Bible Question: We have three examples of the basic Christian message in Acts 1-12 (Acts 2, 3, and 4). In what ways has the church's preaching today remained faithful to or departed from that basic message? |
Bible Answer: Hi Debbie, If you compare our church with the Church of the Pharisees two thousand years ago, you will find that we are no different. With staggering growth of membership, financial stability and social influence, the church of the Pharisees would have been one of the most oustanding organizations in that day. Amidst the pomp and splendour of this and other apostate groups, there was a wayside preacher named John the Baptist. His audience basically was comprised of the lesser and social element of the Jewish society. (Matt 21:32). Unlike the seminary graduates of our day, John the Bapist's sermons were audacious and unapologetic. Ministerial ethics and pulpit manners were not the requirements of his ministry. He was the man God sent (Jn 1:16) to represent "the true church" at that time. During his six months ministry all other religious activities expressed apostasy. John and his followers were the present move of God for that time (2Pet:1:12). If you wanted to be a part of God's work, you had to follow John. Most of the churches today compromise the truth and Godly principles. When we insist on maintaining a standard of biblical truth and Godly hoiness, we are often faced with ridicules. Not only the world but christianity at large is spiritually stunted and asleep. As it was in the days of the early church, even so it is in our time. The church has fallen away from the truth (2Thess 2). Never before has darkness abound so much in "the church world" as today. The distance between us and God is growing steadily in our modern day idolatry, pomp and splendour. The church need to develope a Christ-like spirit, Godly lifestyle and maintain our faith in this present evil age. Jesus commands us to "strive" to enter in at the straight gate (Luke 13:24; Matt 7:13). God bless you. Ptr |