30 Myths of the Christian World – Dr. George Cherian

The sermon was intended to bust some myths that are prevalent as traditions and beliefs among contemporary born-again Christians. Out of the 30 myths, this first part covers eight. 
To begin with, the preacher defined what is a myth. It is a widely held but false believe or idea. Some synonyms include misconception and fallacy. It is important that we know the truth; as John 8:12 (NIV) tells us, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Myth#1: The pastor is the most spiritual person. Sometimes people think that the Pastor is infallible and in their minds, he becomes a demi-God. Since God doesn’t make mistakes, such people face a crisis inside and cannot reconcile when the pastor makes mistakes. They get so disillusioned that they even leave the church. What does pastor mean? The word means a shepherd and is used only once in the New Testament. We need to understand that a pastor is like us but God has called him to hold an office just like an office in the government. Samuel anoints Saul when he was hiding and pours oil and then the Spirit of God rushes on him. In himself, Saul was unable to do it but God enabled him for that office. We must understand this and protect and help our pastors if they fall. Anointing makes the pastor love unlovable people. Church is a hospital and sick people come. Sin is the illness. If you are coming to church, reading the Bible, being taught, and still don’t grow, the pastor is not at fault. Something is wrong with you. 
Myth#2: Children of believing parents are born again. If your father and mother believe, you will still go to hell unless you have Jesus in your live. Believing parents study the Bible, teach them and demonstrate it to them. Pray for your children that they get saved. If you are busy earning money and have everything but your child doesn’t know God, you will be disappointed in the end. It’s a painful end to a life story when your child doesn’t know God. Passivity of parents to the situation can have serious consequences. Invest, pray, seek the Lord. Children are a God-given responsibility. Be vigilant. If you don’t read the Bible, your children won’t too. 
Myth#3: We are all going to leave planet earth at rapture and then live in heaven forever. In the twinkling of an eye, we will be caught up in the sky and then judgement, New Jerusalem, and so on. We don’t fully understand the apocalyptic writings. We need to learn to live on earth. Heaven is when you experience God. Most of us are not thrilled about meeting God but to see angels or to walk on streets of gold. Heaven is where you experience God. He has given us the power to do this right here. Don’t wait until rapture. Learn to experience heaven right now. You can experience Christ right now as He is here is our midst. 
Myth#4: Experience of tongues is an indication of spirituality: Holy Spirit People believe that speaking in tongues is the ultimate in spirituality. The Spirit of God is sovereign and gives gifts per what is needed for the church. Paul says if there is gift of tongues, there has to be an interpreter of tongues. No one prays for this interpretation and other gifts. Gifts are for the good of people. Gift has nothing to do with your character or goodness. If any gift is not in the context of love, there is no use. Gifts will come out of you as you yield to the Holy Spirit; the gift will manifest and bless your brothers and sisters. 
Myth#5: If i lived during Jesus’ time, i would have been a better follower. The Red Sea divided but after crossing it, the people started grumbling and did  not trust God. The 12 disciples saw Jesus, walked with Him, saw many miracles yet deserted him. When a woman asked him whether he knew Jesus, Peter denied. Read your Bible and pray to God to show you what you need to improve in your life. A great miracle is to live as an amazing follower of God. If you believe this myth, you will feel you cannot be your best because you are not with Jesus. You can do as much as Jesus and greater as Jesus said… if you believe.
Myth#6: The wearing of ornaments or removal indicates the spirituality of a person. A person’s spirituality cannot be associated with any outward act or the dress the person wears. There is great temptation in the Christian world to judge people on the basis of outward appearance. Does the Bible tell anywhere to judge on the basis of ornaments and clothes? The verse quoted is the preaching by Paul about how women should dress. But the apostle wrote in another context. Dressing is a cultural thing. The preacher shared a Kerala church scenario where rich people wore gold and poor came simply dressed. Since there was visible disparity, the church decided that none should use ornaments. 
Myth#7: Power of God is seen only in the manifestation of spiritual gifts. Church does not experience the supernatural because the church is carnal. We don’t expect the supernatural nor ask for it. The Spirit of God convicts you of sin and gives you the power to love someone you cannot love. This is a powerful gift though not often visible externally. If a church is grounded in scripture, the supernatural is possible.
Myth#8: If i read the Bible and/or Christian books everyday, it will be fine with me and God.Ritualistic reading of Bible is like preforming things out of habit. This is not what God is looking at. God is looking at people who want to delve deep, have the mind of Christ through meditating on scripture and then discovering and practicing what God wants.