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Posted by Pastor Randy Burbank  for “Kingdom Pastor”  @  https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com

Original post @ https://kingdompastor.wordpress.com/2023/06/19/bible-bullies/

BIBLE BULLIES!

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Pastor Randy

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 & 17; from the King James Version (KJV)

I’m accused of hating Progressives, well at least discounting the views of Progressives, because I have written so much about them. And I confess that I have “pointed-out” so many of their fallacies. It’s so easy to see them once you put a lot of prayer and reflection into it. One of my nemesis, Stephen, is quick to point out my picking on them while ignoring the other side. (What Stephen may not realize is that he and I agree on more than we disagree.) So Stephen, today I’m turning my thoughts and writings towards the ultra-conservative/Fundamentalist camps. Now, they will be mad at me, too!

For the sake of keeping me from touching so many keys, I will use the term Fundamentalists. These are the folks that have a very, I mean VERY narrow understanding of The Bible. Narrower than the eye of a number 12 sewing needle. Fundamentalists are experts at taking The Bible out of context. They take the words and then reshape them to fit into their views. And with the zeal of a Muslim fanatic, they set out to get the world straight!

These are what I call The Bible Bullies. They see it like a Japanese Katana Sword–and swing it wildly around, inflicting as many decapitations as possible. They also use it like a collapsible baton. No, not the kind majorettes use–but the kind used by law enforcement. If you don’t know what that looks like, well, here’s you a picture:

If you saw somebody coming towards you with a sword, you would run in the opposite direction, finding someone who runs slower than you. But the baton is only a few inches long, which makes it easy to conceal. And at the right moment, a flick of the wrist it fully extends. And when one swings and aims it at a person’s shins, it’s enough to bring you to your knees. If you’ve ever walked into a trailer hitch on a pickup, you get a small sense of what it feels like. The Bible Bullies love this technique.

They take The Bible and use it to inflict abuse and pain on those they deem to be, well to use one of their words, abominations! They swing it around wildly while loudly proclaiming that you are a vile and wicked sinner. Because their understanding of Scriptures is so very narrow, they see a target rich environment. They are convinced that their duty is to point out where everyone else is wrong. They are the dour and sour judges of the world. After they leave, the field is replete with bruised and bloodied casualties. And these casualties make up their minds that if this is what following Jesus looks like, they want no part of it.

Reflecting upon The Bible Bullies, I now understand why so many have run towards the Progressive Camp. Heck, if I didn’t know the real Jesus, and if I didn’t know the true work of the Holy Spirit, I would probably run there, too! My Fundamentalist Friends (which I will probably have fewer of if they read this), I have just 7 words for you: STOP IT! STOP IT! PLEASE, STOP IT! You are making my work a lot harder. In fact, I would say that just one Bible Bully inflicts more damage on hearts and minds than a score of Progressives.

Say what? I just heard a Fundamentalist say, “But that’s what Paul told Timothy to do! It’s for reproof and correction! I’m just doing what Paul told him to do!” OK, so here’s the context (and I know how much you hate context). The context is Verse 17: “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.“ Take that Weaponized Bible Baton and hit yourself on the shin. Make sure you swing it really hard! Bible Bullies, focus on yourself and align your whole life with The Bible. Then seeing the world transformed will be the work of God, and NOT you!

Here is what I wish Fundamentalists would do if they are not going to stop being Bible Bullies! I wish you would be like a Private Facebook Page where only members can see what it posted. I wish you would turn your alleged church into a private club; complete with a bouncer to keep out riff-raff like myself. Then rant and rave against all those sinners out there in the world. Make yourselves comfortable in your kind of righteousness. Bible Bullies bring shame and disgrace to The Bible and The Kingdom of God! This is how I see it. Guess that makes me an abomination–if not to God–then at least to the Bible Bullies.

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT is your soul “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/