One of the evidences that the 21st Century church is in trouble is our posture toward the Bible. Not, our doctrinal statement about the Bible, but our use – or misuse/lack of use – of it. Several symptoms point to the reality that we do not consider the Bible to be our authoritative guide.
- We elevate our feelings and experiences over the clear teaching of Scripture. Books and movies like Heaven Is For Real gain popularity even though many things in the book are contrary to the Biblical account of heaven.
- We lack discernment of Biblical truth and buy into preaching that seems to “make sense” to us. John Hagee’s recent book concerning Blood Moons lacks good Biblical scholarship, yet many treat its teachings as gospel truth.
- We spend more time reading, teaching, and talking about books that address Biblical topics than reading, teaching, and talking about the Bible itself.
- We establish church policies and practice based on worldly, political models rather than on Biblical ones. We place unbiblical expectations on our leaders.
- We make decisions based more on “I think,” “we want,” “we’ve always,” and “it would be nice,” than “the Bible says.” In fact, all too often I have heard from believers, “I know the Bible says ____, but…”
The list could continue, but that is sufficient for now. One 1st Century church was famous for being Bible-centered. Acts 17:11 tells us that the church in Berea “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Everything they heard was first compared to what God had said in the Bible.
We need to remember the standard of God’s Word in the church today. God’s Word is the all-sufficient source for teaching, reproof, instruction, and training in righteousness. The Bible will equip us for “every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
When the Church decides to return to the Bible as the source for faith and practice, we will be inching closer to revival. Such a return will not come easy, however. Precious traditions will have to go. The church will take Biblical stances that will be largely unpopular; not to those one the outside, but to church members. The way we do things will have to change drastically to square up with God’s Word.
Yes, it will be difficult, but well worth it. Without such a change, the future looks bleak.