Some people may think I’m narrow minded.
Did you know there are some well published and world famous church pastors who object to the fundamentals of Christian faith.
Here’s the five fundamentals of the Christian faith I am referring to:
1) The inerrancy and full authority of the Bible.
2) The virgin birth and full Deity of Jesus Christ.
3) The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
4) Christ’s atoning, vicarious death for the sins of the world.
5) The literal second coming of Jesus Christ.
Speaking specifically about these 5 fundamentals of faith one pastor stated publicly, “it is a very legalistic, narrow view of Christianity.” (Dr. Rick Warren, on May 23, 2005, at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life)
Now folks, are we to believe that Christians who hold to these basic foundational doctrines of the Christian faith are narrow and legalistic? According to the New Testament definition, those who believe otherwise are not Christians.
Returning to the United States full-time after almost 2 decades on the foreign mission field I look around at the church in America and I am astonished. There are some fantastic churches doing incredible things to help build the Kingdom of God! Just fantastic Godly folks! I praise God for them!
However, I’ve also observed so many churches have left the fundamentals of faith. I am most disturbed by what I am seeing and hearing. Actually, it is more disturbing what I am NOT seeing and NOT hearing.
Where is the preaching of the Gospel? Where is the preaching of the NEED for salvation? Where is the preaching that one must repent of their sins, turn away from sin and place ones full faith and trust in Jesus Christ? Where is the preaching that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ and Him alone. Where is the preaching that the Bible is God’s word to us. Where is the preaching that God sent His only Son to die for our sins? Where is the preaching that without salvation through Jesus Christ one is destined for hell? Where is the teaching that as Christians we are to care for others and help those who are in need? Where is the teaching that as believers we are to GO and MAKE disciples, TEACHING them to obey all that Jesus taught? What did Jesus teach? Where is the teaching that Jesus is coming again?
Instead, so many pastors and churches have turned away from these foundational teachings in God’s Word. Many churches today are more like entertainment centers, private country clubs or even night clubs. These churches and their pastors focus on making people “feel good about themselves.” They want to build bigger and grander buildings to stroke their egos, instead of humbling themselves and building the Kingdom of God! Many are only stressing psychological relationships with each other, etc. There is an emphasis on more fun and party sessions for the youth. I’ve been to churches that were more like something one would find in a night club than worshiping God and teaching His word. In fact, if I hadn’t known I was at a church function, there was nothing in these services that would have indicated these people were Christian.
My brothers and sisters, I’m sure will be some who criticize my observations as “narrow” and “legalistic”. But, let’s look at what Jesus has to say:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14.
Personally, I’ve decided I’ll stick with the narrow gate! Folks the Body of Christ needs to come back to JESUS. The Body of Christ needs to have the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling them. The Body of Christ needs to learn what God’s Word says and then go OUT and DO IT!
To all the brave, valiant and Godly Pastors who hold up the Banner of Christ and preach His word without fear and without compromise, I commend you my brothers. God bless you as you lead your flock through the narrow gate! To all the churches who have taken seriously Jesus command to “Go and make disciples” I commend you and pray for you!
There are however, in my opinion, too many pastors and church leaders who need to repent. They need to repent of forsaking the narrow gate. They are skipping down the broad way merrily on their way, making oh so sure no one is offended and that everyone is just having a jolly old time while the world goes to hell … as they forsake what God has commanded. These are the ones who are leading those who follow them to certain destruction. I pray they repent and return to the narrow way!
