Is It Biblical or American? (Part 4)
6. The American apologetic focuses on human
reason. The Bible's apologetic focuses on the power of God and experience.
Americans
have been trained to defend the faith utilizing scientific, archeological, and
linguistic historical proofs to validate the resurrection of Christ and the
historicity of the Scriptures. This is because the Enlightenment trap that
promotes human reason as the highest arbiter of truth has captivated the
American church. However, when we read both testaments, we see the prophets, the
apostles, and Jesus never based the propagation of their faith on the latest
scientific research or human reason but on the anointing, authority, and
reliability of God (1 Cor. 2:1-4; Hebrews 2:1-3).
Of
course, Biblical faith is the most rationalistic, reasonable faith in the world
since it comports with reality more than any other philosophy or religion.
However, if the foundation of your faith is human reason, then the first person
that has more knowledge than you in science could talk you out of being a
Christ-follower. Truly, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom--not
human reason (Proverbs 9:10; 1 Cor. 1:17-23).
7. American believers have a consumerist
mentality regarding a home church. The Biblical emphasis is being equipped for
the ministry.
Americans
shop for a church today based on what meets their personal and family "needs" the
best. It is almost like a supermarket mentality of one-stop shopping. While it
is good if churches attempt to meet the practical needs of families and
communities, the focus should be upon equipping the saints for the work of the
ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). God may lead a family to a new church plant
instead of a mega-church even if the mega-church has more programs to offer.
Biblically, it is all about assignment and equipping. If a person is doing the
will of God, they will be fed by God anyway (John 4:34).
These challenging thoughts address two of the most necessary principles in all of Scripture. As you read through these two points, were you challenged to reposition your thinking around the importance of the anointing, authority, and reliability of God? The priority of the church must change from that of "me and mine," to equipping people to be able to do the work of evangelism and discipleship!
Any thoughts or points of discussion?
Let's talk.... Please feel free to comment below!
Pastor Mitch
