Whether or not we want to admit it, we all have an authority. That ultimate end-all source of truth, decisiveness, and source of clarity for matters that tend to be blurry.
I am in the middle of preparing some teaching materials, and no matter where I turn, no matter what subject I seem to follow, I keep coming back to this fact: all matters rest upon some authority. For me, and hopefully you as well, that authority is Scripture. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that God has given us all we need to know for a life of life and Godliness, namely, His Word. So I now endeavor, no matter what I study or teach, to be reminded that God's Word is Truth, and such is within my (and your) grasp.
But here is the tough part; am I willing to take whatever He says as unequivocally true? Am I willing to change something about me, because His Word says I should? I mean, I just said His Word is authoritative, right? Am I really willing to yield my life to Him, based on His direction, based on His wisdom and commands? Answering "yes" is simple. Following through is another matter.
What I am studying currently involves looking at where we, the church, have allowed compromise to His Word, and then accepting the ramifications of having done so. One example, people in Galatia to whom Paul ministered and wrote, were ready to allow false teachers WITHIN THE CHURCH to alter the truth of the Gospel. This is a church barely 25 years after the formation of the Church on Pentecost.
Are we any better? We have allowed all sorts of un-biblical teaching into our churches and homes. Pick a topic in society today. Morality is subjective. God's Word and it's inerrancy and inspiration are debated at Christian schools and seminaries. We have communities and even churches divided along some imaginary lines related to an imaginary concept of "race". Pastors eager to have exciting and "loving" churches answer important doctrinal questions, such as Creation, by saying "Sure, why not" or "Whatever science says, I'm good with".
OK, so I am frustrated. God is great, indeed, and we have His full and sure Word that He is in control, salvation is permanent, and we have a great eternity to look forward to. I don't know about you, but that will get me through the day.
So study along with me, if you will, as we delve into headlines of today, look at how we can address social and cultural ills from a Biblical perspective, and how we, the individuals making up the Church, can make a difference, forever. Need a preview? We'll start at the beginning.
