Since June is an occasion for fathers, I am writing this letter to call on the attention of Christian fathers. Many Christian fathers are unable to minister to their families these days, perpetuating a cycle of decline. Since most Christian churches grow through birth rather than evangelism, it’s no surprise that we’re witnessing a decline in Christian leadership over time. To address this present dilemma, we must train the next generation in biblical interpretation. We should teach them how to properly explain Scripture, as people have been prioritizing communication skills over faithfulness to the content. Consequently, we see Christians adopting diverse and peculiar doctrines.
However, since the deterioration in doctrine has been occurring for decades, if not centuries, defective doctrines have become the norm. Consequently, truthful biblical teaching has become indistinguishable to most Christians.
The sanctity of the church hinges on two key aspects: right doctrine and Christian living, and these two aspects are intrinsically linked. How can we discern true Christian living if our doctrines are flawed? How can the church remain unified if each individual has their own interpretation of the church or its doctrine? Remember that Paul emphasized that true Christian unity rests on its doctrine. See Scripture below:
“As a prisoner for the Lord, I urge you to walk in a manner befitting your calling. Be humble and gentle, patient, and loving towards one another. Let us strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We are one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the ONE hope that belongs to your calling. We have ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.
Grace has been given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it says, “When He ascended on high, He led a host of captives and gave gifts to men.” (In saying “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)
He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and the teachers to EQUIP the saints for the work of ministry and to BUILD UP the body of Christ, the church. Until we all attain to the UNITY OF FAITH (i.e. beliefs or doctrines) and knowledge of the Son of God, we will mature into men, reaching the measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, human cunning, and deceitful schemes.” Rather than SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, we are to grow up in every way into Christ, the head of the church, from whom the whole body (i.e. the church), joined and held together by every joint, when each part works properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Love, as defined in Scripture, encompasses, rather centers on, right doctrines. So, why has the church chosen to prioritize protecting its aesthetics over its inner self or constitution (i.e., its doctrines)? Until when will Christians continue to be pretentious, claiming that everything is well with the church?
Lies, deceptions, or prosthetics can only keep those who are indifferent, naive in Scripture, or fatally attached due to relational bonds, but not the thinking, intellectually inclined, and truth-seeking Christians. Are you truly not aware of the reasons behind the church’s failures? The church has long ceased to effectively fulfill its mandate from Christ.
If you claim ignorance, then you don’t deserve to lead the church (1Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) . However, if you are aware of the situation, your silence and indifference are harming God’s church. Let me remind everyone of Paul’s words: “If anyone destroys God’s temple (i.e., the church), God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:17)
Each Christian is obligated to uphold the sanctity of God’s church, particularly ministers, pastors, elders, deacons, and those who claim to be reverends.
Quoting Paul’s words: “For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 2:4)
As the saying goes, “Sharing is caring.” Let’s consider this article in the context of loving and caring for God’s church.
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Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture 