Too Many Mundane Issues

[gevo]

Just to intrude on this conversation for a second, I'd like to introduce the idea that... Well, this really isn't that difficult. All I really need to do is read what the Bible says, compare it with current life and see the astonishing parallels. Let me explain; It is the case that the middle East 'crisis' is at epic proportions at this point in time. Epic because of the world powers involved, do you think there will be a nuclear war? I don't think so, why? Just look at what is prophecised by the Bible. What is currently undertaking is exactly what is deemed to be. The world is closer to a 'one world' government than ever before. The marking of every person with a computer chip inserted into the body is on the verge of a break-through, in fact through some simple research you will find that there are parents who supply their newly borns with such devices currently.

 

Like I said, someone who has knowledge of the Bible can not disregard the parallels, only a couple of which I spoke of above. This should atleast show to everyone that the Bible in its current form has some authority, perhaps even if in your eyes only enough to merely 'start' investigating it. You can't simply keep ignoring facts, or keep stating they are not facts without evidence to support it yourself.

[gigglyshy]

I usually see priests and others within the Armenian Apostolic and even some Evangelical circles talking about issues that are secondary at best. As Christians, shouldn't we be primarily concerned about one's relationship to the living God of the Universe? I see other issues taking precedence, like Armenian identity, the holocaust, Armenian cultural observances, etc. Some may be gasping at the fact that I mentioned the holocaust is a secondary issue and that it should not be at the forefront of Armenian interest. Should it? Maybe it should, to those who are only Christian by name but not to those who have a real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are in Christ realize that all these issues are mundane and that the pressing issue should be the proclamation of the gospel. There can be nothing more important than the salvation of souls or can there be? Can you name anything else that can be more important than the salvation of souls from eternal hell? I can't think of one. So, why would these "Christian" Armenians be so misguided as to priorities? Here are a few thoughts I have.

 

1. The truth of Christ is not a reality but just a passing acceptance due to their allegiance to a religious system.

2. Being Armenian prevails over being a Christian which is a form of idolatry.

3. The Armenian Church is inseparable to the identity of Armenian culture and therefore advocating Armenian heritage or Armenian interests one would assumingly be advocating Christianity and thus satisfying their need for any religious practice.

4. Self elevation rather than Christ elevation.

5. Personal holiness is not a concern.

 

 

The underlying issue I would say is pride. Armenian identity is preeminent in the Armenian community, especially in the Diasporas.

 

1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”

 

Armenians have a great history of heritage and culture, an ancient people but does that outweigh the greatness of the gospel? Never! Does this mean we should never teach about Armenian heritage to the next generation? No. Just don’t make it your main concern because whatever precedes in priority to the person of Jesus Christ, be it culture, identity, accomplishments, etc, it is idolatry. Only the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of such praise and admiration.

 

Heb 1:10-12: And, "YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A GARMENT, AND LIKE A MANTLE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END."

 

This world is perishing and will come to an end. Don’t let your work be in vain. There is no identity in heaven other than those who have been saved by the blood of Christ. A Christian, a true Christian will see this and his desires will not be misguided. Christians will desire to give their utmost for the advancement of God’s kingdom and not their own.

 

_________________________________

 

more at http://www.armeniansforchrist.com

 

ehh, Armenians are like this and so are Jews and Greeks. It's because they went through a genocide which wiped out so many people, so they are more afraid of their culture and people dying out than salvation in heaven.

 

of course Armenians have pride. They remind me of white supremecists, except instead, it's Armenian culture supremecists. They give credit to what they think has helped them survive for all of these years-themselves, instead of God. They think that GOd ditched out on helping them and that they survived on their own. So a lot of Armenians think that they don't need God even though it is God who kept our race from dying out so far.

 

There's nothing wrong with culture. Culture is like icing on the cake, or what gives flavor to the Armenian Orthodox Church. It's what makes our church different from an Arabic Orthodox Church and such. You're not the only one who thinks that culture shouldn't be the first thing that armenians think about. 99% of priests will agree with you on that. But priests and people involved within the churches have put themselves in a lose-lose situation. They are afraid that if they voice their views, then nobody will come to church. So out of fear of people leaving, they don't voice their opinion, because everyone knows that Armenians are really hotheaded when it comes to the smallest comments denoting our culture as less significant than anything else in this world. Besides, that's not the way to change people's minds. It's easier to convince people of your opinions through actions instead of through words. that's how people like Mother Teresa were able to change people... by portraying the messages from the Gospels through actions. People like her were like magnets. everyone pays attention to a loving person who follows Jesus' words. Most people don't listen to words nowadays.. it just causes problems in my opinion. Maybe that's why silence is considered such a powerful virtue.

 

I personally know many priests who love the Lord with all their hearts and tell people all the time about how our faith in Christ is more important than anything else in this world. I think people tune it out though. I've heard dozens and dozens of wonderful sermons given by priests in the Armenian Orthodox Church, based upon readings from the Bible. I think that most Armenians who tune out this stuff are missing out on some good edifying material!

 

Don't blame the priests and people. Everyone blames them for doing too much or not enough. They don't run the churches. In some ways you could view them as servants for our church, because they don't do anything else but that. How can you go and condemn someone who has given up having a good job and a good and easy life to serve the church, just because the church still has problems?! Maybe instead of complaining, you should do something to help. Priests and people can't do ita ll on their own. Even the apostles had help in their ministry. Armenians are so pessimistic. They love victimizing themselves when it comes to the genocide (which I understand) and with everything else in life. If Christ has risen from the dead and has trampled down death by death, then I don't understand why eveyrone is saying "woe is me"! We have victory through Christ, so we shouldn't be living as though we are dead. If there's a problem, then ask God to guide you in fixing it! Quit blaming people though. Just as we can't stand those who complain about our government's decisions but they never vote, I can't stand people who complain about the chruch but never do anything about it. go ahead and complain in vain, it wont get you anywhere. It will just make you a sour and bitter person. Or you could take the next step and lend a helping hand, since we are afterall, one body in Christ, so in order for the entire body to be working, everyone should be lending a hand.

 

jasmine

[Rog]

I usually see priests and others within the Armenian Apostolic and even some Evangelical circles talking about issues that are secondary at best. As Christians, shouldn't we be primarily concerned about one's relationship to the living God of the Universe? I see other issues taking precedence, like Armenian identity, the holocaust, Armenian cultural observances, etc. Some may be gasping at the fact that I mentioned the holocaust is a secondary issue and that it should not be at the forefront of Armenian interest. Should it? Maybe it should, to those who are only Christian by name but not to those who have a real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who are in Christ realize that all these issues are mundane and that the pressing issue should be the proclamation of the gospel. There can be nothing more important than the salvation of souls or can there be? Can you name anything else that can be more important than the salvation of souls from eternal hell? I can't think of one. So, why would these "Christian" Armenians be so misguided as to priorities? Here are a few thoughts I have.

 

1. The truth of Christ is not a reality but just a passing acceptance due to their allegiance to a religious system.

2. Being Armenian prevails over being a Christian which is a form of idolatry.

3. The Armenian Church is inseparable to the identity of Armenian culture and therefore advocating Armenian heritage or Armenian interests one would assumingly be advocating Christianity and thus satisfying their need for any religious practice.

4. Self elevation rather than Christ elevation.

5. Personal holiness is not a concern.

 

 

The underlying issue I would say is pride. Armenian identity is preeminent in the Armenian community, especially in the Diasporas.

 

1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”

 

Armenians have a great history of heritage and culture, an ancient people but does that outweigh the greatness of the gospel? Never! Does this mean we should never teach about Armenian heritage to the next generation? No. Just don’t make it your main concern because whatever precedes in priority to the person of Jesus Christ, be it culture, identity, accomplishments, etc, it is idolatry. Only the Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of such praise and admiration.

 

Heb 1:10-12: And, "YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A GARMENT, AND LIKE A MANTLE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END."

 

This world is perishing and will come to an end. Don’t let your work be in vain. There is no identity in heaven other than those who have been saved by the blood of Christ. A Christian, a true Christian will see this and his desires will not be misguided. Christians will desire to give their utmost for the advancement of God’s kingdom and not their own.

 

_________________________________

 

more at http://www.armeniansforchrist.com

 

Amen!! I agree with you completely. May Christ be exalted and praised!

 

Roger