Are We Really Biblical?
What does it mean to “believe the Bible?” We say we do. At least most of us as Baptists say that we do, but do we really believe it?
I heard a story many years ago about a farming community that was in the midst of a drought. It had not rained for weeks, and the crops were in danger. Most of the residents attended a small church on the top of a knoll and walked there on Sunday mornings. At the conclusion of a sermon on faith, the pastor announced that he would meet the congregation back in the afternoon to pray for rain. Almost the whole membership showed up and crowded into the small building. As the pastor stood at the front, he noticed one small boy sitting in the front row. There was a big smile on his face, but there was something else different about him. Of all those who attended, he was the only one who brought an umbrella. Who believed?
Words are so cheap. We can say we believe anything, but it is what we live that we really believe. If we believe the Bible, we obey it!
I am so afraid that tradition and personal preferences have usurped much of our Biblicism! We have become accustomed to certain things for so long that we have come to accept them as Biblical. They aren’t necessarily bad things; they just aren’t what the Bible teaches! They’re tradition, and the church has always been prone to fall into tradition.
One of those traditions is what we use to determine if church is “done right.” For some, it is formality, architecture, worship style, the songs we sing… the color of the carpet or the kinds of musical instruments we use. If it fits your model, it’s “church!” Or, to put it another way, if it feels good to you, it’s “Biblical.” But, when Jesus talked about what ought to capture the church’s attention, He didn’t talk about the barn. He talked about the fields. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35)
Church is “done rightly” when we are fulfilling the Great Commission. A Biblical world view will put you in the fields reaping the harvest, not just sitting around the barn discussing whether or not you should wear a tie to Sunday services! I recall Jesus saying, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul...” (Matthew 16:26) And, I wonder, what profit is it to any of us if we get our way… feel comfortable, “feel” Biblical while thousands of people go to hell… including our own grandchildren!
We say we believe the Bible, but I wonder how much time we spend reading it. And, when we do read it, are we trying to prove a point or are we patiently listening for the Author to reveal what He wants, what He wants done, and how He wants it done? He has a purpose, a plan, and a program for us. Is that what we really want to understand… and, what we are determined to live?
God help us to be truly Biblical!
I heard a story many years ago about a farming community that was in the midst of a drought. It had not rained for weeks, and the crops were in danger. Most of the residents attended a small church on the top of a knoll and walked there on Sunday mornings. At the conclusion of a sermon on faith, the pastor announced that he would meet the congregation back in the afternoon to pray for rain. Almost the whole membership showed up and crowded into the small building. As the pastor stood at the front, he noticed one small boy sitting in the front row. There was a big smile on his face, but there was something else different about him. Of all those who attended, he was the only one who brought an umbrella. Who believed?
Words are so cheap. We can say we believe anything, but it is what we live that we really believe. If we believe the Bible, we obey it!
I am so afraid that tradition and personal preferences have usurped much of our Biblicism! We have become accustomed to certain things for so long that we have come to accept them as Biblical. They aren’t necessarily bad things; they just aren’t what the Bible teaches! They’re tradition, and the church has always been prone to fall into tradition.
One of those traditions is what we use to determine if church is “done right.” For some, it is formality, architecture, worship style, the songs we sing… the color of the carpet or the kinds of musical instruments we use. If it fits your model, it’s “church!” Or, to put it another way, if it feels good to you, it’s “Biblical.” But, when Jesus talked about what ought to capture the church’s attention, He didn’t talk about the barn. He talked about the fields. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:35)
Church is “done rightly” when we are fulfilling the Great Commission. A Biblical world view will put you in the fields reaping the harvest, not just sitting around the barn discussing whether or not you should wear a tie to Sunday services! I recall Jesus saying, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul...” (Matthew 16:26) And, I wonder, what profit is it to any of us if we get our way… feel comfortable, “feel” Biblical while thousands of people go to hell… including our own grandchildren!
We say we believe the Bible, but I wonder how much time we spend reading it. And, when we do read it, are we trying to prove a point or are we patiently listening for the Author to reveal what He wants, what He wants done, and how He wants it done? He has a purpose, a plan, and a program for us. Is that what we really want to understand… and, what we are determined to live?
God help us to be truly Biblical!
1 Comments:
Good Afternoon,
Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed the message yesterday and I believe you were right on target from a biblical perspective concerning Church Government. More emphasis on the headship of Christ would have been good, but certainly his headship is the "cornerstone" and foundation of our faith and that goes without question.
In regards to being "really biblical" in our approach to Church government, I believe that Southern Baptist have historically failed in this area. Our congregational or democratic method of polity has led to infighting, division and a watering down of the Word of God. This is not to say that God has not used the SBC, He has and in a mighty way, but He has done this despite of our tradition, not because of it.
The question is "why?". Why do we hold onto this unbiblical tradition? Why is almost every decision a congregational vote when most sources will tell you that 30 - 50% of the congregation isn't even saved? Why is "elder led" considered taboo in most of the SBC, when scripture teaches elder leadership (in plurality)? Why are we afraid to submit and slow to serve? Why can’t we as individual members, in the body of Christ, recognize and serve where God has gifted us? Why do so many want a part and say in leadership when so few are gifted and called in leadership? Is it all because we're more familiar with tradition than we are with scripture? Are we afraid to let go and give up to Christ?
Not until we recognize fully that Christ is the Head, and act upon it, will we be built up into the body that God has intended us to be. And this will not happen unless it is done in love with every member doing their part.
Paul wrote this to the Ephesians and to us today, "14: 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 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. 14 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. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Are we willing to step forward in Biblical truth or are we going to remain mired in tradition?
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