Tag: Bible

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Please stop being an over-the-top Christian, it does not represent Jesus in a good light

As a Christ follower I am a bit up in arms over the display of harsh Christianity that took place outside of Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio, Friday night. As fans were waiting for the doors to open to see Iron Maiden, they were yelled at they were going to hell for seeing the band. That is not Christ-like at all.

Holy Bible on a wooden table under a dusk sun light.

It is not in the bible: There is not one book, verse or translation that says that listening to music of any kind will condemn a person to hell. That is simply not true. It is baring false witness however. Which simply does not represent Jesus well.

Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden during Iron Maiden in Concert at Long Beach Arena on August 25, 2003 at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California, United States. (Photo by Annamaria DiSanto/WireImage)

The fact is Iron Maiden has Christian themes in some songs: Is Iron Maiden a Christian band? No. Drummer Nicko McBrain is a 20 year Christ Follower. Songs like ‘Hallowed By Thy Name” and a few others point to God. Again the band is not a Christian band. When the album “The Number of the Beast” came out these same harsh Christians took aim. The album speaks of poor choices and how Satan can influence. Yet, “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” we hear a person who is in prison, on death row who winds up before God. A redemption moment for sure.

How are these harsh Christians showing and leading people to Jesus? This is THE question. Did Jesus and/or any of his disciples or any followers stand and yell at people they were going to hell? I read through the bible every year, I have never come across a book or verse where yelling took place. As a Christ follower we are called to be salt and light be the seasoning people want. Shine the light of Jesus that is in you so others are drawn to it. Yelling people are going to hell drives people away from Jesus which is the opposite of what we are called to do.

Christians need to be better. Starting with me, I would not ask anyone to do something I was not willing to. I am willing to be salt, I am willing to be light. Join me.

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This should be a time to seek God more

Embed from Getty Images “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

We are all at home more these days and I am perfectly fine with that. In fact I am really digging into my Bible more as well as a men’s small group. God is good.

I have had to train myself to get to the point where things that were one an idol have become much less important and God has become THE source that I crave. He is the only idol I truly chase. As I said it did not happen over night.

If this whole COVID-19 pandemic had happened before 2007, T.V., video games, movies would have eaten up much of my time. Now as I start my day with my beautiful wife we read God’s word together. It brings us unity in our marriage and our household.

There are many things that can take our eyes off of God, things that seem to increase as the weather gets nicer outside. One Bible verse really caught my attention.

It says: “The Lord looks down from heaven on all man kind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” Psalm 14:2. Wow! So God seated on His throne in Heaven looks down to see who is seeking Him?

That is exciting, humbling, nerve wrecking  and downright intimidating. I do not view God as a creeper, but the man is watching. He is looking for those who are actively seeking Him. I want to be counted into this group. It is better the a Super Bowl championship, World Series ring or Masters jacket.

When you seek God, He blesses. He fills you with what you need. He supplies everything. You become rooted to the rock. In theses days that have an uncertain feel to them. God is looking for people who are looking for Him.

To seek God, one must be or become consistent. Set a time everyday to read God’s word. Before you do say “Lord I’m looking for you, would you meet me today?” He will!! It does help to have someone who you can both be accountable to. If not, there are other ways. Set a time to start and even a timer to end.

Do whatever works for you. But do it!! Be consistent. God is.