Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In reading the Gospels and studying the words and actions of Jesus, we rarely if ever see Jesus admonish someone for falling short of righteousness and falling into sin. We do however see Jesus sternly rebuking the so-called righteous. Those who thought themselves better than others.
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I think it is important to articulate as well that there is nothing wrong in being righteous.
(II Corth 5.21 NIV God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God). And 1 Peter 2.24 NIV 'He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.'
Jesus took a shot at those who 'thought' they were righteous (meaning they thought they had a harmonious relationship with God) and they truly weren't...either with with God or even Jesus.
On the other hand how sad it is in the body of Christ for those who don't even know that they ARE RIGHTEOUS...and that they ARE so ONLY because they are found in Him and Him in they. How sad it is that they don't know that their wounds have been healed!
The RoG is righteous only because I am found in Him and He in me! He deems it so - not me. Jesus is no liar!
Chew on that Blessing for a while;)
When people want to ban or boycott films such as Brokeback Mountain and Karla, they are the people who think themselves better than others.
A humble offering from my experience (which is not been perfect). . .
Anytime anyone looks at the body (even 'Christians' looking at one another) - they will BE disappointed more oft' than not.
True vision keeps our eyes fixed on Jesus and our relationship in Him and He in us. The rest is background noise.
While some would't be caught dead in such a film, I WOULD gladly sit next to Jesus mowing down some pop corn if this was the Father's will for the day!
Jesus has NO problem going where some of his sheep tremble - He proved that in the various accounts found in the gospels. He ouzes with mercy and compassion. He became sin and died for ALL people...including Karla, Hitler, Mother Theresa and me.
The "church" -it's almost always abstract in these cases- too often jumps on those whose "sin" is what the "church" has decided is unacceptable. Yet one of the biggest sins of believers is unbelief - failing to understand and live in the truth and reality that we are declared to be "in Christ" and that He is in us, that we "are the righteousness of God."
Sometimes talk of banning or boycotting comes out of being unable or unwilling to talk about issues in a coherent way that makes room for disagreement.
i.e. Canada's recent election had effectively no debate - everything was scripted.
I think the "other side" is just as wrong as the banners and boycotters when they fail to acknowledge that just because something can be done doesn't mean it should.
i.e. Karla, aside from the content, from the reviews I have read is a poor movie. But some, will strongly defend it, simply because it pushes the boundaries.
Was the book burning, film shredding and CD smashing before or after choir practice this Sunday?
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