197 – Filibuster of Faith
#Faithbites #FaithJourney Filibuster
I was walking across campus today and heard preaching in front of the Alma Mater. This happens pretty regularly. A man reads out of the Bible, or just holds it for effect and preaches or is he filibustering.
Before we go in depth, let’s definitely filibuster: act in an obstructive manner in a legislature, especially by speaking at inordinate length. Ok, so this isn’t a legislature, but the effect is the same.
I have at times listened to him, heard people interact, but most days, I just walk by. Rather than preaching the Good News about salvation, resurrection, and our heavenly father, he speaks of death, destruction, and dismay. He chastises young women, men, immigrants, Muslims, pretty much everyone. He equates the sin with the sinner. It is a message not in love but in hate. He speaks of immorality and the downfall of those who do not believe.
I understand as a Christian we have obligations to love God, love people and follow his word. To me, preaching like that, or more like filibustering to fill time, pushes people away from the Lord rather than welcoming them into his family.
Scripture about Welcoming Others Into the Family
- Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.- 1 Peter 4:8-9
- Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7
- The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. – Leviticus 19:34
Reflection
I don’t know what the preacher on campus is trying to do. He may think his preaching will get people to come to the Lord and repent. I honestly don’t know how fire and brimstone preaching helps especially on campus. When I think more about it, the term filibuster really seems to fit. He seemed to want to preach to disrupt people traveling on the quad and to take up time.
When I think about the Lord, I think about a loving savior, rather than a vengeful God. I know the God of the old testament had times of vengeance but in the new testament, we see the peace and love of the Lord. I will use that love and peace in all my speaking about the Lord, will you?
Charge
Do you regularly share your faith with others? When you do, do you do it with the Love of Christ or fire and brimstone? Think about who you show your faith and challenge yourself to always approach others with love, peace, and understanding.
I will follow the commandments of Love God, Love People with the help of God.
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