Bible Question:
I was sent this yesterday and I found it interesting. I thought I would post it to the forum for comments. Plese read this and tell me what us what you think on this subject. "I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH." MATTHEW 16:18 The church's all-time biggest blunders is never too late to learn from our blunders. Here are 7: (1) We've made unbelief a doctrine. While third-world nations believe God for New Testament results, we teach our seminary students that God doesn't do miracles anymore. (2) We've tolerated division. Who needs the devil when we're so adept at hating one another in the name of denominational loyalty? (3) We've cultivated a religious spirit. We've taught that Christianity is about avoiding things like smoking and drinking. As a result we've lost our joy, because intimacy with God cannot be achieved through performance. (4) We've encouraged "super stars. " Consequently, some of our preachers have stopped modeling servanthood, and forgotten that Jesus washed feet and rode on a donkey. (5) We've equated money with success. We've found a way to "theologize" greed, instead of using our God-given prosperity to feed the poor and reach the world with the Gospel. (6) We've stayed in the pews and become irrelevant. We freak out when somebody uses rap or rock music to reach the younger generation. Instead of engaging the culture we're hiding from it. (7) We've taught people to be escape-artists. Instead of "occupying till He comes," we'd rather be astronauts and fly away. We read rapture novels when we should be praying for those living on the verge of martyrdom. Why can't we have their kind of faith? We can - if we're willing to pay the price and commit ourselves fully to God! |
Bible Answer: Hi Ed, While there is some truth in what the writer says, I find it overly critical; an idictment of all people, in all churches in America. That is obviously not the case. The tone of the writer is somewhat self-righteouss. He complains, but offers nothing but complaints as if he is above it all! I thought that Satan was the accuser of the brethren. I know...I've been guilty of complaining and hand wringing also. But that don't make it right! Which one of us does not pray and long for God to give us the strength and grace to live our lives as Christ led His? We all desire a much greater degree of holiness and obediance to be manifested in our walk of faith. Listen! God is on His throne. He is ruling over His creation and He will accomplish all His good pleasure. That is the great comfort that the saints stand on. Things may look grim and the church may seem to be tottering on the brink, but Praise God, He will hold us up by His power and might and we will see the final victory! Things looked pretty bad to God's children after the crucifixtion also...It was Friday...but Sunday was coming. Take courage. The angels of the Lord are encamped all around us and we're all in this fight together. Your brother in Christ, John |