Pastor’s Blog 5.29.19

Recently in an article, Andy Stanley made the statement that he no longer used phrases like, “the Bible says” in preaching. He said he is trying to reach a post-Christian generation that doesn’t relate to the Bible. I understand what he is saying, but disagree with the approach.

My greatest concern for the present culture in the church is that their faith is not based on the word of God. How far do you go to evangelize? I think the pattern of the Bible gives us these answers. Even still,it seems some leaders have decided to go to any length to try to win someone to Christ, including creating a Christ the Bible doesn’t substantiate.

Hebrews 13:7-9 Concluding Religious Directions
7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday , today, and forever.
9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. NKJV

Do we recreate a Jesus that the offended sinner can relate to? Do we recreate a Jesus in the image and likeness of the offended sinner? Do we change the word of God to try to reach an offended man? Does God want to save people so badly that He will renegotiate the process of salvation because the current sinner is too, smart, hip, cool or modern to fall on their face and cry out, “God save me I’m a sinner”??? If someone believes in a Jesus that has been re-branded to not offend modern man can that faith save him?

Do we recreate a Jesus that the offended sinner can relate to?

Romans 10:14-17 Israel Rejects the Gospel
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?”
17 So then faith comes by hearing , and hearing by the word of God. NKJV

If the Lord was so desperate to save us that He would change the plan because some would reject it, I think He would have started with Israel. They didn’t buy His message, or believe His word and to this day are dying in their sins. If the Lord will not change His way for Israel, I don’t see Him changing it for the LGBT community, or the offended Millennial, or the intellectual, or the person mad at the church or any one else! The great delusion is in full manifestation and I pray you don’t fall captive to it!

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
10 And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth but refused to love it that they might be saved.
11 Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false,
12 In order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe in [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness. AMP

Stay in the word of God and stay on course and I will see you in Heaven!

Pastor Dave