LayGuy

I was checking out the Mars Hill website tonight and came across their vital links section on Jesus. Even though Mars Hill cops a lot of crap form both liberals and conservatives, the one thing I hold them in high esteem is their undiluted surrender to the authority of Scripture.

As a “moderate” Christian, I can relate to this take. I have reservations to Christian tradition and liberalism - choosing instead to remain relevant to modern society while grounded in ancient doctrine.

But one thing that struck me tonight as I checked out their Jesus section was the following passage:

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.” 2 Cor 11:3-4

Apparently it’s totally possible to be a follower of Jesus and still be susceptible to “receiving a different spirit” from the one we receive when we accept Christ. This sends shivers up my spine - the fact that although we are “sealed by the Spirit” we can still be influenced by an outside influence in the following manner:

• You actually chose to accept another spirit
• You do it without questioning
• You put up with it
• You are being conned just like Eve in the Garden

When we read the Genesis account, internally we may think, “Eve - why were you so dumb?” We do this not realising that we do the same thing ourselves when we accept as “truth” things which border on truth but which have been slightly skewed.

I know I may come across all “fundie” with this post, but I strongly believe that some of what the Emergent church promotes comes from this “different spirit.” As I’ve said before, I think it’s great to question fundamentalism and traditions, but there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed when you start questioning doctrine.

The above verse has brought this reality to my mind even more and that’s why I appreciate even more Mars Hill attempt at presenting Jesus from Scripture. Be sure to check out their section here.