Grant Abbott Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

In my view, we need to fellowship in a church that teaches the bible as the Word of God, a true and infallible guide for Christian faith and practice. When any church espouses beliefs that are contrary to the clear teaching of the bible, this creates doubts and confusion in people's minds and hearts. Jesus said these teachings lead people away from God.

However, the terms "liberal" and "conservative" when applied to Christian theological belief and practice is another matter altogether. Let's make a comparison to New Testament times.

The conservative church in Jesus era was the Temple and Synagogues operated by the "Priests, Sadducees an Pharisees". They were the guardians of the truth, the Law of Moses, the Word of God. People had to come to the temple or synagogue to hear the Word of God. Only a pious and devout Jew was welcome to come and worship. These Jews did not associate with outcasts and sinners.

But then this radical new preacher came along named Jesus from Nazareth. His teaching was so liberal and radically different than they were accustomed to hearing. Jesus accepted everyone who wanted to follow him. His teaching brought the Word of God alive for the people; he taught them how to love God and other people in ways they had never heard before. He never minced words for political or religious favour. He showed the people how to live a life that was pleasing to God. He came to complete the mission that his Father in heaven had given him. He shared that mission with his disciples and commanded them to continue that mission after he had returned to heaven.

Are we looking for fellowship that makes us feel good about ourselves, the self-righteous justification of the Jewish religious leaders, or the fellowship of the Acts chapter 2 church that is on mission to change the world for Jesus Christ, to the glory of God?

December 30 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Aurel Gheorghe

I would rephrase this by asking: Should a Christian walk away from a church that is not grounded in God’s Word? Absolutely yes! And I’m not talking about music style or worship (contemporary vs. Traditional), but about the doctrine being taught in some churches today (Rom 16:17, 18; 2 Peter 2:1). 

Isaiah 8:20 gives an easy way to accurately know if we are listening to sound doctrine: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (NKJV). (Rev 14:12; 22:14). If these teaching cannot be supported by the Bible, walk away (Rev 18:4). 

There is a deliberate and unapologetic assault on God's law (to be read God's Ten Commandments). Often when someone mentions God's laws, is usually met with skepticism and labeled a 'legalist.' 

In the beginning, God created two institutions: marriage and the Sabbath. Today, both institutions are under assault. Approximately 50% of all marriages end up in divorce (among self-described Christians, the rate is only slightly lower) while same-sex marriages are widely celebrated. 

"We live by the Spirit not by the law, the law was done away with, it was nailed to the cross, we worship on Sunday to honor the Resurrection" - are the usual protests when the subject is being discussed. However, if any of these would be true, would a Christian be free to have other gods/idols, murder, commit adultery, steal or lie? If the 7th day Sabbath blessings were transferred to the 1st day Sunday, shouldn't be a Bible text saying that? 

And if one disagrees and believes that 1st day is the appropriate day of worship, how is Sunday kept holy? I'm old enough to remember when Sunday was a day of rest. Today, except for Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A (which are owned by devout Christians and are closed on Sunday) everything else is business as usual. The reverence that not too long ago was afforded to the Sabbath day has been replaced with sporting events, fishing, and shopping outings, or yard work. 

The idea that the creation account from Genesis is symbolism and a 'day' actually means millions of years, is currently gaining traction among many Christians. The intelligent design theory that acknowledges a creator but refuses to give God the credit He deserves is attempting to take God out of our lives and our consciousness. 

Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:3,4 makes a sobering warning about times when sound Bible doctrine will be twisted to accommodate people's desires - I believe these times are upon us.

January 02 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report