a letter to evangelists … (09/03/10)
To all those preaching the limiting dogma of the Christian church:
As a Man of God, it seems important for me to share some things about the Word of Jesus Christ — some things of which you are possibly unaware. After all, Jesus made it very clear that we are not to place “stumbling blocks” on others’ paths to the Father. I am sure that you as well do not wish to do so …
Jesus commanded us to “Love our neighbor” and he defined “neighbor” in only one place in the New Testament — the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) — where he defined “neighbor” as “enemy” (the hero of the parable was a Samaritan, who were the cultural enemies of the Jews at that time, and this Samaritan was a hero because he showed “mercy” — something we only do to another after they have wronged us). This means, of course, that we are to actively care for those who are different from us, including — nay, especially — Muslims, homosexuals, pagans & other “liberals”.
The Bible also makes it very clear that we are not to convert others during our lives. Jesus tells us that we are to go forth and relay “the Gospel”, and yet he defines this “Good News” as 1) the Kingdom of Heaven is “at hand” — right here & now (Matthew 10:7 & John 4:23; see also Luke 17:20-21 et al) and 2) that the way to enter this Kingdom is to persist in caring for others actively (Matthew 24:12-14).
Even the Old Testament makes it clear that we are not to tell others how they should believe (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and that all will be saved by the Grace of God — not by our efforts (Matthew 5:44-48, Matthew 9:13, John 6:45, John 12:47, John 12:32, Romans 14:4, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 & Acts 10:34 et al).
So what are we to do to perform the Will of the Father?
We are to actively care for those we least wish to care for — and we are to do so without judging either their actions or their beliefs (Matthew 7:1-2). This the Way of Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior. To do otherwise is to violate his Commandments of a Love that is unconditional & perfect (Matthew 22:37-40).
In conclusion, please have the humility & the courage to consider the Bible verses I mentioned in this email. Most importantly, I have been living The Way of Jesus Christ for over five years now, and I have experienced firsthand while following his Teachings (and only his Teachings — see 2 John 1:9) that Jesus’ wisdom always bears the fruit of the Spirit, and that teachings that contradict Jesus’ Way do not (for example, converting others).
That is all for now.
I give you blessings on your own journey back towards God’s Will of Love.
your Friend in Christ,
Scaughdt
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples: that you show Love for one another.” ~ Jesus (John 13:35)
“If you understand these things, blessed are you while you do them.” ~ Jesus (John 12:47)
“Whoever says ‘I abide in him’ must live as he lived.” ~ 1 John 2:6