Sophistry

At the time of the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD) the entire wealth of the then known world was controlled by 2000 individuals. The greatest mystery of my life, unimaginable, as I have experienced religions from one side of the world to the other. (the writer has made 8 around the world trips, every continent, passport stamped in 157 countries) Is the sophistry involved in religions... regardless to the religion... Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, etc. On roadways in Bhutan, High in the Himalayas, Buddhist crawled along roads, praying, attempting to worship, and satisfy their god. In Montreal, the great Catholic cathedral of Mary, hundreds of steps, pilgrims crawling up the steps praying. In Manhattan, just across from Rockefeller Center, the financial and entertainment center of the world, St. Patrick’s cathedral, people crawling down the main isle praying.

In Lakewood church, Houston, TX, a former basketball arena, seating 16,800 filled with people listening to Joel Osteen. What type sophistry, this man without ministerial credentials, mostly comedian, no Christian symbols of any kind in the place. Much liked, Protestant and Baptist churches across the world, hard to differentiate from civic halls, civic clubs.

Moses, who led the “stiffed-neck” rebellious children of Israel from slavery in Egypt toward the promised land, gave to them 613 commandments. He stressed to them the privilege of living with these commandments, what would happen if they did not, the essentials of obedience. The prophet Isiah, reduced this number of commandments down to six. (Isaiah 56) Jesus, reduced the commandments down to two (Mark 22:37)

Jesus, standing by the treasury, as the people gave their money, most gave from their abundance but a widow, received the Savior and the disciples attention, when she gave two mites, ALL THAT SHE HAD) (Luke 21:1-4) We live in a world of just going through the motions, even playing church, even, giving because we know we can get a tax exemption. Surely, a born again, holy spirit-filled, believer, should know that the One who has the very hairs of your head numbered, knows the intent of your heart. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. While it is true that we are saved by grace thorough faith plus nothing, our works and service show the extent of our new creation.

The two greatest responsibilities of a Christian, self denial and self evaluation. You do not build a big congregation preaching these. Most Christians do not understand worship (worthship), privilege, obeying. I get to live, serve, live the Christian life, because I want to. Jesus told us that if we love Him, we keep His commandments. (John 14:15)

Spiritual mediocrity is spiritual hypocrisy. In my long life of church activity , I have witnessed and endemic spirit of discontent, people who never gained from the church, what they wanted, if anything. It was a matter of just habit, socializing, never knowing or understanding total commitment. It takes total commitment, total submission to give life, arms, eyes for others on the battlefield. Few Christians know total devotion, perhaps martyrs or missionaries on the foreign mission field. We are very content to just play the game, many times, actually believing that no foundation is necessary, a foundation of repentance, study, giving in every way. As one black woman said to me, “I am very active in my church, people consider me a very good Christian, because I enjoy the people, there is nothing better for me to do, and there may be something to it.” Most of my relatives, friends, pew warmers I know, have this identical attitude.

Circumstances are always changing. We live on both sides of our circumstances, what has already happened and what will happen. Self does not matter, it is all about God. We must find contentment within this crucible. Discontentment is the very opposite of what Christ brought to the world.

There should be a THERAPY of thanksgiving during this season. Woe unto the man or woman without the connection, the protection, the direction of the reason for this holiday. My mother was always up early every morning, making biscuits for her family in the large wood burning, “home comfort” cook stove. Her biscuits were well known throughout the community and family. She said, “hundreds of times perfectly baked biscuits but, one time burned biscuits.” My father talked about it for several days. Most have many more blessings than problems.