http://www.nxtgenmag.com/2008/05/18/watering-down-the-gospel/
Today’s post is not really a devotional or a Bible Study, but more a thought on what the Church worldwide has become. Why is it we water down the truth of the Gospel? We are afraid to step on toes and let people know that they are doing wrong. We have turned our back on sin and allowed it to become part of our churches. Many people blame contemporary churches with their laid back atmosphere and their upbeat music for the down play of God’s Word. I don’t see it that way at all! Music and attire are not what makes us Christians. The words of the old hymns and the words of the new chorus all proclaim the praise of God and the truth of his Word. I believe in this modren “politically correct” world we have forgotten the harsh reality of the scriptures.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
There is not middle ground their is only Sin/Hell or Forgivness/Heaven. Why is it that in this world we can find grey areas in something so cut and dry?
All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. 1 John 5:17 (NKJV)
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10
So why is it that some Churches are now condoning things that the Bible speaks about. Lets take for one homosexuality. First off let me say that it is a sin, but it is no bigger a sin than lying, stealing, or heterosexual sex before marriage. Lets see what the Bible says:
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NKJV)
Notice that homosexuality is grouped in with a number of other sins, but it is still named by name. Depending on your translation the wording may be different, but they all get the same basic idea. So with a verse as black and white as that one and many other verses that support it how is it that some churches can condone the act? How is it that some church even practice in marriage ceremonies of these couples? Direct conflict with the Word of God
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV)
Lets try this week to take an un-watered down look at the Bible. Lets search our lives and find those things that we do that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
Keywords: Bible studies, devotions