Dangerous waters

Where ever liberal theology has gained an ascendancy the church itself has gone into decline. This is self-evident for any student of church history. Yet, over the last five to ten years, I have detected a slight but growing drift towards liberalism in our Reformed churches. These are dangerous waters for us to enter. This has occurred because of a combination of a poor biblical knowledge, and denial of Scripture's clear teaching. Here are the evidences I see for saying this:

(1) An increasingly biblical illiteracy

Very few members have a clear grasp of the gospel or a good knowledge of the doctrines of grace. Very few can explain the gospel in simple clear terms, or defend it when it is attacked. Even fewer people in our churches understand biblical theology and the principles of interpreting Scriptures.

(2) A lack of confidence in the gospel as the only power in the world that will build the church

We have not been taught to recognize that the gospel is the 'beating heart' of the church. It is often assumed, and it's implications for Christian living are not well understood. This has led to leaders elevating other issues and programs to try to build the church.

(3) A tendency to reject or downplay the key doctrine of original sin and the depravity of man

The belief of our culture, that man is inherently 'good', is undermining a central teaching of the gospel, that while we are made in the image of God and have great potential, we are inherently sinful from birth and therefore need saving. Any denial of this truth denies the necessity of Christ's death on a cross.

(4) An increasing acceptance that woman can serve in the function of elder and minister.

If we were to survey our church leaders, I believe a remarkable number would subscribe to this position, undermining the clear teaching of Scripture on this. We have been infected by our culture, by the influence of Reformed Christians from overseas, and by the many churches in Australia who now hold this position.

(5) The almost non-existent practice of discipline

Although we are committed to this as a mark of the true church, the practice of discipline is pretty much neglected. This will only result in increasingly weak Christian communities that, in their practice, deny the very gospel they purport to believe.

(6) A poor understanding of what biblical leadership is and isn't

There are so many models of leadership being used in the church from managerial through to the old 'dominee' (one man controls all) model, none of which are particularly biblical. Leaders are to serve Christ and his people, by focussing on the Word of God and prayer and laying down their lives. Christ has given various gifts (evangelist, pastor, apostle (small 'a') etc) to the church that are to find their expression under the key attitude of service and servanthood. The neglect of the biblical pattern of leadership again subtly undermines the gospel, which is all about Christ who came, not to be served, but to serve.