We have developed a mindset in today’s society which says we need to adjust our thinking and lifestyle to fit what is commonly accepted. In doing so, we have those who wish to change the Constitution; the foundation of this country, to fit what we think it should say, instead of what it plainly says and does not say. No less is also attributed to God’s Word, the Bible.
When an apostate, Christian in name only, society applies this liberal thinking to the Holy Scriptures, religious chaos raises its ugly head and reigns supreme. Churches become watered down social gatherings with no real power from God. I am convinced that more and more true Christians are seeing this and becoming alarmed at what is happening to most of the local churches that were once bastions of Truth. From what I hear from others, and from my own experience, it is becoming nigh to impossible to find a Bible believing, Bible teaching local church, and expository Bible teaching is all but extinct.
The local churches of America, despite their differences of opinion on non-critical issues, should be light houses for their respective communities. For an example, there was once a time when the Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians were in sync with the doctrine of salvation. (Now I’m not saying that no one else got it right on the doctrine of salvation. I’m just using these three as an example.) Now all three of these denominations are having problems in some areas that aren’t just a disagreement among themselves on minor issues, but is an attack on God by dishonoring His Word. Of these three denominations, and others who claim the name of Jesus Christ, some have strayed further than others. This ought not so to be.
Expanding this thought to all churches who claim Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, there may be a difference of opinion on lesser issues, for example, but there should be no disagreement on issues such as; support of Israel, the virgin birth, salvation through Jesus only, Christ death burial and resurrection, homosexuality, same sex marriage, pedophilia, sex before marriage, living together apart from marriage, prosperity preaching, and probably a hundred other matters of great importance. What has happened?
Over time the true Gospel has been so watered down by self-serving people, society has developed an attitude of “Why should I concern myself with religious matters? If there is a God, he is supposed to be a God of love. So everything will work out fine.” Think so?
“Why should I listen to preachers? That’s their opinion, and they just want my money anyway.” They’re not all that way.
“Why should I go to church? They’re all hypocrites.” Not all of them.
“Church people don’t know how to have fun.” What kind of “fun” are you talking about?
“Church people are so depressing.” Only a few.
“Why should I read the Bible? It’s just an outdated old book.” Have you ever read it? I didn’t think so.
“Church people are too judgmental.” Feeling guilty are you? What are you doing?
Let’s just hit one issue: Why should I read the Bible? It is common knowledge from the Scriptures, at least among those who actually study the Scriptures, that if you are not a child of God, the Scriptures are not going to make much sense to you.
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” (1 Corinthians 1:23)
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
So why read the Bible? I’ll give you two reasons.
(1) You have listened to what everyone else has to say; from your family, friends, teachers, celebrities, politicians, TV shows, movies, etc. Hundreds of people have influenced your thinking about God.
(2) Have you ever actually listened to what God has to say? You mean to say that you will condemn God and all He says based on what other people say, but never listen to what He has to say? That’s amazing!
How would you like it if everyone formed their opinion about you based on what everyone else said instead of what you have to say?
Is it not true, that the best place to obtain the facts is at the source and from those who are acquainted with the source? I know it’s true. In my secular occupation, I have spent many years having to obtain the facts, and that’s the only way to get them.
If I did not know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, I would at least want to know what HE has to say about my eternal destiny.
Others say there is no eternity. You die. That’s it. Just nothingness. Is that true? Since the subject of eternity after death has been brought up, wouldn’t it be logical to want to know who is correct on this most important issue? Why would I just listen to one side and not the other? That makes no sense!
Many people in our society say; it’s okay to live together and not be married, abortion is a woman’s right, homosexuality is all about love. Okay, you have listened to what society says. Have you actually listened to what God has to say about it? It doesn’t matter what someone TOLD you was in the Bible, the question is; have YOU read it for yourself? If you have read it, do you just “pick and choose?” Have you actually read it all?
I truly believe that if anyone will go before God with a sincere attitude of wanting to know the truth, He will reveal it.
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)
But if you go before Him with your mind made up, or with an attitude of proving Him wrong, you will miss the mark. He will reveal nothing to you. You will die in your sin, and then face Him in judgment.
Why don’t we just toss aside the “Why should I” remarks, and replace it with, “Why not?”
Grant Phillips