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| Christianity -- Categorical or Cataclysmic? |
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1:14 Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 1:15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe in the gospel.
Most Christianity I have observed, both contemporary and historical, seems to be categorical. It fits nicely under the category of "religion" -- just like on the TV game show, "Jeopardy". Categorical Christianity is only one of the many aspects of a person's life -- a religious appendage tagged on to all their other activities, interests, desires, and responsibilities.
Categorical Christianity seems to have an "on/off" switch -- it is turned "on" for the church service and turned "off" for daily life. The category is flipped "on" for the table blessing and "off" for the dinning experience. It is turned "on" for the religious discussion and "off" for the ball game. It is "on" when the meeting is started with prayer, but "off" during the rest of the meeting when people act like God is a million miles away. And have you noticed? Even the most committed Christians seem to have the category turned "off" more than they have it turned "on"?
What would happen if someone kept their heart-felt Christianity switch "on" all the time? Why, that would be cataclysmic! God would be a welcome and active part of every conversation, every activity, every thought, every moment -- a constant companion! All the other activities, interests, desires, and responsibilities in a person's life would have to get in line behind their heart-felt love for and obedience to God. Cataclysmic!
Jesus said: "Deny yourself, take up your cross (your execution) and follow Me." That is a cataclysm! Jesus said "The kingdom of God is at hand," and He taught us to pray "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Christianity is the ultimate cataclysm -- the living God establishing His rule in human hearts and lives!
New Testament Christianity is cataclysmic. Read the book of Acts (the Biblical history of the early church) and observe the cataclysmic events and lifestyle of Jesus early followers.
Don't settle for a catechism -- "a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers". Surrender to the living God and His cataclysm for your life!  |
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LorenDP |
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February 26, 2008 at 2:01pm |
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I want that kind of cataclysm for my life. I really do.
Great, wonderful thoughts Steve....something I want to meditate on when I get home. |
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| Thank you, LorenDP. We all need God's cataclysm! |
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| Glad you were blessed by the post, apodemeo. |
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| I want to have my switch turned to "on" all the time! |
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MaKelly |
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February 26, 2008 at 2:27pm |
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| I AGREE I SAY SURRENDER All, and I know I'm far from perfect but I striving to reach that goal and, I must die daily so the Jesus in me shine and nothing of me show not just on Sunday everyday |
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| Yep, I just repented this Sunday at the alter....now I am working towards what I call a "God-conscience"--a constant awareness of His presence with me so I speak to Him throughout the day like I did when I was first saved. |
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| MaKelly: Amen to that: "not just on Sunday, but everyday!" |
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| Jeremiah: Even better, let's take the on/off switch completely off of God and throw that thing away. |
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Whew! That's what we need, Lara, "a constant awareness of His presence." Amen!!! |
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| Let's see, apodemeo. That has got to be "you" -- Christ in you the hope of glory -- the great mystery of godliness. |
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Grant |
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February 26, 2008 at 3:11pm |
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| Whaaaaat! Living for God 24x7? Are you trying to turn the world upside down? Surely God is toothless, powerless, didn't mean what he said, only does what we pray for when we "invoke" him like a powerless spirit. Do you mean you actually believe in an almighty, omnipresent, universe-running God? Wow! Now there's a unique idea! :) |
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| King of cheese? What a name. Is there a story behind it? Say, cheese, thanks for reading my blog! |
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| Well put, Grant. He's an all time God, yes He is! A 24/7 God, yes He is! |
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| Thank you for that encouraging word, Doyle. |
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Hey Steve,
When is your book comming out???
you write good stuff.
]
bandmaster garry |
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| Thank you bandmaster garry. I have self-published two books and I am still waiting for a major publisher to sign me up. Do you know anyone with a publishing company? |
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Steve
You asked " What would happen if someone kept their heart-felt chrisitanity switch on ?"
The answer would be is that the Holy Spirit would be the teacher . Then we will be able to hear God's voice when he calls and not turn a deaf ear. He's already told us in His Holy Word that my sheep know my voice. If we just settle down and listen. Sit quietly an listen. You will be
amazed at what you here. SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH |
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| Sorry forgot spell check (hear) LOL |
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blessedmary: It is just like the Bible says: "Be still and know that I am God." |
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| I also frequently forget to spell check. Wonder why that is? |
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It's because we are excited about God and we want everyone to know that He lives in us and
we want to spread His word to others throughout this universe. Amen
Be Blessed |
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Gene |
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February 27, 2008 at 10:42am |
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wow! All these "cats!"
category
catechism
cataclysm
catastrophic!
Thanks for mentioning all this, Steve. We should always just "be" who we are - Christians; and all that entails. |
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Gene: Maybe we should catalogue the cats. |
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| Now you're preaching, JessIAm! The gospel is indeed a cataclysm by that definition. It changes cool cats into mighty men and women of God! |
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Gene, I love cats! Steve, great blog. So how can we get Christians around us to live for Christ 24x7? Oh wait, I'm not supposed to worry about them, just myself! .....you know, I have been fighting with all my strength for the last couple years at least to bring Christ into ALL areas of my life. I don't know what to do when I am with someone else and they don't care to discuss Christ and his glorious kingdom. I would be happy to discuss Christ non-stop on the other hand. What do you say we get together over a cup of coffee and discuss our strategy? Your place or mine? I'm serious! Wish we could do it! |
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| That's it Mike. 24/7 Christianity is more caught than taught. If we live it, they will come! |
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Kathy |
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March 09, 2008 at 2:23pm |
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| Steve, is is excellent! So much important truth here. We are told that many who call him Lord, will find that He doesn't know them. I think this warning is related to your message here. |
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| Thanks for the encouragement, Kathy! |
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