There is a definite lack of Bible knowledge in our society today. Christian ethics and morals, which at one time were taken for granted in our cities and neighborhoods, are totally absent. Even in many “Christian” churches today there is a shaky and shallow foundation in God’s word. If one zeroes in closer it will become apparent that in some churches of Christ there is a lack of basic Biblical teaching and knowledge.
On the one hand, there are those who have swung to the left and are more concerned about pleasing people than being true to God’s word. In an effort to be “relevant” they present “modern” messages that make the people feel good. The audience is happy and the leaders live by the “end justifies the means” policy. Unfortunately, they neglect to see that God’s word is relevant and real to meet peoples’ needs.
On the other hand, there are those who hold tightly to traditions of the past. They are satisfied as long as every message heard matches what they have heard for decades. The teachings may or may not be Biblical, what matters is that the listeners hear messages they are comfortable with – those same messages they have always heard.
One thing I love about Walnut Hill is the way we as a church approach Biblical teaching. We are interested in knowing what God says – even if it calls us to repentance. Sometimes God’s word challenges us – sometimes it brings us great hope and comfort as we come to appreciate God’s steadfast love in a greater way. Having a healthy respect for God’s word is critical to genuine growth in our ‘faith walks’ with the God who saves our souls by His mercy and grace. Walnut Hill reminds me of the church in Berea, “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11
May God bless us in our daily search for His will to be done in our lives as we study His word together.
Mike