Romans 12:2 Inspires the 4 Rs

Re-imagine

Rebrand

Relearn

Reteach

Phil Miglioratti curates The Re-imagine Network

Lead Pastor, Jeff Jones, of Chase Oaks Church in Plano Texas is working on Rebranding Christianity.

https://www.chaseoaks.org/articles/a-conversation-about-rebranding-christianity

The Israel Bible Center states, “The Bible does not need to be rewritten, but it needs to be reread."  This may not be enough.  Perhaps the Bible needs to be relearned… and retaught. (See John 12:47)

Phil,

Thanks for sending me this quote from the Israel Bible Center.

"The Bible does not need to be rewritten, but it needs to be reread."

My re-imagination sees this differently.

The Bible does not need to be rewritten, but it needs to be relearned… and taught better.

Any reimaginer worth being the salt of the earth will spend an hour and 15 minutes here ignoring and skippig any ads:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPcmEo6hXxI

 NO DOUBT!!!  And it would probably be a Scriptural 40 pages long!

The question is:

Would organized church (i.e., what Church has become) leaders open the letter?

Or, because of how many “ships have sailed” over the last 1800 years – dogma, fear mongering, customs, practices, traditions of which a significant number were acquired by merger – would Paul’s letter get thrown into the shredder?

Secular:  “The goal is not to be liked, it's to be respected.”— Unknown

Evanlogicals:  Just want to be good and faithful servants.

Secular:  “Albert Camus noted that ‘integrity has no need of rules’, an observation lamentably in stark conflict with the leadership of today’s American institutions, be they political, governmental, commercial, educational, community, charitable or spiritual.”— Coe D. Behr, Southern humorist, critic and canophilist

Evanlogically:  We all need rules.  For all have debauched and fall short of the Integrity of God.  Romans 3:23… kinda sorta.

Secular:  “Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”— C.S. Lewis, (1898-1963)

Evanlogically:  Getting over religion and coming to Faith is so painful because the monkey bars are made of bricks, mortar, liturgy, ritual and tradition.

This is the best Christmas greeting sent to me this year.  It reserves the word “Merry” for those who celebrate the winter solstice.  For what reason should mankind be merry that the Word had to become flesh?

Years ago, to save advertising costs, the promoters of “Merry Commerce” took Christ out of “Xmas.”  Christ has now been restored, if only in the vernacular.

But Evanlogically, has Christ actually been restored to the hearts of people?  This could be aided by changing the name and date Christ’s Birth is remembered:

The Commemoration of Christ’s Birth, held annually on Worldwide Communion Day.

But as it was in the beginning… organized religion opposes change to its centuries-old practices.   Perhaps those who run the business of organized religion could have their hearts softened by a former commercial business practice:  taking something out of Christmas.

Drop the “Merry” for something less gruesome, more befitting honoring our Redeemer for what the Birth of Christ meant… and means.

My current pastor shared a Christmas poem called: A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Manger. If you'd like to view it, just click on the link.

So, I sent Bill the following message:

Was this a parody?  I sensed the meter of the secular poem, “The night Before Christmas.”

Would it be OK with you if this poem were shared with the 1^st Evanlogical Church congregation when they Commemorate the Reason for the Birth of Christ?

You could present it yourself!  The Commemoration will be held Sunday, October 2, 2022 in conjunction with Worldwide Communion Day.

1^st Evanlogical Church of Open Your Eyes, Look Around and Pay Attention.

Located in the forest through the trees.

Seekers of needles in hay stacks welcome.

If you make a grievous mistake, then realize it, shouldn’t you correct it?

Organized religion made such a mistake when it officially set December 25^th as Christmas.  This overlapped a pagan feast, now called the winter solstice.

Over the succeeding centuries, Christmas was infiltrated by pagan practices.  Fir trees were incorporated in the 16^th century.  Father Christmas arrived in the latter part of the 19^th century.

Christmas became commercialized early in the 20^th century.  Later “Xmas” was used to reduce advertising costs for merchants.  Near the end of that century, what was now called holiday shopping season expanded.  It now encroaches on the 4^th of July.

This 1700 year-old tradition, Christmas, is annually buried under pagan based, secular commotion.  Each year Christians participate in this procession:  a funeral procession that is reburying Christ.

It’s time for Christianity to confess its Christ dishonoring error.  It’s time for Christianity to correct its conduct.   It’s time for Christianity to commemorate, not “celebrate,” the reason that Christ had to be born on earth.  A more Honoring time would be the first Sunday in October – Worldwide Communion day.

https://reimaginenetwork.ning.com/members/RichardHSkibaJr

Sharing faith in Christ.  How do we begin?

Well, how do we start sharing math with pre-kindergarten children?

“OK, boys and girls, open your “Calculus for Everyday Use” text book to page 316.”

There was no pre-school back in 1951.  When I started school in “grade 0” in 1953, the teacher asked us how high could we count.  She didn’t even use a book.

So, how do we start sharing Christian faith with pre-believer children of God?

“Friend, look here in the Bible.  See what it says in John 3:16.”

Christianity is straight forward and simple.  YES!  SIMPLE!

Heaven is perfect.  Are you perfect?  Can you rectify all your flaws going back to your birth to make yourself perfect? Other theologies state that all one needs to get to Heaven is more good deeds than bad. Is that perfection? How could Heaven be perfect if imperfection is allowed to enter?

Put away “The Book” for later use.  Start with counting… and Who can be counted on.

It is said that there is an ongoing Spiritual war [herein after War].  Sometimes, as a Christian, it sure feels that way, especially around the end of the calendar year.

In  the mid-fourth century, the organized church set December 25^th as the official date Christianity was to celebrate the birth of Christ.  There was gestation math at the time that supported this date.

This was just at the end of the Roman holiday, Saturnalia (also Yuletide or winter solstice celebration).  Saturn was thought of as the god of agriculture – think food and grapes.  And, oh, could those Romans party!  The organized church hoped to gain a foothold for Christianity by celebrating Christ’s Birth during this festival.

The first Christmas ship had sailed.  The War was engaged.

Rather early in the 6^th century, Christmas became an official civil (secular) holiday.  This was the first battle the organized church lost.

For a few years early in the 17^th century, the church that had rebelled against the organized church banned the celebration of Christmas.  Did that rebelliously organizing church foresee the folly of this War?  They had the zeal to change the battle plan, but didn’t know what to offer.  It would take nearly three more centuries for that option to appear:  Worldwide Communion Day.

After this rebellion against Christmas, both organized churches fell back in line.  The second Christian battle loss.

The pagans and seculars, seizing this opportunity, escalated the War.  Giving and receiving presents had long been a tradition of the pagan’s December practices.  Later in the 19^th century, the gift giving Father Christmas was welcomed into Christian homes.  Battle loss number three for Christianity.

Christmas in the 20th century changed greatly from what it was in the 19^th. People still put up Christmas trees, a pagan tradition adopted by Christians before the 17^th century rebellion.  They filled stockings, and held holiday parties. What was the big difference?  Christmas became commercialized.  This was the fourth consecutive battle on behalf of Christ lost.

Throughout the 20^th century, the attrition on the Spiritual side spiraled out of control.  The holiday was celebrated as Xmas.  “They’ve taken Christ out of the picture,” was the church’s nearly inaudible battle cry.  Battle losses mounted to five.

Then, in the 21^st century, purveyors of the Holiday Shopping Season, as it is now known, dropped the big one.  Christmas shopping on the Internet.  No one even had to go to the mall anymore.  The fleet of Christmas ships that had been sailing since the 4^th century was decimated.  The War now seemed lost.

Yet some of the Christian ships are still afloat.  These remaining ships must be turned to safer waters.  It makes no sense to keep fighting to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25^th. That has been a losing battle for nearly 1800 years.

Let’s start Commemorating (why were we celebrating needing to have God “save our bacon” in the first place) the Birth of Christ on Worldwide communion day; the first Sunday in October.  This may look like a defeat to the non-Christian world.  For the sake of the Saving Grace offered through Christ, however, it would be a strategic retreat.

Contrary to congregational opinion, Evanlogicals do not hate December holidays.

Christians say that Christ is the reason for the season.  Evanlogicals hear that.  Amen!  Opening their eyes, looking around and paying attention, however, Evanlogicals wonder if the Christian slogan rings True.

You better think
When you go out on that shopping spree

Yeah, think
Think about it Evanlogically

Christ’s message would come through more clearly if we separated the commemoration of the birth of Christ from the winter solstice holiday shopping season.

People at the mall every day
Buying gift cards at the stores
With time getting short, they lose focus

Ah, be careful you don't lose yours

We shouldn’t be trying to fool God as to what we’re actually doing this time of year. He can see for himself.

You better think

Hanging ornaments upon that tree
Think
Think about it Evanlogically

Paraphrasing the Bible, let’s render unto the winter solstice that which is the winter solstice’s.  Then render unto God that which is God’s – on Worldwide Communion day.  That is closer to a possible time of the year for the Birth of Christ anyway.

There’s no Scriptural prohibition on shopping for gifts in December or even having parties. Just don’t worship any sun gods.

Then Christians could sincerely wish everybody a merry commerce without any spiritual guilt whatsoever.

Contrary to congregational opinion, Evanlogicals do not hate December holidays.

Christians say that Christ is the reason for the season.  Evanlogicals hear that.  Amen!  Opening their eyes, looking around and paying attention, however, Evanlogicals wonder if the Christian slogan rings True. 

You better think
When you go out on that shopping spree

Yeah, think
Think about it Evanlogically

Christ’s message would come through more clearly if we separated the commemoration of the birth of Christ from the winter solstice holiday shopping season.

People at the mall every day
Buying gift cards at the stores
With time getting short, they lose focus

Ah, be careful you don't lose yours

We shouldn’t be trying to fool God as to what we’re actually doing this time of year. He can see for himself.

You better think

Hanging ornaments upon that tree
Think
Think about it Evanlogically

Paraphrasing the Bible, let’s render unto the winter solstice that which is the winter solstice’s.  Then render unto God that which is God’s – on Worldwide Communion day.  That is closer to a possible time of the year for the Birth of Christ anyway.

There’s no Scriptural prohibition on shopping for gifts in December or even having parties. Just don’t worship any sun gods.

Then Christians could sincerely wish everybody a merry commerce without any spiritual guilt whatsoever.

Phil,

This re-imagining Came to me this morning.

Evangelicals earnestly want to share the Gospel.  But how is what they share heard by those with whom they are sharing.

What they want to convey is

“Jesus loves you this I know

For the Bible tells me so.”

But does it come across like this?

“You’re go-ing to hell I know

For the Bible tells me so

If you don’t do what I say

Your soul is go-ing to pay

How do I know this?

How do I know this?

How do I know this?

I’m Evangelical.”

It should never be forgotten, and always preached or shared, that Jesus Came with an Offer, not a threat.

The Bible will never lead you astray. That is what inerrancy means.  It doesn't mean the Bible is an exact history.

This makes complete Evanlogical sense.

So, why is “inerrancy,” at times, preached arrogantly?

WHAT?!?!  WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?  SOME KIND OF EVANLOGICAL?

Yes, I’m an Evanlogical.  Before you go all “4^th century” on me, let me share about re-imagining.

Charles Spurgeon is a great theologian.  But, he was just a man.  Jesus also was a man, but not for His whole Lifetime.  There is the difference.

No way could anyone re-imagine Jesus.  Men and their teachings, however, can be.  It is not with any dispersions that Spurgeon’s quotation below is re-imagined.  It is just being updated and made stronger for these times.

Thus, Amen, Charles, with one slight adjustment. When the word "religion" appears for the second time, substitute the word "faith."

You were not wrong. Christians, today, see faith in Christ as more important than religion.  It is by faith that we now  say, "It is Done."

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded for things they have created.  They had the idea for the book, the story, the new invention, the improvement to an existing object, discovering a procedure, cure or vaccine to treat medical illness, etc.

They refer to these creations as “my innovation” or “my book.”  Others refer to them as “produced by” or “written by.”  Evanlogicals, however, see things differently.

This begins with a word most would spell “i-d-e-a.”  The Evanlogical spelling is “Inspiration.”  The capitalization in that spelling is not an error.  It is reverent.

God Created everything in and on this earth.  Thus, the Evanlogical version of the phrase “there is nothing new under the Son.”

This means everything spoken of above, has always been known to God.  The human “creators” and “their ideas” are nothing more than a revelation by God.  Evanlogicals share things that have been Shared with them.  They transcribe what has been Shared with them indicating that it is merely shared by.

The Gospels are called the Books of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.  They are also referred to as the Gospels according to Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.  Aren’t they really By God, According to God?  Shouldn’t they, Evanlogically, be titled the Gospels as Shared by Matthew, Luke, Mark and John?

Some may consider Evanlogicals prideful because they claim Inspiration for things produced through them.  We ask those to pray over this:

Which is more humble?

Claiming human creation?

Acknowledging Inspiration by God?

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded for things they have created.  They had the idea for the book, the story, the new invention, the improvement to an existing object, discovering a procedure, cure or vaccine to treat medical illness, etc.

They refer to these creations as “my innovation” or “my book.”  Others refer to them as “produced by” or “written by.”  Evanlogicals, however, see things differently.

This begins with a word most would spell “i-d-e-a.”  The Evanlogical spelling is “Inspiration.”  The capitalization in that spelling is not an error.  It is reverent.

God Created everything in and on this earth.  Thus, the Evanlogical version of the phrase “there is nothing new under the Son.”

This means everything spoken of above, has always been known to God.  The human “creators” and “their ideas” are nothing more than a revelation by God.  Evanlogicals share things that have been Shared with them.  They transcribe what has been Shared with them indicating that it is merely shared by.

The Gospels are called the Books of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.  They are also referred to as the Gospels according to Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.  Aren’t they really By God, According to God?  Shouldn’t they, Evanlogically, be titled the Gospels as Shared by Matthew, Luke, Mark and John?

Some may consider Evanlogicals prideful because they claim Inspiration for things produced through them.  We ask those to pray over this:

Which is more humble?

Claiming human creation?

Acknowledging Inspiration by God?

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded for things they have created.  They had the idea for the book, the story, the new invention, the improvement to an existing object, discovering a procedure, cure or vaccine to treat medical illness, etc.

They refer to these creations as “my innovation” or “my book.”  Others refer to them as “produced by” or “written by.”  Evanlogicals, however, see things differently.

This begins with a word most would spell “i-d-e-a.”  The Evanlogical spelling is “Inspiration.”  The capitalization in that spelling is not an error.  It is reverent.

God Created everything in and on this earth.  Thus, the Evanlogical version of the phrase “there is nothing new under the Son.”

This means everything spoken of above, has always been known to God.  The human “creators” and “their ideas” are nothing more than a revelation by God.  Evanlogicals share things that have been Shared with them.  They transcribe what has been Shared with them indicating that it is merely shared by.

The Gospels are called the Books of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.  They are also referred to as the Gospels according to Matthew, Luke, Mark and John.  Aren’t they really By God, According to God?  Shouldn’t they, Evanlogically, be titled the Gospels as Shared by Matthew, Luke, Mark and John?

Some may consider Evanlogicals prideful because they claim Inspiration for things produced through them.  We ask those to pray over this:

Which is more humble?

Claiming human creation?

Acknowledging Inspiration by God?

As a well-educated broken one, I notice that many well-educated broken ones are not getting the message when it is delivered Evangelically. My prayer is that organized religion will at least look at Evanlogicalism.

It is not a new faith. It is just a different method of trying to give an understanding of how faith in Christ actually works.

If these well-educated broken ones can wrap their minds around Christianity in a logical way, Faith may travel to their hearts. The Spirit lives where the brain bone is connected to the heart bone.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/rick.skiba.1 for more on Evanlogicalism.

Photo below from:

David Schoeman