Allowing the Scriptures to Speak

 

There are many concerns within the American church. One of the biggest ones in my mind at this time is how the Scriptures is being used both among the leaders of the church and the typical church goer. First for a church leader I am referring to theologians, evangelist and pastors. Here the concern is that far too often they interpret scripture based upon a preconceived theology or doctrine or philosophy rather then allow the scriptures to influence their theology, doctrine and philosophy. It is as if they have it all figured out so they put words in the mouth of God that God did not say. There are many examples of this in many different sectors of church life. One example is how many in church today is dealing with marriage, premarital sex and even salvation by grace. Time obviously does not permit me to become detailed in any of these topics but to say if we continue down this road by many of the church leaders of our time then we will continue to look more like our culture rather then looking like Jesus. We must return to hear the Spirit who authored the scriptures and begin to act upon what we in faith. Whatever the Spirit speaks will be consistent to what the Spirit already spoke in the scriptures.

Second concern is how the typical church goes handles the scriptures. Here there is often a lack of a balanced reading and understanding of the teachings of scriptures. This causes many inconsistencies in the lives of those who claim to be Christians. They are many who say that Jesus is their Savior and Lord but yet are very sporadic in their attendance of worship services, giving, serving and fellowship with other believers. All were characteristics of the early church, Acts 2:42 “they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” They often justify their actions by saying that a loving God understands and therefore it is OK even when the clear teaching of that action that a person doing that cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Who is right in that situation? God or man, I hope you said God because if we begin to think we know more then God we have a huge problem of arrogance.

The common thread in both the church leaders and the typical church goer is that we have accepted a basic principles of this world rather then allowing God to be the foundation of what we think and how we act. Romans 12:2 begins by saying do not be conformed to the pattern of this world. This means the pattern of this world is faulty which if we continue down that road will pollute our thinking and actions even if we cloak them in religious language. There will always be some differing of opinions in the matters of faith and that is OK but what is not OK is allowing the scriptures to take a back seat to theology, church doctrine and philosophy. I encourage you to read the scriptures as your primary source of how you are to think and act. I encourage you to join yourself to a church where the pastors and teachers do not compromise the Word of God for the sake of anything.

 

May of God of all truth bring a spirit of wisdom, knowledge and revelation to your hearts.

Pastor John