Is It Biblical or American? (Part 3)

Is it Biblical or American part 3

In our continuing series on "Is it Biblical or American," I want us to focus on the next two points of this very challenging article by Bishop Joseph Mattera. These two points really challenge me as I consider how often I pray for comfort, peace, prosperity, ease, and happiness. While all of us desire such blessings from the Lord, the idea of these comforts are really not the main concern of the Lord for any of our lives. I invite you to read through these two points and consider the veracity and truth of each.

   

4. American Christianity appeals to using faith to attain stability and comfort. The Bible encourages believers to risk life and limb to advance the kingdom.

Much of the preaching in American churches regarding faith has to do with using faith so we can have a nice car, home, job, financial security, and comfort. The biblical focus on faith is on risking our physical health and material goods to promote God's kingdom (read Phil. 2:25-30). Most of the original apostles of the church died as martyrs as did the Apostle Paul, and the hall of faith shown in Hebrews 11 equates faith with a life of risk and material loss for the sake of Christ. Much of the preaching on faith in contemporary churches would seem foreign to biblical prophets and apostles.

5. American Christianity usually focuses on individual salvation. The Bible deals with individual and systemic redemption.

Jesus' first sermon text in Nazareth was a quote from Isaiah 61 (read Luke 4:17-19). American preachers usually interpret these passages in an individual manner only. However, when you read Isaiah 61:1-4, you will clearly see that the gospel not only saved and healed individuals but also transformed whole cities! The biblical gospel deals with systemic sin--not just individual sinners.

Is It Biblical or American? (Part 2)

For this weeks Blog, I want to share 2-3 points from Bishop Mattera’s article with the hope that it will continue to stir our thinking and motivate a systemic change to our way of life and ministry. Please read, and let’s talk about it…feel free to comment or post below to engage with this ongoing conversation!

As we read this weeks thoughts, let's ask ourselves this specific question. "Are we more or less Biblical or American?"

Looking at points 2 and 3, we are confronted with a "Biblical concert that really challenges our Western 'American'" mentality and lifestyle...

 

2. American Christianity focuses on individual prosperity. The Bible focuses on stewardship.

Much American preaching today focuses on "our rights in Christ" to be blessed. However, in Scripture, the emphasis regarding finances has to do with being blessed by God to be a blessing by bringing God's covenant to the earth (Read Deut. 8:18; 2 Cor. 9:10-11). Jesus promised material blessing only in the context of seeking first His kingdom (Matt. 6:33). How does a revival of Biblical Stewardship change our lives, our churches, and our communities? WOW!

3. American Christianity focuses on self-fulfillment and happiness. The Bible focuses on glorifying God and serving humanity.

I heard a statement several years ago that framed this for me... "God is not interested in our happiness but rather our Holiness." While that sounds like a negative statement, it is in reality a positive one. God's desire is a relationship with us now and in eternity. In order for that relationship to happen, there is some work God wants to do in our lives, and that is the development of a lifestyle of focus on loving Him and obedience to Him, His Word, and Will. 

Bishop Mattera's, The Great Commandments are to love God and love our neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40). It seems to me that much of the focus from the American pulpit has to do with individual fulfillment and satisfaction.

Want to talk about it? Share your thoughts below.

Pastor Mitch

Is It Biblical or American? (Part 1)

In an article I read recently by Joseph Mattera, the overseeing bishop of Resurrection Church, Christ Covenant Coalition, in Brooklyn, N.Y.,  a provoking thought and much needed word concerning Biblical Christianity was presented. Unfortunately, his assessments are all too accurate! However, we can make choices in our lives, in our ministries, and in our communities to be more “Biblical” and less “American” in our view of Christianity. Our view of Christianity will definitely impact the way we live our lives, conduct our ministry, and carry out the mission of Christ on the Earth.

For the next few weeks in this Blog, I will be sharing from Bishop Mattera’s article with the hope that it will stir our thinking and change our way of life and ministry. Please read and let’s talk about it…

It has been evident to numerous biblical scholars that, often (if not most of the time), believers (including preachers) interpret the Bible through the lens of their culture. This has resulted in many beliefs, doctrines, and practices prevalent in the church that are not in accord with the clear teaching of Scripture. Sadly, this is often the case with the evangelical church in the United States.

Since the U.S. is so influential, American evangelicals have also exported a Gospel replete with an American cultural paradigm that is not in line with the Hebraic paradigm of Scripture. Consequently, sometimes in the U.S. pulpit, preaching can sound more like the "American Dream" than a sound, biblical teaching.

The following are some of Bishop Mattera thoughts which bring to light the real contrasts between American Christianity and biblical Christianity:

1. American Christianity focuses on individual destiny. The Bible focuses on corporate vision and destiny.

Most of the preaching in today's pulpits in America focuses on individual destiny, purpose, and vision. However, a quick look at the Bible shows us that, in the Old Testament, the emphasis was always on the nation of Israel, and in the New Testament, the emphasis was always on the church. Every promise of God in Scripture was given to the community of faith as a whole. Hence, if a person was not flowing in the context of the church, or the nation of Israel, they would have never even known Scripture since the average person did not own a Bible and only heard the Word when they assembled with the saints on the Sabbath. Of course, believers had to apply the word of God as individuals, but they could not conceive of doing this if they were not part of the corporate body of faith. In the Old and New Testaments, there was no such thing as "individual prophecy" since every prophetic word given to an individual had to be walked out in the context of their faith community and/or had to do with the life of their community.

Want to talk about it??? Comment below!

Check back next week for part 2...

Pastor Mitch