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NASB | 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God's truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, |
Bible Question:
Here is a news item I came acroos today from Agape Press. I am interested in your comments concerning the article below. Do you agree, or disagree with the author's statements? Pastor Says Some Churches Seizing Christ's Lordship with 'Reinvented' Gospel By Jim Brown January 23, 2004 (AgapePress) - A well-known Christian author and pastor is concerned that a growing number of Evangelical ministers are watering down the gospel message in order to be "seeker sensitive." Dr. John MacArthur says many Evangelical pastors are presenting what he calls a "reinvented designer pop gospel" in hopes of making Christianity appear more attractive or culturally relevant. The pastor of Grace Community Church in San Valley, California, says those who preach in that fashion have a weak view of the authority and power of scripture. "I think it encompasses a weak view of the honor and the power of God and Christ," MacArthur says bluntly. "In other words, I think you're basically usurping the Lordship of Christ over His Church -- you're saying, 'I'm going to stand here and give a message that I think is better than the one that Christ gave.'" Such an attitude, he says, is "a frightening thing to think about." MacArthur believes it is becoming harder than ever to find an Evangelical church that is not compromising the gospel. He says small churches that remain true to God's Word and do not embrace a user-friendly gospel are often viewed today as "archaic" and "unsuccessful." "The huge crowds are drawn by lowering all the standards," he says, citing such apporaches as a "minimalist gospel," an entertainment mentality, and creation of a social environment that attracts people by promising them "the path to success" and better economic status. "You know ... 'You'll do better in your job, your career, your family, your marriage, etc.'" he says. "Those are the kinds of things that are sold on the 'felt need' counter." In his recently published book Hard to Believe, MacArthur contends that many professing Christians do not understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ because they are seeking an experience rather than a person. He also takes aim at the so-called "health-and-wealth" and "name-it-and-claim-it" gospels. Posted by New Creature |
Bible Answer: Greetings New Creature, I too have to agree with the article. Too many pastors today are watering down the gospel to make it sound more appealing to people. It is so sad. Many people are not hearing the true word of God. There are a few reasons I believe that this is happening. 1) Pastors want large congregations and will do whatever it takes to get one. They know that if they step on people's toes that they are going to loose those people from their congregation. 2) Another reason is that some pastors do not want to loose their financial contributors. They feel that their church will go under if they do not have these people to give. What they don't understand is that if they would just trust in God they would be just fine. 3) Another thing is that they want popularity. preaching the true gospel is going to step on toes. These Pastors however in the end will have to answer to God for their watered down messages. prayon |