The past couple of weeks have created an unfortunate trend, a harangue of Jesus speech that should not be happening at all.
It’s like calling someone a “GOAT.” Now there is a GOAT in every industry and sport, which is usually subject to interpretation rather than objective facts. And, just in case the argument isn’t broad enough to track outside the demographic, people can be “GOATed.” You know? Like someone is on the edge of a mountain on bended knee waiting for some goofball with a pet Billy Goat to brush his gruff on each shoulder. “I dub thee, GOATed.”
This Jesus speech has been used for hyperbolic statements, comparisons, and even for insults in the media. And, if you figure the sources from some of these sorted statements, someone needs to take the car keys from them because they so need to tap the brakes.
Talking about the Lord in the national media is always a good thing because God will get His glory, but these folks?! Kushite, please. That sound you’re hearing is people close to home falling flat on their backs.
Before we get into all these clowns extolling Jesus, stay aware of other faith-based issues that hit “close to home.” Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay informed about what’s happening in the Church, as well as the ways real Christians can contribute to defending the love and work of Christ.
That Person is a Christian
Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).
Philippians 2:12, AMPC
This was already said, but it begs repeating. When you enter into a relationship with the Lord, you can pray for others, mentor others and even provide a word to others. However, you can’t live out someone else’s victory. That is their job alone. So when someone says they are saved, take them at their word.
Not that the question doesn’t need to be asked and verified, but people are standing up — and down — on Donald Trump’s salvation. Franklin Graham let the president know personally that he was, although Trump suggests some undeniable doubts about his passage to the Promised Land. Now, you have noted biblical scholar and known pious Former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene adding her thoughts.
She woke up this week, walked outside and noticed no one cared what she had to say, so she came out with this nugget of wisdom.
Pot? Meet Kettle.
Questioning Salvation is Not for Headlines
Trolls are everywhere, trashing Christians for their worship, their choices, their dress, or even body parts. However, that’s a good thing, too. It means that as a Christian, you’re being watched.
As many of those people who are watching, and they’ll tell you that one of magic unicorns in life is finding an authentic Christian who lives the Word out loud. They want to see us fail because how we respond to problems is the proof of what’s in our heart. How do we act around temptation? What do we say about other people? If no one knew you, would they say that you love Jesus?
That’s the number one thing among internet trolls when it comes to Christians: “I doubt they’re even saved.” It’s done everywhere and from everyone, but now, it’s public fodder, too. And why not?
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”
Matthew 7:15-20, NLT
How else are folk supposed to know someone is a Christian? We don’t wear signs and any fool can wear a cross around their neck. You’re known by your fruit and not your Jesus Speech. And if yours is rotten and spoiled, people have nothing else to do but guess about your salvation. Or, in former US Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene’s situation, blast it all over social media.
You know? Because that’s the Christian thing to do anyway.
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