Bible, Gospel, Church

The main purpose for reading the Bible is to change ourselves as we read, believe and obey. The WORD is Jesus Christ. God's Word (the Bible) sometimes wounds us deeply and it is imperative because through the Bible, God speaks loudly. The Word of God (Bible) rebukes US we we read so that we may see our OWN faults (not others). The Bible illumines the dark corners of our own hearts and minds by exposing our OWN sin but at the same time reveals the way of rightousness.

Do we accept the Bible as the Word of God, as the sole Authority in all matters of faith and practice, or do we not? Do I accept Scripture as the revelation from God, or do I trust to speculation, human knowledge, human learning, human understanding, and human reasons? It is important for us to relize that the pastor/leaders-church relationship is very sensitive and vitally important issue. The only authority any pastor or elder has is the Word of God. When you step beyond the Word of God, you’ve overstepped the bounds of your authority.

God reveals Himself primarily through the pages of Scripture; that is why I believe the Bible as my absolute authority. Before we blame, we must be careful that we lay the blame where it is deserved. False doctrine and heresy are even worse than schism. If people separate themselves from teaching that is positively false and unscriptural, they ought to be praised rather than reproved. In such cases separation is a virtue and not a sin. Regardless of the teachings (doctrines), we all are Christian first according to Jesus Christ's teachings (not the Church's teachings). It is my belief that gift of teaching is probably the most important gift and may be one of the gifts most needed today to help guide the sheeps to discern the from false to truth. Teahching is part of Christ's Great Commission where Jesus says, "Go . . . and make disciples of all nations".

Regarding the Gospel, in Philippians 1:17-19 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

The Gospel is being spread regardless. People are hearing the word "Jesus". Before we were saved, our minds & hearts were planted over the years about Jesus from various source. Its the Holy Spirit that convicted us to accept Christ. Not the Church. Church's roles are planting, teaching and exhortation. The Holy Spirit is leads people to the Gospel. We are to spread the Gospel and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Christ is more than a system, tradition, or belief.