Dumb Things Christians Say

Believing

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By Karen Polich

Dumb things Christians say… “It does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.”

Many believe in our pluralistic society, that all roads lead back to God. Our culture is okay with “recognizing” God in multiple forms.

Religious tolerance does not mean something is true anymore than sincerity can make something true. – Michael M. Cook

In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” God takes sin seriously. Good people without clear content in their faith misunderstand the human condition of sin. Atonement of sin is necessary. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 Christ brought the final atonement.

Truth cannot be sacrificed on the altar of tolerance. Some religions are false and we know them to be false. To deem all religions equally true is sheer nonsense for the simple reason that they radically contradict each other.  – Ravi Zacharias, Author

Content matters. What we believe matters. It shapes who we are and ultimately where we will spend eternity. Listen to Pastor Michael M. Cook’s sermon series, Dumb Things Christians Say here. In the Believing podcast, you will hear the clear distinctions between Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

Pastor Michael M. Cook boiled it down to one clear thing. Many belief systems focus on what a person has to “do” and who God is or isn’t. With Christianity, it is not about doing because it has already been “done” through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God is the one true God who set in motion this plan of redemption.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

 

 

 

Juggling and Managing

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By Karen Polich

Life can be overwhelming. I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. Psalm 38:8

“God will not give you more than you can handle.” WRONG! This is one of the dumb things Christians say. The danger of this cliché is it points people inward instead of God-ward. Continuing the Dumb Things Christians Say sermon series, Pastor Michael M. Cook walked us through dealing with overwhelming times in life. (Listen here.) 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 121:1-2

“God WILL put more on our plate than we can ever handle.” – Michael M. Cook

When things are going well, we are often satisfied with a small dabbling of Christ in our lives. In struggle, we may decide we want more of Him or question God when we should be calling out to Him. Where do you find yourself when life is on overload?

At times, we create situations that overwhelm us (example, Jonah), but at other times, the circumstances may be completely out of our control (example, Job).

What should we do to get through the overwhelming times in life?

  1. Never let the presence of a problem cause you to doubt the presence of God!
  2. Never let the power your problems cause you to doubt the power of God! 

As Pastor Michael M. Cook put it, “God will give you more than you can handle, but not more than He can handle.”

If you don’t find yourself in a place where you have learned to completely trust in God and you seek counsel or solace elsewhere, there is work to do. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Instead of trying to “be strong” we can discover God’s greatest power in our weakness. When there is no way out, He wants us to rely on Him alone. Are you giving Him all of your struggles?

“It’s not what happens to me that is so important, it’s what happens in me that makes all the difference.” – Michael M. Cook

 

 

 

Judging

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By Karen Polich

“I’m a Christian, so I shouldn’t judge.”

If we aren’t to judge, how can we make wise decisions or hold anyone accountable?

Don’t judge? Not so fast. It is not that simple. Jesus tells us to be careful. We need guidance and discernment that come only from Him.

Pastor Michael M. Cook’s sermon series Dumb Things Christians Say examines what Jesus says about this. Listen to the podcast here. Matthew 7: 1-6, 1 Corinthians 5:11-12

Three reasons judging other people is dangerous.
1. We often don’t know the full story.
2. We invite God’s judgement on ourselves.
3. We have a bad case of “plank-itis”. Matthew 7:3

According to scripture, what are we to judge?
1. Judge yourself first.
2. Make wise judgements about fellow believers
3. Make sound judgements concerning moral and cultural issues.

“One of the most courageous things you will ever do is to judge/confront another believer!” – Michael M. Cook

God’s way is the way of grace. We need to seek God’s wisdom when it comes to holding others accountable. We also must remain aware of our own “sight problems” when it comes to our issues. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we need to judge ourselves first. We should have solid people in our lives who will tell us the truth and will welcome the truth from us.

When it comes to our judgement of others, it must be led by the Holy Spirit in love, with prayer and God’s discernment and in His timing. It is never a comfortable thing to, however, when it is God inspired, it can have Kingdom impact.
“The goal of spiritual growth isn’t perfection, it’s becoming increasingly aware of weakness and then making constant corrections and adjustments.” – Henry Cloud

 

Forgive and Forget

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By Karen Polich

“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until there is someone in your life to forgive;” – C.S. Lewis

Life is full of hurts. Some we cause, some we are the victims of. We spend a lot of time saying “I’m sorry”, or wishing someone would say it to ease the pain they have caused.

Pastor Michael M. Cook’s sermon series, Dumb Things Christians Say, takes an honest look at why the concept “Forgive and Forget” is ridiculous and why forgiveness matters. Listen to the podcast here. (Matthew 18: 21-35)

Three truths about forgiveness:

  1. God specializes in unfair trades. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Psalm 103:10
  2. Forgiven people forgive people. Matthew 18:33, Colossians 3:13
  3. Forgiving does NOT mean forgetting.

Our God forgets nothing. He chooses to leave past sins buried.

It is hard to deal with pain, bitterness, abandonment, betrayal and every other kind of hurt. Beyond dealing with the wounds, we are called to forgive. Easy right? NO! Forgiveness can be a real challenge          .

“Our relational success is dependent on our ability to give and receive forgiveness.” – Michael M. Cook

Forgiveness is a process. It takes time to unfold and requires us to seek God. True forgiveness doesn’t come from us alone. We need God to help us and heal our hearts.

Forgiving does not mean we are accepting what was done as being okay. We can forgive and not put up with bad behaviors. We can forgive and maintain protective boundaries. Forgiveness will not include forgetting, but it does come with freedom.

Are we forgivers? Is there anyone you haven’t released from hurting you?

Unforgiveness is like a debilitating disease. It’s a prison of pain and bitterness that could be unlocked if I would walk the path leading to forgiveness. The person who hurt me carries none of it. I wear it like shackles, bound and destroying my best self. There is no freedom.

“If we really want to love, we must learn to forgive.” – Mother Teresa

God can do anything. He is bigger than any hurt. It may take time, but hearts heal. It starts with a willingness to forgive. Let God, who so freely forgives us, help us forgive.

Forget about it and move on? No. Forgive and move forward.