LIBERAL THINKER!
We don't usually think about a liberal thinker within the spiritual world. We usually are considering politics or political correctiness when we think of a liberal person. I have discovered that within the last 40 years many changes began to take place within the churches. Not just one but within all different sects. I grew up in the Church of Christ or Christian Church. The teachings and doctrine were patterned after the 'restoration movement' which began somewhere in the 1800's. It was a back to the Bible process which tells me that before the movement there were liberal thinkers even then with the churches.

Somewhere along the way instead of evangelism, we began to focus our attention on the 'seekers'. Seeker's being those who were looking for a church, but not of the standard biblical type, but of a place that would welcome their way of thinking. Somewhere along the way we began to placate to the whims of making the congregation comfortable instead of changing lives.

Liberalism is taking the process of becoming saved and taking the name of Christian, by shortening it to "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved!" Acts 16:31a The only thing left is to say a prayer of repentance and WALLA, you are saved. You will know then, that after you have said that prayer, you are on your way to heaven!

Liberalism within the church body says that the Elder's are more of a financial counsel giving their okay for spending or not to spend. The Elder's are to oversee all programs and give directions to the pastor. The Elder as defined in the scriptures, is not the Elder we find in a liberal congregation.

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4

"In the last days, there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it." 2 Timothy 3:1-5a Paul continues in 5b; "Avoid such people!"

I realize the discussion this week is harsh. I realize that nobody wants to hear these things about what is going on in some churches. Obviously, it was going on not long after the church began. I realize that because we are taught to love one another we find ourselves overlooking some things. But loving one another within the church never changes. We need to look to God's teaching to know what it is that God expects from His church; His people; His followers!

Let's don't take short cuts! We get into trouble taking short cuts! We need to follow God's word to the full extent that it is given. When the Israelites took short cuts they always ran into trouble. God always bailed them out! Our way out is Jesus Christ and only Jesus Christ! Examine what you believe and be sure you are believing what God is teaching, not what man has decided is okay. Personally, I don't want to take any chances; I want to be sure! When God says; "Follow me", that is exactly what I want to do. How about you? Jane Ann