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(Editor´s note: This is part two of an article calling faithful Christians to resist the lie God is doing new things outside of His Word!)
It is now in American Christianity as it was in ancient Judah and as the apostle Paul foresaw: false prophets and teachers thriving in a culture of rebellion and deceit without fear of serious consequence. Sound doctrine and biblical truth have been forsaken in these days of tolerance. Even new false messiahs are joining in drawing large crowds and operating with impunity. All surely misconstrue God´s unwillingness to destroy them as His permission and blessing instead of what it actually is, His long-suffering waiting for their repentance and testing in the churches (Deuteronomy 8:1-2; Psalm 17:1-5; Luke 4:1-13; James 1:2-3, 12-18).
The wind blowing the sails of this current defection from God in the professed Christian ranks is narcissism (defined in Webster´s Dictionary as excessive self-admiration and love). The people want and are receiving religion and forms of Christianity suited to their own desires and preferences. A quick browse through the hot Christian books section in stores reveals the "me" generation has fully manifested themselves. "God is all about me, my needs and desires" they trumpet, and the many churches, savvy false messiahs, prophets, teachers and retailers are responding.
The professed Christian narcissists validate their desires by the strength of those desires no matter how vain or sinful. In fact, the term "sin" has been banished since it is so negative, limiting and damaging to the narcissist´s self-esteem. They deceive themselves into believing it is "the Spirit" endorsing what they crave--adulterous relationships, divorce on any grounds, same sex partners, unbridled pleasure, more money, lifestyles of the worldly rich and famous etc.--because their feelings are so strong (James 3:13-17).
Although black Americans are more likely to have read the Bible than any other race in any given week (66% to 45% for whites the next closest race according to The Barna Group), we are well represented in the audiences of the false prophets and teachers catering to our wants. There are many reasons for this of course, not the least of which is we have always put great stock in our feelings. We too often use them as a reliable source of authenticating spiritual truth rather than the Bible.
None of this shocks the Lord who revealed to Paul concerning these last days, "For men will be lovers of themselves…," (2 Timothy 3:2-5, NKJV). In light of this warning, Paul says at the end of this passage, "And from such people turn away! "We certainly will not obey that today; too harsh and intolerant! Yet, the Lord and Paul would have us turn away from professed Christian narcissists precisely because they are not conducting themselves in accord with the Word of God.
Jesus says concerning those who would be His followers, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me," (Luke 9:23, NKJV). Self-denial is the hallmark of biblical Christianity. The Lord Jesus taught and lived it out for us all the way to the cross (Matthew 26:36-46)! Therefore, we cannot have it both ways. Either the Christianity of self-denial as it is presented in the Bible is the real deal or the narcissistic forms of it popular today are. According to the Lord Jesus, it really is a matter of life or death (Luke 9:24-26, 14:25-35)!
As for me, at the risk of continuing to be labeled "narrow minded," "strict," "over the top," "extreme" and "rigid" among others, I am taking the Lord Jesus to heart and obeying not only His recorded teaching on discipleship, but the whole Word of God presented in the Bible. I am making my stand with other faithful Christians across the land that have now begun to raise their voices of rebuke to those offering a different Jesus, Gospel and Christianity than that of the Bible. God has not changed nor is He doing anything new outside of His Word!
This is not about sectarianism or infringing on personal liberties. It is about preserving and living out historic, biblical Christianity and the benefits that come to individuals, families, communities and nations! Therefore, I do not stand as a Baptist, though I am one for solidly biblical reasons. Truly, I honor the Lord´s command in Mark 9:38-41 against Christian sectarianism. However, I stand for God´s Word as an aspiring strong man of God in His image!
Thus, I still call sin what it is among professed Christians because God in His Word does! Please note in the passage cited above, the man acting outside of the Lord´s inner circle was for Him and in His name doing exactly what He and His disciples were doing. Hence, the Lord´s command does not direct faithful Christians to tolerate rebels in the household of faith, but only those who within it may not be of our particular group (church or denomination) though they are for and obedient to Him.
I also adhere to the apostle Paul´s teaching that every Christian (and church) is not going to see or do everything the same as it concerns what he calls "doubtful things," (Romans 14:1-6). However, the liberty we have in this context does not apply when it comes to God´s unequivocal commandments, transcendent spiritual principles, order, morality, ethics, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, apostolic directives and doctrines. As a result, unity should exist among faithful Christians on these biblical essentials while rebels clearly reveal themselves by their refusal to honor and obey them.
To Be Concluded Next Issue
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