Today I want to give a bit of a primer for the next series I am looking to write.
As the title says, my faith is founded primarily on verses I believe to be a bit controversial. However, they likely aren't controversial in the sense that you're thinking. No, don't worry, my faith isn't founded on things to condemn people for or bashing the heads of babies against rocks.
Controversial verses come in two, maybe three, flavors. The ingredients for the first flavor are verses which the world finds controversial. Frankly, I don't care about these verses. I choose to live not of the world. Therefore, its concerns don't concern me. The second flavor consists of verses that offend religious spirits. These tend to be my favorite verses. The third flavor would be any verses that neither group likes.
In the coming weeks I will be sharing my thoughts on various verses which I find the American Church seems to ignore despite being fundamental to the teachings of Christ. These verses tend to eschew religiosity and run contrary to established doctrine and theology. As such, I have no doubt that with these coming articles, I will be dipping my toe into 'heretical' territory. I am fine with that. I choose to follow Christ wherever He may lead. The words of Jesus ruffled the feathers of religious institution back in his day. It is no surprise that those same words still have the same effect.
I will leave you to read for yourself the verses I plan to cover.
(All verses from OEB: Open English Bible)
Matthew 9:13
Go and learn what this means – ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’; for I did not come to call the religious, but the outcast.
Mark 5:34
“Daughter,” he said, “your faith has delivered you. Go, and peace be with you; be free from your affliction.”
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him.
John 10:34
“Are there not,” replied Jesus, “these words in your Law – ‘I said, You are gods’?”
John 17:22-23
I have given them the honor which you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one – I in union with them and you with me – so that they may be perfected in their union, and so that the world may know that you have sent me as your messenger, and that you have loved them as you have loved me.
The Purpose of Life According to Jesus
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor archangels nor the present nor the future nor any powers nor height nor depth nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord!
1 Peter 1:15-16
...but in your whole life show yourselves to be holy, after the pattern of the Holy One from whom you received your call. For scripture says –
‘You will be holy, because I am holy.’
1 John 4:8
Those who do not love know nothing of God, for God is love.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. So anyone who is afraid has not reached perfection in love.
As you go about your week (and month), review these verses, in their context and a version you're familiar with, and see where the Spirit leads you!
You are Love.