Dear Christian: STOP IT!! - by Steven Kozar

Found here. Our comments in bold.

---------------

The reason we are considering this article today is because of the author's mix of justifiable criticism and also getting it wrong. We shall address the latter.

Further, the author makes no attempt to explain the truth in contradistinction to the false things he identifies. He doesn't reference even a single Scripture!

----------------------

There are lots of things that Christians believe that are not in the Bible. At all.

What’s the point of being a “Bible-believing Christian” if you believe a bunch of stuff that isn’t even in the Bible? And even worse, why would you believe ideas that go against what God’s Word teaches us?!

If God really wanted us to “Achieve our Dreams” and “Fulfill our Destiny,” wouldn’t the Bible clearly tell us that? Wouldn’t there be verses in the New Testament where we (the church) would be instructed to “Dream Big” or “Get out of your comfort zone” or “Follow the dream in your heart” or something like that? Did Jesus die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, or did He die on the cross so our dreams can come true? (The idea of destiny is not unchristian, but the way some people present it may be. The Bible talks a lot about destiny and future and purpose.

Some destiny is bad:

Job 8:13 Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.

Ph. 3:19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

"Destiny" in the Greek is τέλος, ους, τό (telos), (a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax... consummation (the end-goal, purpose), such as closure with all its results.

Some destiny is good. The Greek word is used in Ro. 6:22, for example:

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

"Destiny" is simply where you end up. Some have remarkable ministry in the Kingdom, while others perhaps are less profoundly destined [in the human view, of course]. But we are all created with a purpose:

Ep. 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1Co. 2:9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” — [Isaiah 64:4] 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

Ro. 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 The idea of destiny is not controversial or wrong, though perhaps the application may be.

If we were supposed to have an “Encounter with God” and experience His “Presence” wouldn’t the Bible tell us that? Wouldn’t there be verses in the New Testament where we (the church) would be instructed to “Encounter God” and “Soak in His Presence?” Wouldn’t there be lots of information about how to have these experiences? Instead, there is only instruction about having correct doctrine and living according to that doctrine. (Every Christian has had an encounter with God. One could not be saved without a supernatural act of the Holy Spirit. It may be profound and remarkable, or perhaps a simple conviction and repentance. But it's still an encounter.

The Bible is replete with God-encounters. The author puzzles us by ignoring these. He also puzzles us to suggest the Bible ought to "teach" us about them, as if the existence of them means there needs to be a step-by-step procedure. This of course is foolish.

The author concludes with the assertion that the Bible contains only instruction about having correct doctrine and living according to that doctrine. This is so spectacularly false as to not require further comment.)

If we are supposed to listen to a guy talk about “life lessons,” “relationship skills,” and “practical advice for successful living” at a church worship service, wouldn’t there be Bible verses in the New Testament where we (the church) are taught that? How is that even a “worship service?” Is a motivational speech really the same thing as hearing from God’s Word? (The author creates a false choice. The Bible has much to say about living life and the function of the Body in relationship. 

Ro. 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

1Co. 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Ep. 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ep. 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Life lessons, relationship skills, and practical advice are all part of living a holy and fruitful life. This is so uncontroversial that it puzzles us that the author has an issue with the generic topic.

We will concede, however, that there often is an unbalanced focus in some churches with regard to these ideas.)

If we (the church) were supposed to “follow the vision” that our “vision-casting” pastor gives us, wouldn’t there be a bunch of Bible verses telling us about that? Wouldn’t there be at least one Bible verse about this?? (If the leaders are not to set the direction and ministries of the church, who is? If the people are not to engage in the direction provided by the leaders, who is?

He. 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

He. 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.

1Pe. 5:2-3 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.)

If we are supposed to give 10% of our income to our church because that is how we prove our faith to God, so that He will reward us with a great increase, why aren’t there any Bible verses in the New Testament where we (the church) are taught this guarantee for prosperity? Why does the New Testament say that our lives on earth will be difficult if we’ve been given this “tithe your way to wealth” plan? Why didn’t Jesus or any of the Apostles teach, and then demonstrate, this principle for financial prosperity? (We do not accept the prosperity gospel, so we shall not defend it. But neither shall we shall accept the author's characterizations without examination.

2Co. 9:5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Paul implies that the generosity of the Corinthian church is related to sowing and reaping, that sowing is commensurate with reaping. What precisely will be reaped is not stated (the prosperity gospel falsely assumes it to be financial gain). 

Ph. 4:18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Paul has received his needed provision from the Philippian church. Again he notes that something will be received return. He does not tell us that it will be financial, so we cannot assume that.

Lastly we note that there is nothing in the Bible that suggests that our lives on earth will be difficult all the time for everybody. At one point the Corinthian church had plenty:

2Co. 8:14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.

Paul counseled Timothy:

1Ti. 6:17-18 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

James had instruction for rich Christians:

Ja. 1:9-10 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.

Life can indeed be difficult. But there is no requirement that it must be all the time.)

If unbelievers just need to hear how God is “crazy about them” because they’re “so awesome” in order to become Christians, wouldn’t the Bible clearly tell us that? Why doesn’t the Bible mention our deep need for self-esteem? Is the Gospel message really about how great we are, and that we just need to “know our true identity?” If we just need to realize how very special we are, why didn’t Jesus give us a pep talk instead of dying on the cross? (Again we shall not defend the teaching as presented here, but we shall note that we are indeed important to God:

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

1Pe. 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

We have been given a new identity in Christ:

2Co. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Ga. 6:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

Unfortunately, it is possible to forget this fact:

Ja. 1:23-24 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

If we Christians can speak things into existence, using the power of our words, why don’t we just do it? Why do we have so many “experts” who must go into elaborate detail to explain it? Why are there 90 million books, seminars and sermons that teach this-shouldn’t they just “speak it into existence?” When did Christians stop noticing that this is actually witchcraft? Does the phrase “casting spells” ring a bell? (Again, we shall not defend what we don't believe.)

Furthermore, if there is such a thing as the “Law of Attraction,” why isn’t it anywhere in the Bible? Why do Christians keep talking about this supposed “law” even though it’s a totally non-Christian idea? Is Oprah a new Apostle or something??

...the Law of Attraction is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on. It is believed that regardless of age, nationality or religious belief, we are all susceptible to the laws which govern the Universe, including the Law of Attraction. It is the Law of Attraction which uses the power of the mind to translate whatever is in our thoughts and materialize them into reality. In basic terms, all thoughts turn into things eventually. If you focus on negative doom and gloom you will remain under that cloud. If you focus on positive thoughts and have goals that you aim to achieve you will find a way to achieve them with massive action.

We do not claim that this "law" is found in the Bible, or even that is something the Christian ought to embrace. But in a sense, it is true. Where our focus is is a constant theme of Scripture:

Ro. 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

2Co. 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Ep. 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Col. 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

We know that the mind gets fixed on things that are sinful or not healthy or beneficial. Further, we get distracted or put ourselves on the wrong track. Therefore, when we repent our lives are brought back into conformance with God's will.

In that sense the "law" of attraction is somewhat true. But regarding the matter of creating reality or causing by our words something to be added to our lives, we reject this.)

If God really wanted to have an “intimate love relationship” with us, wouldn’t His Word say so? (God does love us.

1Jn. 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Jn. 15:13 Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

Lk. 12:24  And how much more valuable you are than birds!

 Furthermore, if God is longing for this “intimate love relationship” why are we constantly failing at it? (Apparently the author is unacquainted with the sinful nature.)

Why is God constantly failing at it? (?? What makes the author think that anyone is saying that God is failing at anything?)

Doesn’t an “intimate love relationship” between God and a man sound kinda weird and creepy (not to mention between God and a married woman). (That the author's mind goes to this tells us a lot about him. The closeness of friendship seems to make the author uncomfortable. This passage must give the author the creeps as well:

Jn. 13:23-25 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

If God is passionate about having an intimate love relationship with us, why doesn’t He answer our prayers the way we want Him to? (This is an odd question. Regardless of the nature of His love for us, is God supposed to do this?)

And if we’re supposed to use the analogy of a marriage, (Re. 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.)

what kind of spouse is constantly withholding stuff in order to establish a close, intimate relationship? (?? This makes no sense.)

Furthermore, if He wants us to totally depend on Him for every need so He can show us He’s really there, why doesn’t He just do it? Why all the confusion? (The confusion appears to be the author's.)

If we are supposed to be in a constant state of hunger as we say “more Lord, more...” wouldn’t the Bible tell us that? 

(Mt. 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Lk. 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

Ep. 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us...

Ph. 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, 14 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.)

Wouldn’t there be clear Bible verses teaching us to continually ask God for “more?” Why are there no Bible verses telling us to “always be desperate and hungry?” 

(2Co. 5:2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling...

Ro. 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

1Co. 12:31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Ph. 1:23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far...)

If God needs to use big, emotional revivals to accomplish His will on earth wouldn’t He have told us to “fill stadiums” in the Bible? (Now the author descends into nonsense.)

Why does the Bible (specifically, the New Testament) describe the establishment of the Church if gigantic revival meetings are so important? (Category Error and a false choice.)

If the Bible is the totally sufficient Word of God why do we need so many new teachings? (Indeed. There are thousands of sermons preached every Sunday. Oh. The author is probably not concerned about that...)

Why do so many people run towards the latest new “word from God?” Why is everybody and his brother writing books that make outlandish promises that go against the Bible?

If the Church is in desperate need of “new revelations” (for various reasons: to understand the end times, to have “Apostolic Alignment,” to attain the secrets of intimacy with God, etc.), doesn’t that prove the insufficiency of the Bible? (Nope. See our detailed treatment of this idea here.)

 Is it any wonder that so many Christians are not at peace: they believe there’s always something new and better around the corner that they better not miss… followed by something new and better that’s right around the next corner that they better not miss… (And none of this is from God!)