Don't Be Surprised!

I believe if Jesus Christ walked the earth today- He would be labeled a 'Liberal' by most religious people. Those who prided themselves in a "knowledge of truth" failed to recognize Him or respect His followers in the past- is it any different now?
Religionists today want everything spelled out for them in strict shades of Black/White- while many people out there are happy to fill that role and be the conscience for others. These leaders are bold, opinionated and take big stands on issues- claiming to be the "voice of truth". (Enjoying the spotlight, promoting their own religio-political views and lining their own pockets are often just desireable side-effects of this strategy.) Time is spent addressing a myriad of social issues and exerting influence over fearful & weaker minds. The message is spread that unless you see things exactly as they do, God cannot love or accept you and you will be eternally condemned. (Sadly, these leaders don't realize how spiritually bankrupt they are...)

Christ did not waste precious time denouncing or defining sin, but re-educating the self-righteousness. He said whores and tax-collecters would enter the kingdom ahead of scribes & priests. Why?? Because sinners can repent and be saved, but those who feel they have it all together don't see a need for a Savior. A proud heart says, "Thanks anyway, but I don't need any help, I know what I need to do and I can handle it myself. If I just try harder I can be what I am supposed to be in order to please God". The mindset of the world is to have everything arranged to suit individual preferences or to submit oneself to dogmatic theology in a twisted sort of martyrdom. If we are miserable here because of a strict, sacrificial lifestyle, then we most certainly deserve Heaven- right?? (wrong)
But starving masses flocked to Jesus- He explained the Kingdom of Heaven in a way they could understand. Their spirits were fed- they couldn't get enough of His words about a merciful and gracious God. The Water of Life is so contrary to dry, intolerant theology. In a society that viewed poverty and physical suffering as direct punishments from God in response to sin, Jesus reached out to embrace, heal and resurrect, saying, "I have come to preach the Gospel to the poor and freedom to the captives". Captives of what? Well, sin & suffering of course, but could He also have meant freedom for those trapped in religious dogma and a regimen of self-imposed works??

The Christ spent time mingling with all kinds of people, painting simple word pictures, praising righteousness and explaining what TRUE Godliness is about. He said we should: feed the poor, clothe the naked, reach out to widows & orphans, forgive our enemies and feed His sheep with the Gospel. Jesus lived in such a way that we could know what a servant heart looks like. His teachings were radically simple. Here are some more complex areas He did not go:

1) He did not say what kind of music or instruments should be used in worship services
2) He did not define what constitutes modest dressing or appropriate attire for church
3) He did not outline a diet for the righteous to follow- in fact if He fed Fish or Lamb to His followers today, he would be viewed as an evil 'flesh eater' by those who adhere to strict dietary practices
4) He did not focus on the areas of sexuality, drinking or dating
5) He did not banner-wave for Judaism as being the truest religion or hold a bunch of prophecy seminars. We have NO record of Him baptizing anyone. He converted thousands without handing out a single pamphlet. He issued no report in self-published, self-promoting magazines on how many converts He won over to His point of view.
6) He did not run for political office or use His powers to build a platform.
7) He did not uphold the strict teachings of the Pharisees & Saducees, or speak words that would make them feel good about the regimen they upheld.
8) He did not say how we should vote, or what denomination would have the highest degree of truth
9) He did not emphasize keeping the Sabbath- in fact He offended many by the things He did on that day saying, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" He also said, "I am Lord of the Sabbath".
10) He did not praise one race or region over another.
11) He did not proof-text every concept. He did not write a best-seller or have His own TV show.
12) He did not go around bashing Pagans or the Roman government
13) He did not hold public debates in order to show off His great intellect
14) He never said which version of the Bible is the truest

Jesus was rejected & murdered by the church of His time. Guess we shouldn't be surprised if by following His example, we also become outcasts.

To sum up the focus of my Most Beloved Teacher, the way of Christ is: love, humility, tolerance, servanthood and forgiveness. This does not sit well with power-hungry, self-assured people who want high position, recognition and money. The straight testimony of Jesus Christ is contrary to the way our natural minds work- we WANT complicated. To have a simple theology is insulting to many who think they are "above & beyond" such things.
At Jesus baptism, a Voice from Heaven was heard saying, "This is My Beloved Son in Whom I Am well pleased. Listen to His words." What were His words? What was the main jist of His message?? Jesus said, "Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself." We learn how to love by connecting with God and modeling the life of Christ. It doesn't get any simpler than that. I wonder if Jesus would be accused today of "watering down the message"?