1 Thessalonians 5:6 says, “Let us therefore not sleep, as others do, but keep watch and be sober.” » Scripture often refers to the dichotomy between being asleep and being awake. Although some references to those who are “asleep” apply to those who no longer live on earth, there are many cases in which those who are “asleep” are indeed alive, but live apathetic to the truth. Christians, on the other hand, are called to be “awake,” alert, and “sober.”
We live in a culture that is increasingly apathetic toward the truth, don’t we? However, a worldly person who claims to have no religious affiliation is expected to live in ignorance of the truth. But when indifference comes from “the Church,” believers carry a different burden. Despite the message of modernity, the Bible is clear on many issues that these so-called Christians have chosen to confuse. Their itching ears wandered into myths and they formed a religion based on their truth, not God’s (2 Timothy 4:3).
Like Chris Smith of Epoch Times reported, these progressive Church policies, or “awakening”, which are increasingly penetrating the Church, have caused fractures between denominations. The United Methodist Church (UMC), a Christian denomination, has lost many churches due to its embrace of LGBT ideology. Another denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), lost two churches (one of which was rejected) for similar reasons. The Southern Baptist Convention, considered the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, “lost one of its largest churches in California because it elevated women to leadership positions,” Smith wrote.
In some ways it is good for local churches to be willing to move away from defective denominations, or for denominations to be willing to separate from defective churches. However, the question remains: why do these Christians bend to the world’s standards in the first place?
Joseph Backholm, a senior fellow at the Center for Biblical Worldview, told the Washington Stand: “In one sense this is a new problem, but in another sense it is a very old problem. »
As for why this is happening, Backholm explained, “The Church has always faced the challenge of being governed by cultural trends rather than the Gospel. » It is nonetheless common for the enemy to adjust its means of attack. In this case, as Backholm says, “the fact that Marxist theory in the form of ‘revival’ has become the new trend in some Christian circles is a recent phenomenon in America. » But again, even though this specific attack may seem somewhat foreign to believers, we quickly recognize the same enemy behind it.
Backholm continued: “The first century Church struggled to deal with public displays of religiosity, circumcision, and what to do with meat sacrificed to idols, because these were cultural beliefs that were in conflict with the Gospel. And now, he added, “the cultural beliefs that conflict with the gospel have to do with identity, the source of truth, and whether God actually wants us to repent or just wants us to we are happy and comfortable. »
To some extent, it’s that simple. Christian or not, this world is fallen and no one is completely safe from the toxic fumes of sin. At least, not in this life.
As the world turns, we more quickly recognize, as Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; There is nothing new under the sun. These waves of persecution will continue to break upon the shores of faithfulness until the Lord returns. And 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says, “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. » So, even in the midst of persecution, we must be ready.
Which brings us to a second question: What should Christians do to prepare?
Christian author Eric Metaxas wrote in his book: Letter to the American Church, that “silence in the face of evil is in itself evil.” It develops the idea that the Church is called to oppose culture as we engage in spiritual warfare concerning the principalities and powers of this world (Ephesians 6:12).
As such, Metaxas emphasizes that fighting evil does not politicize Christianity as some fear, because it was never about politics. Even though the world and those who have awakened, the crumbling churches and denominations may view their beliefs as politically correct, “with the times” and perhaps loving, it does not change the fact that God’s truth is eternal . It never changes, and it never will. Any church that changes the message to fit the times is preaching a false gospel, and that is not an envious position (Galatians 1:8).
James 1:12a says, “Blessed is the man who stands firm under trial,” and there are many ways to do this.
First, we remember which side we are on. Christian, you are part of the winning team, and “thank God!” He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Second, we remain focused on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” in all things and at all times (Hebrews 12:2a). And looking to Jesus, we must constantly be in the word of God, which is the truth (John 17:17).
But ultimately what serves as the foundation of being a Christian is the choice we must make. We must decide how we are going to live in relation to who we are going to live with. And for the Christian, 1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever says he abides in him must walk in the same way that he walked.” »
Backholm said it clearly: “The solution to this challenge has always been the same. » He concluded: “We must decide whether we are trying to shape our minds around the word of God or whether we are trying to shape the Word of God around our minds. The first produces real Christianity, the second produces so-called progressive Christianity.
Originally published on The Washington Tribune.
Sarah Holliday is a reporter for The Washington Stand. She received her undergraduate degree from Boise State University in creative writing and narrative arts, as well as a certificate in arts and theology from Reformation Bible College.
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