Are There Absolutes in Your Faith Walk?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

In Bible study yesterday – we were discussing heretical teachers and if there were absolutes in our faith walk. We were looking at 2 John and John was warning his readers about false teachers. The world seems to be filled with them these days – even the church seems to have its share of them.

One of my favorite shows comes on at different times and different channels most days – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on. The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many in Mayberry and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in town. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s – just a few states south of Maryland.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here and feeling safe. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. I remember doors without locks and a feeling of love and safety.

How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society? A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results (even for 28 years ago). The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult; 59% lied to one of their peers; 36% cheated on an exam; and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18; 50% say they are stressed out; and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And only 28 years ago! Lord knows what the survey would show today!

Some Things Never Seem to Change

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Reworked devotional from 2011. Things haven’t changed much in 9 years. Some things never seem to change. Heretical teaching will always lead a person or a church away from God.

The United Methodist Church has been through a lot during my lifetime.  I remember the sawdust camp meetings of my early years where the Bible was preached and lives were transformed for Christ. The authority of Scripture and the centrality of Christ were not questioned. Transformation took place because sound doctrine was taught and the transforming nature of Christ was preached.

During my lifetime I have also seen a  segment of the church’s leadership turn away from truth – turn away from the transforming love of Christ and His Word. During my lifetime I have heard the deceptive philosophy of some church leadership that has led our denomination into decline. During some of the darkest days of the United Methodist Church – when attendance and membership were falling at alarming rates – a group of Bishops led our denomination. Many of these bishops have retired since that time from active church leadership and I do not think it is by any surprise that our denomination is beginning to grow again in certain areas. I do not think it is by surprise that the majority of churches that are growing the fastest in our own conference are being led by pastors who believe in the transforming power of God – the centrality of Christ and the authority of the Bible.