Where is Religion Going?

 

Introduction

A.    Initial text: 2 Tim. 4:1-5

B.    How would you describe the state of religion in America?

1.     How would you describe the overall attitude of the majority of Americans toward religion as a whole?

2.     Could you answer the two above questions in a positive manner?

3.     Would the current condition parallel Paul’s comments in 2 Tim?

C.   Many dissatisfied w/religion in many parts of the country.  As a result many have given up on it….some all together.

1.              some confused by a conflicting message being promoted….some teaching that certain practices acceptable – while others condemn practices w/every ounce of might.

2.              Perhaps some see the emptiness of the continued emphasis on the social & entertainment aspects being catered to over the spiritual.

3.              Others tilted a/g religion b/c of the lack of example.

a)       one does not look far to see high profile cases of infidelity.

b)       Deception, trickery, using religious position to gain political advantage

D.   It is our intention to take a snapshot of some of the current trends in religion today & contrast that to the pattern we find w/in the standard of God’s word.

E.    The church of Jesus Christ does exist today!  Right now!  In 1999!

1.    Remember His words – Mt. 16:18-19

2.    We have responsibility to search out & find a group of believers that seek to follow the Scriptural pattern as clearly as possible.

3.    This will take effort, dedication, love for the Lord on our part….but we must do it…if we wish to go home to heaven.

 

I.  Current trends in the religious world.

A.    A wishy-washy stance on religious/moral issues.

1.    in many regards – most have rejected the Scriptures as the sole authority in religious/moral matters.

2.    Conjecture/popular opinion have b/c the standard – in fact – scripture used out of context to bolster opinion/approval.

a)    The Bible in large part has been thrown out….after all it’s just your interpretation.

3.    Note….new teaching on MDR; homosexuality; eternal punishment in hell.

a)          just a few years…divorce disgraceful.  Religion condemned it.  Now it = an acceptable alternative to marriage.  Afterall….everyone needs to be happy.

b)          Homosexuality & it’s acceptance as  normal lifestyle being welcomed in many “churches.”

1)        gave church leaders/tolerance of all sorts of immoral lifestyles.

2)        Welcomed in b/c God loves everyone – no matter how one is.

3)        Many now giving into political/social pressure – so as not to offend anyone.

c)           teaching on hell.

1)    not eternal….just temporary.

2)    Pope recently came out w/new teaching in Catholic church along this line.

3)    All b/c some offended at thought their sin might bring eternal death.

4.    New teaching on unity in diversity.

a)    let’s agree to disagree.

b)    Merely a pretense of unity – b/c subjects of disagreement are never brought up to be worked out.

c)    Some have said that we will never agree on everything – so why even try?

d)    No wonder people give up on religion.

B.    A trend toward charismatic & emotional “feeling” over reason.

1.        charismatic religions among some of the fastest growing “churches” in the US.

a)    many rel leaders claim some sort of spiritual gift….some kind of mysterious work of the HS.

b)    Some claim to have had “miracles” performed on them.

c)    Many b/l their religion right….b/c it feels right.

d)    Indeed…emotion can make things seem right…but not always right.

2.        Gen. 45:24-28 – just ask Jacob – who felt his son Joseph dead.  Was he dead?  Certainly not! 

3.        Emotions doe not always equate to correctness in religion.

C.   A liberal “do nothing” theology.

1.    give money to church regularly, attend every now n  then and all is well.

2.    Society has b/c so busy w/ secular that it has time only for leftovers on spiritual matters.

a)    drive through religion – on way to lake

b)    result:  many religious bodies ignore Bible exhortation for continued & faithful service.  No longer demand it!

c)    Doesn’t matter…according to some…b/c once saved…always saved.

3.    This “do nothing” philosophy has led toward a decline in the importance of a scriptural standard in our life.

a)    now many behaviors/attitudes tolerated by many b/c they haven’t the bible knowledge to deal w/the problem.

b)    Result:  there a continual lowering of standards as more & more move away from God.

D.   A trend to emphasize the “social” over the “spiritual.”

1.    some more interested in:

a)    ice cream socials

b)    youth rallies

c)    retreats

d)    family life centers; health readiness centers; career centers.

2.    majority of some church budget spent on these things – that the church has no business being involved in.

3.    Many not content w/the worship of the church.  Seek to modify the service w/drama; choir; non-traditional services.

4.    More want to serve human/physical nature of man rather than the spiritual.  All this done to attract more people…..not worried about changing them spiritually…..

E.    These trends disturbing….but in some regards…not surprising.

1.    must…as said at beginning…look for group of believers that is striving to adhere as closely to the Scriptures as possible.

2.    The following points stand in direct contrast to the four trends mentioned above.

 

II.  Where doe we need to go in religion?

A.     We must ever seek to apply the Scriptures as our sole guide in all religious/moral matters.

1.    must elevate Word (the law of God) to it’s proper place.

a)    Psa. 19:7-11; 119:1-9

b)    Applying precepts of Scripture must be priority one.

c)    No room for conjecture, opinion….esp when the standard applied!

d)    There is no that’s just your interpretation. When the standard applied correctly.

2.    We must make sure we are on the old paths (that which Jeremiah called for) so that we may be pleasing to Him.  Jer. 6:16.

3.    Authority = must be found in God’s word.

a)      call sin what it is.  Speak as the authority of God – doesn’t matter if it offends – we need to be offended more sometimes.

b)      1 Pet. 4:11 – whatever we say/do….in religion….must be according to God’s word.

4.    Must ask:  is a certain religious practice/teaching condoned in His word?

5.    Are we speaking where the Bible speaks & being silent where the Bible is silent/

6.    Col. 3:17 – everything we do….to be done according to His will.

B.     A plea for unification based upon the Scripture.

1.      Many content w/sectarianism/denominationalism.  Content to disagree w/their religious neighbors.

a)      those who seek unity on the one true church, plan of salvation – according to Bible – often feel pain of rejection.

b)      Must seek to rid world of religious division & unite on God’s word.  Not content w/the feel good pretend nothing wrong” unity in diversity.

2.      Must desire that Christ’s prayer in Jhn. 17:20-21 be answered.

a)     Is His prayer possible?  Would He have prayed for the impossible?  Many rel. people today say He did.

b)     How it possible?  By taking honest approach to God’s word – not through the skewed vision of the doctrines of man.

1)    why did Paul write Eph. 5:17?

2)    Unity possible if we come to understand the standard

3.      sectarian idea of religion condemned by Paul in 1 Cor. 1:10-13

4.      Must insist on dropping questionable religious practices.

5.      Do things bible ways and be content w/God’s plan.

C.    Must move toward a working, dedicated, active religion.

1.    must be willing to sacrifice physical wants for the spiritual.

2.    Note exhortation in Scriptures about working in the kingdom.

a)        Lk. 16:23 – take up cross daily!  Regular faithful continuous service demanded.

b)        1 Cor. 15:58 – must remain steadfast, immovable, & always abound in the work of God.

1)    takes effort on our part.  Yours & mine.

2)    Would you describe yourself as being steadfast? Are you abounding in the Lord’s work?

c)        Eph. 2:8-10 – created for….good works.  Notice…to walk in good works…we to actively serve God.

d)        Phil. 1:27 – conduct  to be worthy of the gospel.

e)        Phil. 2:12 – work out our own salvation w/fear/trembling.

3.    Col. 2:6-7 – Must b/c rooted/built up in Him.

a)    how this done?

b)    By b/c established in the faith.  See 2:7.  Note:  as you were taught….

c)    How this done?  By application of the word of God – Rom. 10:17.

4.    this involves every aspect of our lives – conforming ourselves to His life (Christ)

5.    Won’t happen if spiritual priorities lessened.

a)       how can anyone ‘get involved” in religion by only attending sparingly & never engaging in Bible Study?

b)       How can religion be “real” to anyone in this condition?  Yet many religious leaders seem to condone such behavior.

D.    By reaching out to people w/the simple gospel.

1.    people looking for simplicity in religion.

2.    Looking to get away from the confusing and often discouraging denominational doctrines.

a)    I firmly believe there many out there as Thessalonian that w/just little teaching would accept it.

b)    1 Thess. 2:13-14

c)    let us realize the tremendous opportunity b/f us!

3.    The great commission has been given – Mt. 28:18-20  Are you seeking to fulfill it?

4.    Rel world looking for people w/a backbone spiritually. (Conviction.)  Something that can be backed up w/Scripture.

a)    1 Pet. 3:15 – give a defense

b)    Js. 1:22-25 – doer of the word

c)    Looking for those who have courage to redeem the time to find lost souls b/f too late – 2 Cor. 6:2

5.    many of the false doctrines of men will melt away w/just a little teaching.  Let us use tools provided to go out: defeat Satan – the author of religious error.

 

Conclusion

A.    Which way are you headed religiously?  Are you on the right road?

B.    Are you building on the rock that is Christ?

C.   Have you applied His standard to your life?

D.   Obey the gospel….first step in heading the right direction.

E.    I N V I T A T I O N