DOGMATISM IS THE DEVIL'S TOOL.
I am absolute in my love for truth and Proclaiming the gospel but I am not dogmatic about anything and here is why: Definition of Dogmatic: 1. Relating to, characteristic of, or resulting from dogma. 2. Characterized by an authoritative, arrogant assertion of "unproved" or improvable principles. See Synonyms for dictatorial....Technically Dogmatic means that I believe something without the benefit of being able to express it with facts. In other words to be dogmatic means I refuse all logic and refuse to "use my God given mind to understand. " In other words I am acting irrationally because I don't think I need to explain to someone else the reasons why I believe something.
Am I dogmatic about the gospel? No. Because that would mean I accept it without any evidence as to it's authenticity. It's like saying to a lost person who challenges the gospel that I don't need to explain my position to you. IT'S RIGHT JUST BECAUSE I SAID SO. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. If the gospel I preach can't stand up under the scrutiny of of a critic then it must be irrational. Of course the gospel is rational and there is Biblical evidence of doctrines that make it logical.
It is a substitutionary atonement which makes sense. It fulfills God's Justice which makes sense etc. Grant it there are many things about it we may not understand but what God wants men to understand about it we are able and required to believe it.
We can't punch holes in false doctrines with dogmatism. We must debate scripturally, rationally, logically and doctrinally. Without the God given laws of logic doctrinal agreement this is impossible. Take notice our discussions here. We are constantly using logic based on a scriptural system under the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Faith and rational thinking are not mutually exclusive as some would have us believe. Recently a person on here said to me
"I'm spiritual not logical"---that's really wrong thinking. We should be able to scripturally and logically defend what we believe in a logical, scriptural and doctrinal way by sound hermeneutics. A truly dogmatic person by definition ignores God's gift of rationality because they stick to something and proclaim it arrogantly without explanation, facts or logical thought.
When confronted the dogmatic lives in a circular argument that goes like this:
Lost man--" Why is the gospel true?
Dogmatic--"Because I said so."
Lost man--Prove to me why you believe what you believe.
Dogmatic---I don't have to explain it to you. It's the truth.
Lost man---How do you know it's the truth?
Dogmatic---Because I said so.
Lost man--Don't you need a reason why you believe it?
Dogmatic---No it's true don't challenge what I believe.
Lost man--How do you know what you believe is true
Dogmatic--I don't need to hear your arguments as to why it is not true. Your arguments are wrong.
Lost man---How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic--Because I am right and you are wrong.
Lost man--How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic---Because I am right.
Lost man---Won't you even consider what I have to say?
Dogmatic---No because I know I am right.
Lost man---How do you know?
Dogmatic---Because it is what I believe therefore it is right and you are wrong.
Lost man--Won't you even Listen to what I have to say and consider why you think I am wrong?
Dogmatic--No, my mind is closed.
Lost man--Why is your mind closed.
Dogmatic----Because I am right, I know it and I don't need to explain why I am right. So take or leave it.
A man who believes something should be able to listen to others and weigh their thoughts because he might be wrong. I don't mind the Gospel being challenged because if the Gospel is true it will stand all tests thrown at it. Pure Dogmatism stops a man from growing and learning. He says, "Don't bother me with the facts, my mind is made up" Usually because he is proud and insecure and doesn't like people challenging him. So he thinks in an a twisted stubborn way.----Pastor Rodney
Saturday, January 25, 2014
"DO YOU LOVE ME?" ----Jesus Christ.
Many Times Christians are crudely accused of being hypocrites by worldly people while they brag unremorseful, and uncontrite openly, as it were, on their sinful lifestyle. They tort, "At least I ain't a hypocrite" as they gleefully sin for all to see.
A prime example is the so called, "Coming out of the closet" for those who practice sodomy. Truly we are a nation that has forgotten how to blush. A true Hypocrite, in it's purest sense, is someone who feels no shame for their sin. They knowingly and willfully without any remorse worship themselves and put forth a fake self to gain the worship of others. They are actors for the applause of men every moment they are in the public eye. However, one who is not ashamed of their sin is as bad as a hypocrite.
Often as Christians we hide our sin and weaknesses from others simply because we are ashamed of ourselves or because we know how cruel others can be in their judgment of us. However, we do not hide our sin from God. We acknowledge our transgressions. At times even while we are in the midst of sin our heart is smitten by grief from the Holy Spirit; and we know it.
The scripture says we are to confess our faults one to another. Does that mean we shout them from the roof top. No. We confide in others who know and understand the same conviction and shame we feel for not loving our Lord in word or deed.
As disciples of Christ we sin sometimes with sin that no one knows about but us and God. We are ashamed for others to know. We fear the condescending looks, unforgiveness and their harsh judgment. We know our God is more merciful and gracious than they are. We often confide only in those who are true Godly friends our hidden sins. We protect our reputation not because we are hypocrites but because we know that others are cruel, without compassion and unforgiving.
As true disciples we can feel deeply for the apostle Peter. Yes, he cursed and denied Christ but he also immediately went out and wept bitterly over his sin. We can really relate as disciples to the shame he felt when the Lord ask him, "Peter do you love me?" This is the true disciple's motivation for his walk and service. This Christian hears the Holy Spirit almost continually asking, "Do you love me?"
Are we Hypocrites if we acknowledge in Godly sorrow our sin? Was Peter a hypocrite? NO. We are sinners saved by grace battling every day a sin nature that we inherited. One day Christ will remove this thorn in our side. We love our Lord sometimes, hopefully most of the time, but sometimes to our shame and grief we do not. Never the less He loves us ALL the time!
Many Times Christians are crudely accused of being hypocrites by worldly people while they brag unremorseful, and uncontrite openly, as it were, on their sinful lifestyle. They tort, "At least I ain't a hypocrite" as they gleefully sin for all to see.
A prime example is the so called, "Coming out of the closet" for those who practice sodomy. Truly we are a nation that has forgotten how to blush. A true Hypocrite, in it's purest sense, is someone who feels no shame for their sin. They knowingly and willfully without any remorse worship themselves and put forth a fake self to gain the worship of others. They are actors for the applause of men every moment they are in the public eye. However, one who is not ashamed of their sin is as bad as a hypocrite.
Often as Christians we hide our sin and weaknesses from others simply because we are ashamed of ourselves or because we know how cruel others can be in their judgment of us. However, we do not hide our sin from God. We acknowledge our transgressions. At times even while we are in the midst of sin our heart is smitten by grief from the Holy Spirit; and we know it.
The scripture says we are to confess our faults one to another. Does that mean we shout them from the roof top. No. We confide in others who know and understand the same conviction and shame we feel for not loving our Lord in word or deed.
As disciples of Christ we sin sometimes with sin that no one knows about but us and God. We are ashamed for others to know. We fear the condescending looks, unforgiveness and their harsh judgment. We know our God is more merciful and gracious than they are. We often confide only in those who are true Godly friends our hidden sins. We protect our reputation not because we are hypocrites but because we know that others are cruel, without compassion and unforgiving.
As true disciples we can feel deeply for the apostle Peter. Yes, he cursed and denied Christ but he also immediately went out and wept bitterly over his sin. We can really relate as disciples to the shame he felt when the Lord ask him, "Peter do you love me?" This is the true disciple's motivation for his walk and service. This Christian hears the Holy Spirit almost continually asking, "Do you love me?"
Are we Hypocrites if we acknowledge in Godly sorrow our sin? Was Peter a hypocrite? NO. We are sinners saved by grace battling every day a sin nature that we inherited. One day Christ will remove this thorn in our side. We love our Lord sometimes, hopefully most of the time, but sometimes to our shame and grief we do not. Never the less He loves us ALL the time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)