We left our church because we saw emergent creeping in. We were unsure if we were on target at first, but now I have no doubt we were right. Sometimes it’s a conversation with friends still attending, sometimes we pop into someone who left months or years ago. At any rate, the things that some say were “lies from the pit of hell” that came from our mouths are ever more proving to have not been lies.
My advice, if you have any strange little feelings that your church is “off” on biblical teaching in any way is to go to the leadership and ask questions. Be wise in how you ask, think, study, pray, pray pray. Ask them what books they recommend. Ask them what speakers they are listening to. Ask them what conferences they plan to attend. Ask their opinion about different books. Ask them what they know about this or that topic. Ask their favorite passages in scripture. Ask, ask, ask. Then, you can begin to challenge. Challenge on what they say at the pulpit, challenge on what they read, who they listen to, who they quote. If a pastor is following Christ, they likely will appreciate information that is helpful. If not, you’re going to go through a bit of trial. Pray for your friends but don’t burn bridges with them. You never know who will see what you are seeing, and who else is asking. Things are not what they seem. You might think someone is against you, but unless you hear it from their lips…or from the lips of someone you trust…don’t assume they are in agreement with the wrong teachings in your church. If you can find an ally, grab hold of them. Always pray. Offer to pray for your pastors, and really do it. Offer to pray with others who have the same doubts you do. It’s possible God may spare your church from ruin. You never know. Do what is best.
Welcome to a small island of Philadelphia in a sea of Laodicea!
Trying to find a new church after all that is hard, they are few and far between.
That has been our problem lately, the notion of home churches is becoming more attractive, and more practical these days. We have gone from a southern baptist church, to a non-denominational to a Brethren Assembly(tiny). But at least the BA respects and fears G*D and takes Scripture seriously.
It is a hard place to be in, trying to find a church that is Scripturally sound, G*D bless and lead you as you seek for HIS people…there are still a few!
G*D bless and MARANATHA!
tmw
Great advice sister. It is very helpful to me and reminds me to be Christ-like even in the face of opposition, and especially to those may not be so kind and loving in their opposition.
A warning, it WILL get worse..I wrote a post at my site, here.
There IS a great divide, that is being revealed more and more everyday. It is between the “Bereans”(whom Paul commended) and the pew-warmers and unsaved, it grows further apart every time I turn around.
It sickens me, but HE did warn us.
G*D bless and keep you strong and discerning!
tmw
CL: Excellent post…
We have traveled similar roads, indeed. The sheep are being scattered. The wolves have come in unawares and have taken the minds of some of our best students and have taught them a different gospel and a different Christ. There are not many good shepherds left.