Ten Things Not To Like About Christians

By Stephen Piersall, God’s Preservation Ministry 

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We read and hear the comments about those of us that do a lot of preaching, sharing, and renouncing all the paranormal activities that many are involved with especially the media. As for the mature Christians who read this and accept it as food for the Holy Spirit within us that is great. Those that are Christians but perhaps “back-slidden" with their faith, get pretty aggravated with our attempts to bring them back closer with God. Those that have NOT accepted Jesus into their lives will lash out with calling us shameful names, posting negative comments behind the safety of their computers and think all is right to their lives.

Why do we buy car insurance if we never plan to get into an accident? Sure you can agree that would be a great deal of $’s in our pockets as usable income. Whether the law says we have to buy insurance or not is irrelevant, since the first thing we are thankful for when we get involved in an auto accident is gladness that you won't have to pay a large sum of money to fix or buy a new car. Have you invested life for your future? This is not rot referring to a retirement plan or an investment in the stock market, but speaking about your future beyond death. 

Whether you want to believe it or not there are a Heaven and Hell, and when we die, we stand and bow before Jesus, and we have our life reviewed, it comes down to whether you have already accepted Jesus or not. No, you cannot pray someone out of purgatory, or cross over an earthbound spirit. Why would that be? Because there is no such thing, and without salvation through Jesus, you will have a future in Hell. On the other hand, if you still choose in the paranormal, you can be one of those fictitious ghosts. Send us an EVP instead of an email if you want to sign up for updates on our website.

Let us share something that may change your mind or give you something to think about regarding your future beyond the grave. The top ten things not to like about Christians is an opinion only. Do Christians act more like Christ than the Pharisees do? If the shoe fits, then maybe you need to make some changes to your Christian lifestyle:

10. The self-righteous argue over which edition of the Bible is holier. Are any of these (KJV, NKJV, NIV, and NASB) versions really 100% correct? Growing up many years ago there was only the KJV, but we need to keep in mind, we no longer speak like the days of Shakespeare. If you really want to study the Bible, then we have to go back to Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. If these newer translations help someone understand God’s word, and we win souls…Amen!

9. Why must we bash other religions and denominations? We are to bring people to God not to religions and denominations. We do not have to agree with what another person feels as comfortable to attending their church as it is for them to think the same about us. The Bible is CLEAR that his bride is the church; He did not say any particular denomination. Wait until you stand before Jesus and defend your viewpoint of condemning his bride!

8. People who follow God’s rules are better than those who do not. We should stand against those who oppose Christian values and feel grateful to be a Christian when we see other people’s failures and flaws. We should see God-given value in people, regardless of their past or present conditions. God is for everyone, and in fact; God works in people’s lives, even when they are not following him. We need to demonstrate love and compassion just as Jesus showed us by his example. How much time do you personally spend time with non-believers to help them follow Jesus?

7. Those that go buy fancy cars, clothes, homes, etc. and then when the collection plate comes around in church, we pull a few dollars out of our selfish wallets and feel good about ourselves. Jesus said, “Give back to Caesar. What is Caesar’s, and to God? What is God’s”. Tithing is giving to God your 10% right off the top of your income, and that is the amount before taxes too. We all feel the economic pinch, but for our churches to exist and prosper, we must give of all our resources, money, time, community, etc.

6. Do you remember the TV show “Leave it to Beaver”? Did you ever notice that the parents never went to the boy’s activities, with school sports or attending church? Sure, they would go to Beaver’s school, but that was when he got into trouble. By not attending church as a family and getting involved except on holidays sends a message to our children. You decide if it is a good or bad choice as a parental role model.

5. Bullying is in the news more and more and is becoming frightful. Look in the mirror, when you decide to bash a well-known pastor because you do not believe in their interpretation of Theology. Do you see a bully? Why are you not praying for them as Jesus taught? We are to pray for; those who have not accepted Jesus, those that have hurt us, and those that are backslidden. Who shall cast the first stone?

4. People who say they will pray for you and never do. Listen to others to learn their story. In fact, try to discover the needs of non-Christians rather than waiting for them to come to you. We should be praying ceaselessly. Start your day and end your day in prayer. Talk to God throughout your day, and give thanks for all the good things into your life. Do not be selfish in prayer. Pray for others before your needs.

3. Why must people attend church have to wear high $ fashions (women showing their cleavage), and have all their gold jewelry on display? Our Church has a come, as you are approach. It is not a good idea to put on a false front of your possessions or even your knowledge and experience. We need to be more humble and contribute to our churches and communities without attracting attention to ourselves. Do not let PRIDE or SELF-ENTITLEMENT get over the way of demonstrating your Christian walk.

2. People who proclaim they are mature Christians based on years attending church, but do not do anything except show up on Sunday mornings. Last weekend while at church, there were plenty of seats and pews and did not need any more deadwood just be sitting around. Read your Bible, pray daily and volunteer when opportunity is there. The more involved you become in the local church you will enjoy the fellowship of other believers, as well as get a chance to help in your community. Just remember you reap what you sow.

Lastly, the number-one reason of things not to like about Christians is…

1. Those that know better but still go out and do ghost hunting and believing in earthbound spirits, etc. Wake up and smell the new-age cologne you are wearing. When in doubt read Deuteronomy 18, and you will see that you are committing sins. Beware of false prophets and know Satan and his demons are masters of disguise. Have you ever been tricked by a salesperson to buy a different car than the one wanted? Do NOT get tricked into believing your future is full of rewards and find out you're stuck in Hell tormented forever! 

Musings on Indwelling Sin (It Usually Is Not a Demon)

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Pastor Jim “Thanks for coming in the office today Sam—what’s on your mind my friend?”

Sam “Well, it seems like ever since I decided nine months ago to really love Jesus above all else, that is when the troubles began.”

Pastor Jim “What kind of troubles brother?”

Sam “I feel this battle inside—heck, I don’t even understand my own actions. Often-times, I do not do what I really want to do…and I end up doing the very thing I hate! Pride, lust, and anger are things I wrestle with—a lot. It happens so often I feel depressed.”

Pastor Jim “Sam, I know you are a godly man—so there must be some outside influence that is oppressing you. Sounds like you have a demonic attachment. Why don’t we set up an appointment to deliver you from those demons of pride, lust, and anger?”

The above is a compressed composite of many complaints I have heard from earnest Christians over the years—ongoing frustration with sin. The diagnosis and treatment suggested by the spiritual physician (the pastor or deliverance minister) has become standard operating procedure.

My heart is broken over this because I do not like to correct brothers, but I have to say the following—the vast majority (not all) of deliverance ministers and books are harming more people than they are helping. Why do I make that dreadful comment? Because if our diagnosis is way off, then so will be the treatment…and our diagnosis above is an example of how awful the situation has become. Of necessity the above conversation had to be brief, but even after hours of counseling and questionnaires, it accurately depicts the final outcome—almost always demons are found to be the culprit. Categories frequently ignored are the fall (and its psychological consequences), and indwelling sin, which is the focus of this analysis. Even if personal sin is mentioned, it is almost never discussed in the manner in which we will.

Do you realize that the problem Sam mentioned (which got him diagnosed as having a demonic attachment) is a quote from the apostle Paul regarding his own struggles with sin??!! (see Romans 7:14—8:1) The existential, psychological anguish which Paul expresses over his battle with sin—specifically v.15 (which Sam quotes almost verbatim), is a major reason why the pastor thought he was experiencing demonic oppression. I’m convinced that if Paul were alive today and writing as he did then, he would have deliverance ministers claiming he was diabolically oppressed. 

My dear friends, I hope and pray this discussion will bring comfort to some troubled souls. Demonologists and deliverance ministers are causing incredible carnage amongst Christians due to an epidemic of shallow understanding of theology and the bible. We know that Satan and his demonic hoard are our sworn enemies, and to be ignorant of their schemes will cause all sorts of significant problems for us. The bible tells us that Satan is a defeated foe, and yet we are engaged in a battle royal every day !! (Eph. 6) Likewise with sin—it is a defeated foe (not blinded or enslaved anymore), but we are engaged in a life-long battle royal with indwelling sin. Why do we recognize the former, but not the latter? 

The united voice of scripture states that the vast majority of hateful thoughts, lustful thoughts, covetous thoughts (fill in the blank) are not caused by demons but from indwelling sin. It is vitally important for demonologists to know this…it is equally imperative that every Christian know this!

Tragically, the compressed hypothetical conversation above is repeated many times everyday by deliverance ministers, who are abysmally ignorant of the bible’s teaching regarding indwelling sin. Listen to God’s word…

  

“…every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Gen. 6:5) Lest we think this was just a pre-flood observation, “…for the intentions of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Gen. 8:21)—written AFTER the  Flood.

“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Ps: 51:5) This reference to “original sin” is not the original/first sin of man, but the sin nature passed on to every human being.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9) So much for following your heart type advice!!

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt.12:34)—according to James, NOBODY has their tongue properly trained, so what does that say about the heart? (James 3:2)

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matt. 15:19) Out of the heart…not demonic influence/projection.

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire…” (James 1:14-15)…do you see demons anywhere in this text on temptation???

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you for doing the things you want to do.” (Gal.5:17)

This text in Galatians encapsulates an excruciating, extended exposition of the battle with indwelling sin in Romans 7: 14-:8:1)…”Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.”(v.20)

This side of heaven there is a tension between the “already” and the “not yet”. Much harmful, shallow teaching regarding sanctification/spiritual warfare disregards the fact that some aspects of our salvation are true “already” (or now) and some are “not yet”…their full realization will not be experienced till heaven. When these are “telescoped together” (already and not-yet), then disaster often occurs. In 1 John 3:2 we are told that when we go to heaven, then we will finally be able to see God face to face because will be sinless.

In wiser times, the universal testimony of notably godly people was how sinful they saw themselves to be, and how they yearned for heaven to see Jesus face-to-face, and to be free from the presence of sin. If a Christian were to admit how sinful they were in many Christian circles, he would be rebuked for not being “victorious”!! I have said this before but the greatest deficiency in modern preaching is the dearth of God-intoxicated messages. The heresy of the prosperity gospel has affected most TV preachers. A deficient understanding of the holiness of God, will lead to a deficient view of our sinfulness, and a deficient view of our sinfulness leads to a deficient of grace-as well as leaving us woefully out of touch with reality. Perhaps this will help: justification (past tense already/now) deals with the GUILT OF SIN,  sanctification (present and on-going or progressive) deals with the POWER OF SIN,  and glorification (not yet..future) deals with the PRESENCE OF SIN.

Let me use an analogy to illustrate what happens as we mature in Christ. Picture an iceberg—nine-tenths of it is under the water line..only a small portion is visible. That is an apt analogy of how many see sin. The focus is on the visible behavior—do certain things, and avoid others, then you are seen as godly. But under the water line, in the cold, dark, murky depths lies our impure motives…covetousness…critical attitude..and so on. As we mature, more spiritual nerves are exposed, and we become increasingly aware of what is going on “under the water line”. The sin was always there but was overlooked.

In Rom.7:17,20 Paul laments that sin indwelling inside of him causes him to do that which he hates, or not do what he loves.(the law helped him see below the water-line) Demons or Satan are nowhere in sight in this discussion. Friends, we are very capable of being tempted FROM WITHIN because indwelling sin never leaves us—it corrupts everything we do. As one saint said, “He had to repent of even his most fervent of prayers.” Our motives are never utterly pure. But back to demons—they are finite in number and localized…they come and they go (unless oppressed or possessed), but indwelling sin is always present. There does not have to be a demon within 100 miles, and we still have to be on guard against indwelling sin, which can flare up at any moment and destroy us if we are not careful.

I dare say that if a person paraphrased Romans 7 (or just Gal.5:17) to the average deliverance minister, they would be convinced that person was under demonic oppression! And worse, they (as has happened countless times) will try to cast out demons from inside this struggling Christian. No time to elaborate, but demons cannot physically indwell a Christian…PERIOD!!!

What is indwelling sin? The simplest way of answering that is to say that after we are saved, there remains sin in our hearts. We are new creations (Gal.2:20) with a new nature—we do NOT have a battle between two natures, because the old nature is gone. But that does not mean indwelling sin has been eradicated. There is a nexus of anti-God and selfish inclinations lurking within us—and it will be a battle royal until the day we die. Though not a personal being like a demon, it is still an energized cesspool--a network that vitiates or pollutes EVERYTHING we do—even our best actions with best of intentions are corrupted by this radical despoilment of our entire human nature. As we mature in Christ we should become more aware of how radically and comprehensively indwelling sin corrupts everything we think, do, and say. Please believe me when I say there was a time when a humble school child could elaborate on indwelling sin. Anemic views of God lead to anemic views of sin.

Indwelling sin operates much like demons do—there are two main functions…force of  temptation and deceit or deception. Though it is inanimate, indwelling sin is an active energy pulsating and polluting everything in its path. In James we see that the “intent” of indwelling sin is our destruction—much the same as demons. All sorts of temptations bubble up from within, and indwelling sin will also seek to deceive us that it does not exist.

PLEASE…if you are struggling, don’t assume it is demonic. It may very well be demonic, but examine yourself…chances are you are simply struggling with indwelling sin. But praise God for the daily beauty of the gospel and that we stand perfect in Christ’s righteousness. Much more could be said, but I need to stop.