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Difficult Times for the Church, Doctrinally

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Difficult Times for the Church DoctrinallyThe church finds itself in some difficult times . . .

doctrinally
morally
societally
financially

We stand at a crossroad. Will we despair and compromise or will we persevere and stay true?

What seems to be happening doctrinally in the Church:

The doctrinal difficulties we face have consequence. Here’s what can be seen happening:

  1. creeping in of the world’s relative and pluralistic view of truth as opposed to absolute truth

— and so we lack a foundation and have no moral compass

  1. drifting away from apologetics (why we believe what we believe)

— and so it’s easier to be swayed to humanistic thinking and mystical views of spirituality

  1. lessening use of the meat of God’s Word in sermons, teaching, etc.

— and so people have a shallow understanding of truth that does little to affect the way they live

Thankfully, the above does not represent every local church but does for far too many churches.

The end result of these doctrinal shifts and our hope in light of these difficulties:

When the above creep into our churches we start seeing more and more …

  • Bible illiterate people in our churches.
  • non-victorious people in our churches.

But, there’s hope for the Church if we get back to what the Word says:

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (Jn. 8:32)

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (Jn. 17:17)

saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. (2 Thess. 2:13)

If we want to see people released from bondage and growing more and more Christ-like, then we must present to them the unadulterated Truth of God’s Word.

Church Leaders:  We need to unashamedly and unapologetically stand on the Word of God.  We need to be ready to give an answer but remember that it is to be seasoned with grace, gentleness, respect, and love.

… prepare God’s people … until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Eph 4:12-15)

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  (1 Pet. 3:15)

All Church Members:  We need to return to our roots, to value the authority and life-changing ability of God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  Doctrine has application to life and is what will keep you rooted and growing in the Lord.  That is why Truth is an integral part of our spiritual armor, that which holds everything together — “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph. 6:14).  If you struggle with the role of God’s Word, read through the following posts:

origin of the Bible
authority of the Bible
uniqueness of the Bible
accuracy of the Bible
sacredness of the Bible

Let’s remember:  Failure to hold on to Truth only leads to trouble.  —

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (Rom. 1:18)  They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen.  Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts.  … Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.  (Rom. 1:25-26a, 28)

Bible Study & Reading Resources
Apologetics Resources

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2 Replies to “Difficult Times for the Church, Doctrinally”

  1. I was just listening to Romans, and when I read your post, it brought to mind what the prophet Amos says: The Lord does not do anything before telling his prophets. Ministry Tools is a “Promise Seed” sent for sowing and norishing the Word of Truth which the Lord has spoken for those who believe. And as it is said in the book of John, The Spirit is the Truth, and those who have the Spirit knows the truth when they hear it. I am Promise Seed through faith in Christ Jesus. Thank you Ministry Tools. I am encouraging God’s people to actively take hold of their divine heritage, and live free serving one another in love. And if it is God’s will, someone that doesn’t know Christ will come to Him on my account, and I will receive credit along with Abraham because I trust God’s Word. Evil men cannot succeed, because God’s people know the truth and a stranger’s voice they will not follower.

    • Thanks, Lezah. In reading your comment, I think of Galatians 3:29 — “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Scripture does encourage us to live in accordance with what we have in Christ, with that new life we have in Him, with the Truth of His Word. Praise God through the power of God, by the Spirit of Truth at work in and through us, we can take hold of our divine heritage so that it is not just a future hope but a present reality. — “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” (Col. 1:10-12)

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