Watered-Down Christianity

March 7, 2023 Gracie

Watered-Down Christianity: Misleading The Masses

The very idea of artificial intelligence (or AI) sends shivers down my spine, and yet also fascinates me at the same time.

Who ever thought we’d be in living in an era where self-driving cars are being tested?

And, check this out.

Recently, I prompted an AI generator to create a rhyming poem about flowers.

In a matter of a few seconds, this is what it came up with:

It’s not the best poem, but not the worst either, right?

But the fact remains, a machine wrote it.

My knowing ahead of time that this poem wasn’t written from the heart and creative mind of a human writer cheapens it for me.

I don’t know about you, but I like to know ahead of time if something is real, or just a clever imitation.

Likewise, in our Christian faith, discernment over what is the real gospel vs. watered-down Christianity is crucial.

Watered-down Christianity isn’t Christianity at all.

Watered Down Christianity: Are You Hearing the Real Deal?

Is what you’re listening to the real gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible – or is it just an imitation?

Is the message watered down to make it look and sound like the real thing, but it fails to mention sin, forgiveness, the Cross, the Resurrection, and salvation?

There’s a lot of false teaching in our world today – meant to tickle the ears and grow the congregation at the same time.

Does the Bible say:

You have to earn your way into Heaven?

That there are many ways to Heaven?

You can pray to whomever you would like?

That we all worship the same God?

No. it doesnt. But, those are just some of the counterfeit teachings leading the masses down a dangerous path.

The right thing to do is to teach people the truth.

The Enemy, working through modern day false teachers, will do anything to destroy the true gospel – that our salvation is through Christ alone.

We must be modern day Bereans.

The Bereans have long been seen as a positive example of how a person or community should respond to biblical teaching. We are called to eagerly learn from God’s Word and, no matter who the teacher is, to investigate new teaching in comparison with the Bible. The practice of the ancient Bereans is a model for all who desire to grow spiritually today. – Got Questions website.¹

Why is Biblical discernment so important?

The world, as prophesied in scripture, will continue to rebel against God.

The biblical term “fool” does not mean someone unintelligent or uneducated. It means someone who ignores godly wisdom and truth in favor of their own biases or preferences. – Bibleref website.²

People are looking for soft answers, and false teachers are providing what they want to hear.

We must beware of new revelations, mysticism, and biblical “adjustments” to appease modern sensitivities.

Test everything against Scripture.

Be discerning.

It is up to us as Christians, led by the Holy Spirit, to take the real gospel to the world, and expose what is fake.

# # #

¹Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “Who were the Bereans in the Bible?” n.d., para. 8. Web. Accessed March 6, 2023. Bereans in the Bible.

²Quotation from bibleref.com, from “What does Proverbs 14:33 mean?” n.d., para. 3. Web. Accessed March 6, 2023. Biblical definition of fool.

Our Exceptional God

Foul Language In Movie Trailers

February 28, 2023 Gracie

Is Foul Language in Movie Trailers Really Necessary?

After some thought, I decided to take a little turn from my regularly planned blog post and issue a word of caution to parents instead.

If you decide to take your kids to a movie at a theater – even if it’s a Christian movie – just know that there is the “possibility” that the trailers that are shown before your movie starts may contain expletives.

Granted, it has been awhile since I’ve been to an actual theater. That is by choice. Most of the movie themes that Hollywood puts out these days are anything but family-friendly.

A few days ago my husband and I went to see a Christian-themed movie at a local theater.

We thought the previews would have been more carefully selected since this was a Christian movie.

In a word, “nope.”

We were shocked to hear two expletives in one of the trailers – an “S-Bomb” and a “GD” – which clearly is an offense to God.

How did that even happen?

Well, ideally, it wasn’t supposed to.

On the simplest level, studios and theater owners try to pair trailers with the audience who’d presumably go see their associated film. – https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-trailers.htm

Foul Language in Movie Theaters – It’s Ok to Speak Out

The more I thought about it – the more I was sickened by it, and so I did officially complain to the theater.

All this to say – if, as a Christian parent, you want to take your family to see a movie now, you should probably be prepared for a teachable moment when some of these things happen.

I’ve been told I’m fighting a losing battle.

Maybe so, but it pressed upon my heart and I’m glad I said something.

On another note, here is a link to a Christian movie review site.

This link provides reviews of the actual content in movies today.

MovieGuide.Org

If there’s violence, language, or anything anti-God in a movie – you can find out about it beforehand so you can make an informed parental decision.

# # #

Dylan Ris “Coming Attractions: Who Picks the Movie Trailers We See?” 9 February 2023. HowStuffWorks.com <https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-trailers.htm> 26 February 2023

Our Exceptional God

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light

February 21, 2023 Gracie

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light In The Darkness

Do you like to sing in the car?

Well, me too.

A big thanks to my husband for not covering his ears.

My current favorite song for gracing the cars next to me with song (wink wink) is a No. 1 radio hit, “The Goodness” by Toby Mac.

When I noticed the other vocalist’s name who Toby was featuring in the song, I just had to look him up.

In one word, “amazing.”

Are you familiar with Christian musician, vocalist, and songwriter – Blessing Offor?

There are so many wonderful things to say about this man and yes, “Blessing” is his real first name.

Blessing has already collaborated with many top Christian artists and shared his own vocal expertise on Season 7 of The Voice.

A virtuoso on the piano, Blessing (in his own right) has been called “a force to be reckoned within the music stratosphere” and rightfully so. (JFH News, 2022)¹

But there’s much more.

Born in Nigeria, Blessing knows what it means to face overwhelming challenges. Congenital Glaucoma, combined with a freak accident later in elementary school, claimed all of his vision before he turned eleven years old.

Even so, he has a gift from God that continues to shine through the challenges he faces.

His incredible voice and the joyful attitude I saw him display in an interview drew me to his music.

Released last year, the song “Tin Roof” is one of my favorites. Not only just for Christians, it strikes a chord for anyone who is in the midst of despair.

As Christians though, we know that through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our sorrows are washed away once we’re in Heaven.

That beautiful analogy is like the comforting sounds of raindrops on a tin roof.

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light

How do we react when we face overwhelming challenges in our life?

Do we dwell in anger over our suffering, or do we look forward to a brighter day?

Even though Blessing faces a daily challenge that most of us can’t even imagine, he’s never given up on his dreams . . . or on God.

When you find that your faith is up to the challenge and in fact grows for the challenge, it’s a kind of joy that nothing else can touch. – Blessing Offor.²

Earlier this year, Blessing released his full length debut album titled “My Tribe.”

Here’s a favorite – the soul-searching and faith-affirming song, “Believe.”

Blessing Offor’s upcoming tour starts March 2nd of this year. You can find his tour schedule here.

Face the problems head on, ask questions, ask God the tough questions, but don’t give up.

We are all going to go through hard things, really hard things, but we can have the confidence to know that there will be brighter days ahead.

“Even if He doesn’t save your eyesight, He’s still good.” – Blessing Offor.³

# # #

¹From JFH News Report via PFA Media, No. 1 Artist Blessing Offor Shares Soaring live Video For Single Believe. (November 11, 2022). https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2022/11/11.BlessingOfforReleasesLiveVideoforBelieve.asp

^2-3Blessing Offor interview. “How Losing His Sight Affected Blessing Offor’s Faith.” [YouTube]. March 8, 2022, Web. Accessed February 16, 2023. Retrieved from: Interview With Blessing Offor

A Best Day

February 14, 2023 Gracie

A Best Day in Your Life

Think back.

What was your best day ever?

Was it your wedding day?

The birth of your child?

Was it the day you gave your life to Christ?

Remembering our favorite days is one of the best ways to bring on a smile.

It’s healthy for you too, because positive thinking helps reduce stress and reminds us to be thankful for all of our blessings.

A Best Day on an Island

Several years ago, my husband and I went on a Christian marriage retreat in the Bahamas.

The beautiful beach, having church on the beach, meeting friendly people, and the delicious food were unforgettable.

We were joined by good friends and met many new friends from all over the world.

One of the highlights of the trip was a boat ride to Paradise Island to hear MercyMe perform – right there on the beach.

We sat out on our beach towels and enjoyed the music and the beauty of the island all around us.

I was talking with this one lady sitting next to me and she said, “This must be what Heaven is like.”

I agree with her.

It was one of the best days in my life that I’ll never forget.

In Heaven, Every Day is a Best Day

Best days are filled with happiness, joy, no stress, amazing surprises, delight, and wonderful people.

So guess what?

Your best days on earth don’t even compare to what you will experience some day in Heaven.

We will have endless best days in our heavenly home.

Everything is perfect

No stress

No illness, pain, or suffering

Saved love ones reunited

And best of all, Jesus will be there!

# # #

Our Exceptional God

A Christian Poem From Australia

February 7, 2023 Gracie

From The Land Down Under: Christian Poem From Australia

One of the many reasons that I delight in God is because, sometimes, He brings special people into my life – even if it’s just for a brief time.

And, it’s always a thrill to connect with Christians across the globe!

Imagine my delight when I heard back from a lovely couple from The Land Down Under – beautiful, sunny Australia.

Recently, I got in touch with them about sharing an excellent poem that was on their website.

This doesn’t always happen, but they responded!

They know the poet personally and called him to let him know about my request.

It turns out that this talented poet is a 90-year-old Christian man.

My humble request was enthusiastically granted.

So, I want to give a huge shout-out, all the way from the Lone Star State to sweet Maurice Dyson in the Land Down Under.

He’s a man blessed by God.

I love his passion for using his gift of writing to share his faith and love for Jesus Christ.

This poem is all about reverence for God and His Holy Works.

I have a feeling his poetry will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Psalm 19

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:31

The heavens are telling God’s glory from high;
His handiwork vividly etched in the sky;
From day unto day they are uttering speech;
And night unto night with the knowledge they teach.

No language occurs where their voice is not heard;
Throughout all the earth goes their eloquent word;
Their message has reached to the end of the world;
Resplendent above like a banner unfurled.

In them He has set up a tent for the sun,
That goes like a bridegroom whose day has begun;
Rejoicing as one who is running a race;
A circuit described by its circular trace.

The law of the Lord is effective and whole;
Its witness is simple converting the soul;
Its statutes are noble rejoicing the heart,
Establishing truth for our innermost part.

His holy commandments are gracious and pure;
Enlightening the eyes that our sight may be sure;
The fear of the Lord is enduring and clean;
His judgments are righteous and wholly pristine.

More are they desired than the finest of gold;
And sweeter than honey for youngest or old;
Moreover by them is Thy bondservant warned,
And keeping them favours a lifestyle adorned.

For who understands his erroneous ways?
Acquit me of faults that are hid from my gaze;
And keep back Thy servant from sins born of pride,
And let them not rule me nor hinder my stride.

Then I shall be clear from their grievous excess,
And innocent whereof I’d greatly transgress;
Let all my intentions by day or by night,
Be counted acceptable, Lord, in Thy sight.

# # #

¹Dyson, Maurice. “Psalm 19” 100 Poems of Praise – Christian Poetry to Praise God, edited by Ossie Amato, Self-published, 2019, p.18., Copyright © 2019 Maurice Dyson. Courtesy of freechristianillustrations.com.

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