for that righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds".(2 Peter 2:8)

Can the alarming crime rate and gross immorality among people who profess to be christian be a direct result of the spiritual ignorance of Christendom ?

A cleric of Manhattan' Madison Av Church said: "the world is faced with a religious vacuum on a scale never seen before".

God tells us why this could be the case: " My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and have hewed out for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Jer 2:13)

According to Jeremiah then, it's because Christendom's religions have strayed from God's Word. They have hewed out for themselves man made cisterns, cisterns that can hold no real spiritual refreshment.

This was admitted by a preacher in Pittsburgh (Earl L.Douglas). He asks "Why have we so often failed in our efforts as ministers?
His answer:"They come seeking for the bread of life, and we frequently offer them philosohy, sociology, psychology, politics and a review of current events.

Are these the broken cistern God was referring to in Jeremiah 2 ?

So the pretext to being a student, of Gods word, is being a christian?

 

[Ellen Brown]

So the pretext to being a student, of Gods word, is being a christian?

This is irksome. Do you think that Jesus says we are Gods? There are belief systems that teach that. I choose to be a daughter of God.

John 1:12 King James Version (KJV)
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

 

[Hockeycowboy]

Sometimes, I wonder if the Bible is useless? In my opinion, I wonder if there are about a dozen scriptures that summarize the whole of God's will for us, and describe what will please him. Micah 6:8 is one. Then there are the words of Jesus Christ himself where he says to love God, and to love each other. Another is the one where the principle is laid out that if we take joy in God punishing someone, he will stop doing it. Yes, perhaps a condensed Biblical Brief that explains all that we need to know?

Maybe this will help?

The Bible’s Message—An Overview — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Peace to you, my cousin.

 

[Deeje]

To answer your question, I think they are.

Now can I ask you a question? Are there any parts of the Bible which you have doubts about? For me Job has always been problematic. It reads like mythology. The parts about Samson and Delilah do as well. Any Bible students have any thoughts about that?

Can you tell us what is problematic for you about Job or Samson and Delilah?

 

[Deeje]

This is irksome. Do you think that Jesus says we are Gods? There are belief systems that teach that. I choose to be a daughter of God.

John 1:12 King James Version (KJV)
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

You might like this one.....?

2 Corinthians 6:14-18...
"Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” 18 “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

I see that as the clear statement that Paul intended it to be.....if we want to be "sons and daughters" of God, then we must keep our worship free from the contamination of false religious teachings and traditions.

Love God enough to reject the doctrines that dishonor him, and treat your fellow man as you would like him to treat you.

Solomon wrote...."The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

How do we need to "fear" God? The same way that we fear our parents when we are young....it is loving them so much that you fear to make them unhappy.

 

[Earthling]

Can you tell us what is problematic for you about Job or Samson and Delilah?

Just simply what I said. When I read any other part of the Bible, even parables that Jesus gave like the prodigal son and Lazarus and the rich man, they seem to me to be within the realm of reality. Even though those parables aren't based on real people and actual events they are within the realm of possibility. I have no problem with accepting the supernatural, but when I read Job and I read about Samson, fighting a lion and pulling down that building and setting fox's tails on fire . . . it reads to me like a Rudyard Kipling story rather than the more realistic parts of the Bible.

I understand that later Bible writers referred to Job, seemingly as a real person and his story as real events, but it just doesn't read like that to me. I can't help it, when I read it this is the way I honestly feel. I understand that I could be wrong, but that is, nevertheless, the way I see it.

 

[Earthling]

Yes. When I was in Bible College and we read those sections, I agree. They read like mythology. They do for a reason.

But here's the real question to the OP. Why is it that you equate a lack of spiritual substance in Christianity, in other words an "authentic" Christianity, with a "return to God's word" or the "Bible"? Can't someone understand the Bible as the story of man's search for God written in mythologies, poetry, and inspired insights, and be deeply spiritually connected with God? Who, is making it about belief in the Bible being a particular way?

I would rather no Christian worshipped the Bible, none who believed the stories were scientific and historical facts, but in fact show the Love that are spoken about in the teachings of Jesus. Maybe, the problem is belief in the Bible? Maybe that's where Christians get hung up. They don't listen with their hearts... or they don't know how yet. That makes it hard to be an authentic Christian.

What I think is that people believe what they want to believe. They can state a belief in the Bible without ever having studied it, and dismissing parts of it that were meant to be taken literally as not being literal, for the sake of modern day science, for example, or for the traditions of men - Greek philosophy and apostate teachings such as the immortal soul, hell, trinity, cross, rapture, Christmas, Easter.

 

[Agent]

Amos.8
[11] Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
[12] And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.