Do You Have To Be Smart To Be A Christian?
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: Since the Bible isn't always easy to understand and the world is very complex, do we have to be smart or a serious student to understand what it takes to be a Christian?
Matthew 7:7-8 and 10:16-20 are suggested scriptures.
This is not an easy question to answer. Yet, it is a question that should trouble every thoughtful pastor.
a. The answer is yes because the world confronts us with very complex issues. The Christian is forced to make decisions on issues that present an array of facts and logical reasons on both sides -- not to mention emotion. Issues such as the death penalty, gun control, and abortion have many arguments to sort through. It would seem that too many of the social issues we face require a certain level of intelligence to find the path of truth. To accept the official position of your denominational connection would seem prudent, but we still want to think for ourselves.
b. The answer is yes because the Bible isn't easy to understand regarding many themes and only speaks indirectly on others. (Note message M-9 as just one example of the difficulty finding the appropriate biblical position on an issue.) Does the Bible preach pacifism or not? What about the use of alcohol? The church historically has literally fought and killed over arguments concerning the "nature" of Jesus.
Despite saying yes twice I would hasten to add:
c. The answer is no because I can't believe that God made it necessary to be intelligent (or be dependent on someone who is) to be a Christian. The answer is no also because there is another way. From the life and teachings of Jesus it is clear that love is greater than anything else. If we give ourselves over, more and more, to the power of love and prayerfully "ask, seek, and knock" it will be "given to us when the time comes." Love will lead us and cause us finally to "sense" that which is God's will. We can never know perfectly in this life, but we can grow awfully close to God and an understanding of God's will. Intelligence (wise as serpents) is very good and important; however, love (peaceful as doves) is greater.
Matthew 7:7-8 and 10:16-20 are suggested scriptures.
This is not an easy question to answer. Yet, it is a question that should trouble every thoughtful pastor.
a. The answer is yes because the world confronts us with very complex issues. The Christian is forced to make decisions on issues that present an array of facts and logical reasons on both sides -- not to mention emotion. Issues such as the death penalty, gun control, and abortion have many arguments to sort through. It would seem that too many of the social issues we face require a certain level of intelligence to find the path of truth. To accept the official position of your denominational connection would seem prudent, but we still want to think for ourselves.
b. The answer is yes because the Bible isn't easy to understand regarding many themes and only speaks indirectly on others. (Note message M-9 as just one example of the difficulty finding the appropriate biblical position on an issue.) Does the Bible preach pacifism or not? What about the use of alcohol? The church historically has literally fought and killed over arguments concerning the "nature" of Jesus.
Despite saying yes twice I would hasten to add:
c. The answer is no because I can't believe that God made it necessary to be intelligent (or be dependent on someone who is) to be a Christian. The answer is no also because there is another way. From the life and teachings of Jesus it is clear that love is greater than anything else. If we give ourselves over, more and more, to the power of love and prayerfully "ask, seek, and knock" it will be "given to us when the time comes." Love will lead us and cause us finally to "sense" that which is God's will. We can never know perfectly in this life, but we can grow awfully close to God and an understanding of God's will. Intelligence (wise as serpents) is very good and important; however, love (peaceful as doves) is greater.
