I think the greatest challenge to the 21st century church is living in and for the truth even when it is difficult or unpopular. The church needs to resist compromise of sound doctrine.

Sound doctrine has been mentioned to me verbally by several people I have asked. Is our fight really the same one that was being fought back in the 1930's and 40's?

I think too many people are getting a watered-down, feel-good message about Christianity and not realizing the sacrifice that we are required to make for Christ. Jesus never promised us everything would be easy and go just the way we want it to. He told us to die to self, pick up our cross and follow Him. We are saved to serve, and that's where our greatest blessings come from!

Andrew

Greetings from the UK.

What a question and where do I start? I know one of the fundamental things that the church needs to discover is the truth (pete has already addressed this), and when we have discovered it speak out. When Christ came he didn't compromise on anything although many did n’t like it. In today’s society everything is acceptable, whether it is biblical or not. Gay weddings are allowed, living together before marriage is allowed, divorce is an easy option, etc I can go on. When Christ left us with the commandment in Matthew 28:19 of “therefore go and make disciples of all nations” it means not only that we are to spread the good news but to make sure that Christianity is out worked in peoples lives once they are saved. It’s no good having the sticker, arm badge or some token saying “I am a Christian” if the word of God is not evident and out worked.

I read recently a line that has stuck from Martin Luther King "If a man hasn't discovered something that he is prepared to die for, he hasn't begun to live".

I do think that the church needs to stop compromising and live to the true, that is Gods word.

Yes I would love to add more but trust you have caught my heart

For his glory

Richard

PS – Don’t know how I’ve arrived at your blog but please understand it is “for such a time as this”

Dawn and Richard,

I think you may be on to something. Christians--especially western Christians, have become way too accomodated with the culture. It is time to wake up.

Andrew

I have been provocated by your question and have had some more thoughts towards it.

1)‘The church’ is represented by many different walks of life. God never writes off anybody. However what we must understand is once we have joined the church we have to abide by the rules –called his commandments. Although I have said the church is represented by all people, they still have a common belief in God. The church is has too many ‘denominations’ and it is time that we swallowed our pride and got on board with the truth. We cannot accept the gospel and take out what we like. Its like doing everything in 1 Corinthians 12 & 14 but leaving chapter 12 out !!! Non believers are not going to be attracted to the church if it is diverse in its belief. I can not believe that ‘the head of the church’ can be a non Christian – for goodness sake what are we doing.
2)It is time that the church faced its responsibilities and stopped running away from issues (please see my post on Monday ref Jonah) Questions like this needs to be addressed and issues like, Aids, sex, the poor and all those taboo subjects can no longer be pushed under the carpet. Christ has said that “the poor will always be with us” (Matthew 26:11) These issues will not go away
3)Please post in February the out come of your talk. I trust and pray that people will see that the ‘the church’ is not a set of rules but the right way for living. Godly and biblical principles never fail. My pray is for you and your family to enjoy a new season of blessings

For his glory

Richard

Ps sorry but I had to nick a few photos, they made me laugh

Richard,

Glad the pictures made you laugh. That's why I posted them. If they can make some of your readers laugh as well, that's cool with me.

1. I agree with the statement that the Church (universal) is made up of people from all walks of life with many differences. That is the beauty of it. The problem is when it comes to "getting on board with the Truth". Denominations will always exist, because sincere people come to different conclusions about different parts of the Bible.

I am curious, what head of the church are you referring to that is unsaved?

2. I agree that the church can no longer ignore these issues. To do so in the first place was a sin. However, we must treat them biblically, or we will just be one more social-aid group. And there is the rub.

3. I am leaning toward something like "A Biblical Worldview" for the theme. We shall see. I will definitely keep folks posted on this blog.

Andrew

The church I refer to is the church in the UK. Vicars and Deacons can have the have the post without working it out in life. See we have gay vicar and that lot. For me that grates. Praise God that the leaders of our church are blood washed, spiritfilled, Christians

Richard

Richard,

This is yet another reason for the existence of denominations. To me it is unbelievable that a group could call themselves Christian and allow unregenerate leadership.