It is a Failure of Leadership, by Moss Dickerson
Christians are returning to the destitute elements of the world (Gal. 4:9-11), and to the futility of earthly cares (II Peter 2: 20-22). The Bible teaches that humans are creatures of choice (Josh. 24:15) and that implies that we may choose to serve or not serve the Lord. For many the correct choice is often made initially but they fail to persevere. Jude 5 speaks of those who do not persevere:
"I will therefore put you in remembrance though once knew this, how that the Lord having saved the people out of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not "
Who will be disqualified for lack of perseverance and who will be rescued? Jude also speaks as to how it is that one is rescued.
"Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints" (Jude 3).
It is amoral for Christians to scorn the gospel system that teaches us that we are to be lovers of the truth and yet despise error (Psalm 119:104; Amos 5:15). It is only in this system that we find salvation (Matt. 28: 18-20).
The conscience of the Christian man/woman ought not be silenced by anything less than the truth concerning salvation and eternity. The reflective question then becomes what is wrong with the Lord's church today in this modern society. Where does the instability that we so often see originate? Instability does not originate with the Word of God but with man. The Word of God "is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness (II Tim. 3:15-17).
Timothy reminds us to prepare for the worst possible circumstances as "they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires." (II Tim. 4:1-4). In the case of the modern congregation, far to often Biblical instruction has become nebulous and the assemblies of Christ are no longer distinctive and certainly not definitive in the presentation of the plan of salvation as commanded by God. There should be less human philosophy and more scripture, fewer quotes from Theologians and more quotes from the inspired Word of God (II Peter 1: 20-21). It is the duty of all Christians to know, believe and be willing and able to explain the Biblical principles involved in salvation.
Today we find that the problems with the Lord's assembly is both simple and devilishly cunning. For example, tradition in some cases has replaced truth as it relates to the Bible and history. Personal preferences are accepted by the majority because it is easier than provoking a debate and defending the truth. Such has been the case with instrumental music in the assemblies, a hotly debated topic for years. Innovation, diversity, and catering to the whims of people who rarely read the Scriptures much less study them has brought us to this point where mere conjecture has replaced Biblical truth. Entertainment has replaced worship. We now have such things as "praise groups" designed to stimulate emotions and make those involved "feel good."
Ezekiel the prophet (Ezekiel 33:30-32) rebuked the people for pretending to love God while at the same time disobeying His Word. Elders, Preachers Deacons, and Teachers and knowledgeable members are currently allowing those who have no scriptural convictions to make decisions that ultimately create an environment that is filled with religious error. Church leadership has become cowardly and full of compromise. Leadership has deviated from the truth to the point that todays shepherds are not knowledgeable enough to grasp the gravity of the situation. These people pretend to "love the Lord" yet they fail to "feed the flock."
Perhaps the current elders-ship should read and contemplate the words of Ezekiel as found in chapter 34: 10.
Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them.
This a warning to all Elders or want to be Elders. We will explore this topic in the coming weeks with some other short articles.
Dr. Moss Dickerson
