Why should you care about error in the church?

I’ve had conversations with people about theology, whilst others have taken our discussions seriously and have gone on to prayerfully search the scriptures to see if there was any truth in the matters raised however others seem to see me as one whose making a fuss about nothing about nothing. Perhaps some might think that so long as they are growing in their relationship with God that everything is ok, one might say if there is error within the church^a surely it’s none of my business or maybe someone could convince themselves by thinking that they’re not “solid enough” to question this error. They might think they do not have the credentials.

Are such thoughts true? What is the way that we should respond when we see error within the church, does God allow for us to question our leaders or is it that we should keep silent and just pray and hope that they’ll somehow see the truth and change? First and foremost it is important that we should prayerfully search the Scriptures if we suspect that a leader’s actions are questionable. It is on the authority of this word that we should make our conclusions and not on our opinions.

¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17(KJV)

When building a brick wall, the bricklayer may misplace one brick although this may not be noticeable initially with time as the wall becomes higher and longer the incorrectly placed bricks become more and more visible. This is so as well with a church, there may be teachings which when ignored may seem insignificant however with time as other sections of scripture are preached on or as the church grows the seemingly small issues become very big and in certain cases cause a collapse of the church.

Just as it is responsible to highlight the misplaced brick when initially seen, it should be so within the church, we should point out incorrect teachings/doctrines no matter the position they hold within the church. The Bible describes the Berean’s in Acts 17 as being more honorable because of their diligence in searching the Scriptures. Our response should be the same as those in Berea, we must also search the scriptures and respectfully question that which we think is wrong so as to protect ourselves and others from incorrect doctrine lest we encourage a collapse by our silence.

1. a.       Church here refers to a body of believers that gather from time to time to worship the Lord and not the global body of believers

One life, one purpose, for all men

“What are you doing?” asked the man.

“I go to school,” was the reply from the boy

“Why do you go to school?”

“To study,” said the boy

 “Why do you study?”

“To get smart.”

“Why do you want to get smart?”

“So I can get a job.”

“Why do you want to get a job?”

“So I can make lots of money.”

“Why do want to make lots of money?”

“So I can buy food.”

“Why do you want to buy food?”

“So I can eat.”

“Why do you want to eat?”

“To live.”

“Why do you want to live?”

At that point, the little boy thought for a minute, scathed his head, looked me in the face and said, “Sir, why do I live?” He paused for a moment in mid thought, then gave his own sad answer, “To die!”¹

The conversation above is one between a missionary when he was talking to an eight year old boy about Jesus. Many of us today, especially those still at tertiary level would not give such simple answers however from the interaction I have had with many students in many institutions, the answers though longer and probably filled with more complex language would be the same as above.

The world that we live in today has people of many different cultures. Within those cultures are various languages, dressing as well as foods. Despite these many differences lies one purpose no matter what the geographical location: the purpose to live for the one true living God. Whether rich or poor, short or tall, introvert or extrovert, white or black, African or Asian, God has called us all to live for Him.

For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16

1. K.P. Yohannan. (2004). Revolution in world missions. Texas. Gfa books

False hope given through false teachers

We live in an age where it seems that more and more people are being liberal in their thinking and yet at the same time many are seemingly turning to religion in wake of various events in the world today. We see many “churches” filled to capacity with others even having to build bigger and in many cases more attractive places of worship. Many “churches” today are known to have capacities of up to 20 000 people at a time however despite such figures the messages shared at these churches are not as wealthy in terms of their content as the capacity of the buildings they are preached in.  Many today attend such “churches” seeking a false hope that their problems will be wiped away after the “man of god” prays for them in one way or the other.

In the Holy Bible, 2 Peter is dedicated to such times as we are living in now where false teachers are teaching carefully crafted teachings for their own gain. The gospel in many “churches” has been watered down to attract the masses. Promises are given in these teachings of how one can improve their lives by following principles which have been supposedly obtained from the Bible. After all these things have been taught one has the nerve to invite people to receive Christ so that they can remain the “best” they can be and live life to the “ultimate”. Once the respondent has prayed a prayer they are told that they are saved and are on their way to heaven. Such people leave with a false hope given through these false teachers, unfortunately when asked what faith they ascribe to they boldly and proudly proclaim Christian! Their lives however paint a very different picture as compared to the evidence of their faith as mentioned in the Holy Bible.

Sinful man is totally depraved in himself, this means that he’s heart is totally evil and at enmity with God’s desires, he cannot please God. Due to this condition of sinful man, there is nothing that they can do that can make him right with a holy and righteous God. It is upon realising this that in order to be saved, that sinful man must believe that it is only upon placing their faith in what Jesus Christ achieved on the cross that they are made right with God and given eternal life instead of an eternity in hell. If one does not place their faith in Jesus Christ, there is no neutral ground, they are on their way to hell. Money cannot save them, six steps to a better you will not save them and neither can anointed cloth or water. A life of faith in Jesus and only Him alone can save you from experiencing the full wrath of God on that day.

 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him- John 3:36 (emphasis added)