No More Hacking, Part 5

Shawn McCraney emphasizes the importance of engaging with others who hold different beliefs peacefully and respectfully, highlighting that faith and love, rather than argument, are vital for spiritual growth and unity. By reflecting on biblical debates, like the one in Acts regarding circumcision, he suggests pondering and considering differing views to allow God’s guidance, rather than rigidly adhering to dogma.

Comprehend the transformation of faith interpretation from Greek "Dokeo," which emphasizes personal belief and perception, to Latin "Dogma," demanding mandatory acceptance of doctrine, highlighting the contrast between individual accountability and adherence to imposed beliefs. Teach children the importance of self-reflection by categorizing daily behaviors into 'Rats', 'Tsars', and 'Stars', symbolizing different life choices, and help them understand the uniqueness of choosing to be noble or heavenly amidst the commonality of self-serving behavior.

Shawn argues that institutional religion, like big government, corporations, and media, centralizes power and control in the hands of a few while marginalizing the majority, drawing parallels with Noam Chomsky's documentary "Requiem for the American Dream." He suggests that organized religion focuses on maintaining authority and control over believers through persuasive leadership and practices, which often distract from true spiritual teachings.

The teaching emphasizes that Jesus, the promised Messiah, fulfilled biblical prophecies by reconciling the world to God through His sacrifice, and His coming marked an end to traditional religious institutions, leaving only faith and love as the essence of Christian commandments. With the rise of spiritual principles over physical constructs, believers now have God's laws written on their hearts, live as free individuals, and are encouraged to know God personally without reliance on religious hierarchies or edifices.

Shawn's teaching focuses on the notion that organized religious institutions, like other societal structures, often mirror the control and governance observed in large organizations, potentially moving away from individual spiritual journeys. He emphasizes the importance of personal faith and exploration over adhering to communal doctrines, urging believers to not only speak of love for God and neighbors but to actively demonstrate it through genuine actions, aligning with biblical teachings.

By embracing love and obedience as demonstrated by Jesus, one is encouraged to shift focus from traditional evangelism to living out the character of Christ through genuine love without an agenda. The teaching emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through works but through grace, and loving others authentically reflects the true essence of Christianity, freeing individuals from the guilt of not perfectly fulfilling perceived religious obligations.

The message discusses the anxiety of transitioning out of a previous religious practice and questions the validity of "laying on of hands" blessings in the name of Christ, seeking clarity on whether such practices align with what is pleasing to the Lord. The authors express their shift towards direct prayer to the Lord and ask for guidance on whether to continue with the "laying on of hands" blessings, reflecting on past confirmations they felt through those experiences.