Loophole Christianity?

Definition,
loophole: a means of escape; especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded

ambiguity: an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context



As I look at the above definition of loophole, I realize that I have been guilty at times of trying to find these so called loopholes or ambiguities of scripture to help support some pet sin or even something more sinister, the propping up of some false irrational explanation of scripture. If we are to hold to the sufficiency of scripture these so called loopholes simply put, "just do not exist". After all scripture is it's own best interpreter as we the believer are empowered by the Holy Spirit ( 2 Timothy 3:16). I am not talking about some vague theological construct such as the rapture timing and the millennial reign of Christ.

All false religions and cults are not only guilty of misinterpreting scripture, but guilty of searching for a "loophole" or ambiguity in scripture to support their methodology and demonic doctrine. They hope to find a way to wiggle around certain orthodox essentials, that if they were to accept, would after all make them "orthodox". The fact that their is a such thing as false doctrine and heresy shows the extreme effort man, inspired by Satan, will use to try to get to God through a loophole. Unaided by the Holy Spirit and by creating a God of ones own imagination.(John 10:1)

The "professing" christian that is so close to the truth and yet finds himself searching for the so called loopholes and ambiguities in scripture, the purposeful systematic approach of hunting down and misapplying scripture to suit his/her own design and fancy, finds themselves not far removed from the false religions. Remember that those who teach doctrine are held to a stricter judgement. (James 3:1) I think at times in our Christian life we unknowingly stumble in that direction.
So, what are some of these so called loopholes and ambiguities that "professing" Christians most often find themselves looking for or even attracted to?

1. A gospel of no Repentance? Saved with no changed life?

2. Doctrine and theology are not important only the gospel matters.

3. There is no need for Christians to go to church, I go only when I feel like it, God doesn't
mind.

4. The fellowship of other believers is really not that vital.

5. Watching or listening to certain media is a choice, after all it is a "gray" area.

6. Sharing the gospel with others is not really for me, after all scripture does
say that only some have the gift of evangelism.

7. My friend is in a false religion, it is not my place to say something to him.

8. My friend who is a christian is in obvious open sin but I am not to judge him, after all we
all sin as Christians anyway.

9. I am to live this christian life to the fullest suffering is not in the plan or will of God for me?

10. Just showing up for church on Sunday is good enough, I don't need to be involved in the life
my church.

I am sure there are many more that can be added to this list. But, for now I want to explore these a lil deeper in future posts.

Nolan

Is it a command for Christians to go to Church?

Hebrews 10:24-25
24-and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds 25-,not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

There is a growing trend of professing Christians who are leaving churches for one reason or another. Some with very good reasons, false doctrine, lack of leadership, lack of church discipline etc. Some, for physical reasons can not attend a local congregation.
But, there are some who simply say, I CHOOSE not to go to church or assemble with the saints any longer. They say it is a privilege to go to church and not a command.
Well, it is a privilege afforded to us by God. To that I say amen! But is it a command? I mean if you COMMAND me to do something won't I just resent it? NO!
As a Christian there is something to be said for being OBEDIENT to Gods commands in scripture. We are obedient to God because we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love God.

1 John 5:1-4
(1)Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.(2) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments(3)For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and His commandments are not burdensome.(4) For whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.


Some would look at the verses in Hebrews 10:25 as simply a suggestion by God. Is that what it really is, just a suggestion? There is something really wrong under the hood of the professing Christian who looks at these verses just simply as a suggestion. As if they know what is best for them and not God. If a person has a problem submitting to the CLEAR teaching of God's word then something is seriously amiss.
This is not a cookies on the top shelf theological issue. It only becomes problematic when an individual tries to explain it away.
It pains me to no end when we see someone like Harold Camping and the like, try and persuade people to forsake the assembly of the saints. What is even worse is to see the success rate they have. I will admit that the state of what we call evangelicalism has been under attack by the enemy since the beginning of the New Testament Church. Satan has been trying since Adam and Eve to divide the husband and the bride. So now he is trying to divide Christ from his bride the church. Which in God's sovereign plan he is allowing to happen.
Anyone who tells or encourages someone to depart from the visible Church, or you do not need to assemble together with other believers is against scripture.
They are teaching things that are false. They are false teachers plain and simple.