Of course, this is nothing new as nominalism will always be a historical problem within all societies and religions. But the form that I am witnessing today is truly alarming and appears to have reached a new level of hypocrisy. You can literally walk into almost any local church and hear little mention of the Bible or its texts. Sermons and mission statements have become little more than a repackaging of major commercial slogans or the sayings of Oprah, Dr. Phil, or Dr. Oz. This is insanity!
I used to think (hope) that such behavior was merely the sincere efforts of local pastors and church leaders hoping to be relevant reach more people for Jesus. While the mass marketing (outreach) of the church was invoking these cliche techniques, church members and believers were still reading their bibles, growing in their faith, and experiencing more of the Spirit's work and power in growing desperation and anticipation. I was wrong.
Over the past few weeks, I have met a lot of 'die-hard' church goers and professing Christians. When asked about their 'beliefs,' they quickly and sincerely list off the tenets of the faith that would align with the historical (orthodox) Christian church. They affirm a belief in the Trinity, respect for the Scriptures, atonement through Christ's sacrifice, and a hope in the resurrection and eternal life with God in heaven upon His return or their death. However (and this is the BIG ISSUE), while declaring these tenets to be true, they simultaneously deny their universal application, implication or necessity. In other words, they knew what Christians should believe, but they, personally, do not affirm these beliefs with their personal lives and convictions.
There are many, many reasons for this new and dangerous trend, but the most blatant is the fact that NO ONE IS READING THEIR BIBLE! Any why should they when most pastors don't even use the text for their sermons or teachings. Simply referencing a Bible verse or story is not the same thing as exacting a message and doctrine from the text. The Bible is not a book of mere illustrations and suggestions: it is our means of knowing and testing both God and humanity. No, it is not the 4th member of the Trinity, but it is the only means and text which explains, reveals, and affirms the truth and existence of the Trinity, human depravity, the atonement, grace, and a living salvation.
Pastors and fellow Christians, if you do not think the Bible is relevant or that the text is too complicated, then you are just too lazy and your faith is clearly dead. The book, after all, was written mainly by the uneducated and common man for the common man. There exists today more resources, aids, translations and tools for study and teaching than has ever existed at any other time in history - and most are FREE! But beyond this, the fundamental fact is that without the text we have NOTHING of power or uniqueness to offer. Through the BIBLE we learn of our need for Christ and the power of the Spirit and also its means of reception. And apart from the Spirit, we cannot know or please God (Romans 8).
Knowing what is right is not the same as doing what is right. The American church is in mortal danger of losing its allegiance and identity with the historical (orthodox), Biblical church, and the primary reason is that NO ONE IS READING THEIR BIBLE.
