Simplicity In Christ--Lost In Churchianity

by Van Robison

red text What if you had no New Testament teachings other than those actual teachings of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the four Gospels? The simplicity that is in Jesus Christ seems to be lost in a maze of confusion. The confusion is the result of multiple voices, when in fact there is only one voice that is the Great and Good Shepherd. We can glean what Jesus came to teach us from the four Gospels, and His first instruction was, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

The basics of what Jesus Christ taught could be outlined perhaps something like this:

  • Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
  • Blessed are the following people:
    • The poor in spirit.
    • They that mourn.
    • The meek.
    • They that hunger and thirst after righteousness.
    • The merciful.
    • The pure in heart.
    • The peacemakers.
    • Those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.
  • You are the salt of the earth.
  • Let your light shine.
  • Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets.
  • Jesus taught that even our thoughts and motives are to be harmless and pure.
  • Love your neighbors.
  • Love your enemies.
  • Do your alms (charity) in secret and not to be seen of men.
  • Enter into your "closet" to pray and not to be seen of men.
  • Do not fast (food and drink) to be seen of men.
  • Lay up treasures in heaven.
  • You cannot serve God and mammon (money and earthly treasures).
  • Forgive others their trespasses.
  • Have faith in your heavenly Father.
  • Seek first the Kingdom of God.
  • Judge not your brother.
  • Ask, seek and knock.
  • Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
  • BEWARE of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing.
  • Do the will of the Father if you want to enter the Kingdom of God.
  • Those who live by what Jesus taught will be considered wise--a house built upon the Rock.
  • Those who do not live by what Jesus taught will be considered foolish--a house built upon sand.
  • Jesus said He had no place to lay His head (proving that His treasure was in heaven).
  • Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.
  • Jesus placed great emphasis upon living by faith.
  • Jesus told His disciples, "Freely you have received, freely give."
  • Jesus said to His disciples that they would be hated and some beaten and some killed.
  • Jesus taught His disciples to fear not.
  • If you are burdened with life, come to Jesus and you will find rest.
  • Jesus healed people on the Sabbath, and He is Lord of the Sabbath.
  • In His name, shall all nations trust.
  • Never speak against the Holy Spirit.
  • Use your talents to glorify God.
  • The Kingdom of heaven is the pearl of great price.
  • Many worship in vain, teaching the doctrines, customs and traditions of men, over and above real truth.
  • If you lose your life for Christ, you will save your life.
  • It is essential to be converted and become as innocent as little children.
  • You are not to have authority over one another.
  • God expects spiritual fruit from our lives.
  • You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.
  • You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.
  • Jesus severely chastised the religious leaders (Matthew 23).
  • Jesus said "MANY will come in my name and DECEIVE many."
  • Jesus expected His followers to feed the hungry and thirsty.
  • Jesus expected His followers to comfort the sick and the prisoners.
  • Jesus shed His blood for the remission of the sins of many.
  • Jesus said go and teach all nations what He taught.
In all of the teachings of Jesus Christ, Jesus did not teach anything about "going to church". He also did not teach the religious customs and traditions of pastors, who compel Christians into many bondages--such as building physical church buildings and many other non-essentials of life. The teachings of Jesus Christ revolve around repentance, faith, character, humility, compassion, love, mercy, justice and living by the principles Jesus taught. On the other hand, it is men who stand in pulpits that demand obedience to their personal lordship and that demand your loyalty and your money, not to Christ but to their personal vanities (Matthew 23).

The simplicity that is in Jesus Christ is lost in a world of man-made customs and traditions which are built upon a foundation of sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Do we believe Jesus Christ or do we hear another voice (John 10:27)?

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