"I met a senior Adelaide based Christian leader the other day who was lamenting the state of churches around Adelaide. His observation was that pastors and churches have lost confidence in the gospel to change lives and are failing to teach the Bible to their people.
This gels with trends in church life over recent decades in Australia. Preaching has been swallowed up by communication. Even in orthodox churches where the authority of God's word is upheld in theory, my friend tells me that in practice the Bible is still not opened and explained in public meetings."
(Trinity Times, August 2008)
This rocked me and yet didn't complete shock me either! God's Word is imperative to spiritual development. Consider this word from the Apostle Paul.
"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)
I was encouraged to read his concluding sentence: "...our leaders are committed to God's Word and (we) ask all members of our community to affirm this with us. Keep praying that in all our ministries and relationships we will allow the God of the Bible to direct our steps."
Let's not 'water down' the gospel for the sake of popularity, but use it to keep us on track and shape us in the ways of God!
Lord, You have given us a spiritual banquet in Christ.
