- Although technically this is not a 'Fringe' episode, how many of you are frustrated with churches/pastors being more about money? Well, this is your listen. Some call it the 'Prosperity Gospel' and it draws in many and pushes away many. Here you go...
- Heck, my wife and I don't agree on everything. I do take his words seriously and I will further vett this. Just know it is okay to question. Faith does not exist without doubt. May a pastor never be considered greater than Jesus. May a building never become greater than the Bible.
- You heard me say it before, if you are looking for a church or a new podcast or mentor, my recommendation is the following: God/Jesus centered. Bible centered: Genesis through Revelation. Primary focus is on Loving God and Loving Others. Jesus' top two commands. If they are all about money, look out. I thought both Casey and Rick made great points. Jesus first. Yet Rick astutely mentioned certain churches grab Jesus and then add 1,000 hoops to it - like the Mormons or Jehova Witnesses or name your next cult. Some of you react, that isn't very loving. You ask my mormon friends, I love them. Ask my atheist friends, I love them. Ask HotRod in which he is a huge fan of other preachers that aren't my cup of tea, I love him. Ask HotRod about Rick Warren being my favorite teacher and one of his least, he still loves and cares about me. May we never put any man or woman or thing above Jesus and our Heavenly Father. That would be commandment #1. #2 You love others, even the ones in which you disgree. If you must share where you disagree, best to do it in a loving, factual, truthful way. Then be prepared to love them whether they agree with you or not.
- I love Casey's words about praying for those that you disagree. Very wise. Jesus tells us to do exactly that. I pray for my mormon friends. When they challenge me, I'm ready. In a loving way I've told them, I love it that you have Jesus involved. I don't like it that Joseph Smith added a 1,000 hoops back on top of Jesus saying that is what is needed to go to heaven. For those buying into that, I love you and I believe that is a lie. Jesus words are enough for me. Jesus came to take the silly hoops away. Jesus came to correct churches not to be all about money and even flipped over their tables. Mormons, Jehohav, fill in the blank, you show me where in Jesus' words he says that he's not enough. Jesus flat out said, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, nobody comes to the Father except by me. Check out John 14:6. You don't need a new age prophet or pastor that works in Jesus yet redefines the rules on what it takes to get to heaven. That's a major flag. Of course I encourage you to read. Matt, Mark, Luke John, read Jesus words' for yourself and then judge for yourself. Don't take my words for it. I'm not Jesus. I look up to Jesus to answer these tough questions. That is the Truth Ruth!
- Whew! Seriously lifting today. As you know, I'm not afraid to land on a secular song. Rule alert! Haha! I do love picking a secular song that helps put an issue into focus. Helps, you, me and perhaps a church and pastor to look in the mirror. Are you all about money? This is "Money" by Pink Floyd. If you dig, give them some love, add it to your playlist and may it from now on be a reminder to question a church's intention with money and also your heart for where to properly give to those truly in need and/or doing great works...now, go, read, search for Truth and Love...
