Addressing 21st Century Challenges in the Evangelical Church
Summary
In our discussion today, we explored the pressing challenges facing the evangelical church in the 21st century. We began by acknowledging the insights of Dr. R.C. Sproul, who identified three critical perils: the lack of biblical truth, the absence of proper church discipline, and the deficiency in faithful worship. These issues are not new; they have been with us since the time of the Scottish National Covenant in 1638, which emphasized sound doctrine, proper worship, and church discipline. Today, these challenges persist, and we must be vigilant in addressing them.
One significant concern is the tendency of some churches to pander to cultural trends, diluting the gospel message to appeal to broader audiences. This approach can lead to a departure from biblical truth and ultimately to spiritual destruction. The solution lies in a renewed love for the Bible, ensuring that our churches are deeply rooted in Scripture and committed to its teachings.
We also discussed the importance of understanding our Protestant heritage, particularly in light of recent calls to return to Roman Catholic traditions. The term "Protestant" originated from a protest for religious freedom and tolerance, and it remains relevant today. We must remember the core principles of the Reformation, which emphasized the authority of Scripture and the necessity of faith.
Furthermore, we examined the role of theological institutions in maintaining doctrinal integrity. Institutions like Harvard and Princeton have historically faced challenges, often succumbing to external pressures and internal drift. To guard against this, we must remain anchored in our confessional standards and engage with the world without compromising our beliefs.
Finally, we touched on the influence of worldliness on the church. In a society that offers material success and comfort, Christians must resist the temptation to conform to worldly values. Instead, we should focus on the eternal joy set before us, as described in Hebrews 12, and strive to live lives that honor Christ in every sphere.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Perils of Cultural Conformity: Churches must resist the temptation to conform to cultural trends that dilute the gospel message. Instead, they should focus on a renewed love for the Bible, ensuring that their teachings are deeply rooted in Scripture. This commitment to biblical truth is essential for spiritual vitality and growth. [03:03]
2. Understanding Our Protestant Heritage: The term "Protestant" signifies a historical protest for religious freedom and tolerance. Remembering the core principles of the Reformation, such as the authority of Scripture and the necessity of faith, is crucial for maintaining our distinct identity and mission. [05:11]
3. Guarding Theological Integrity: Theological institutions must remain vigilant against external pressures and internal drift. By staying anchored in confessional standards and engaging with the world without compromising beliefs, they can maintain doctrinal integrity and continue to serve the church effectively. [10:32]
4. Resisting Worldliness: In a society that offers material success and comfort, Christians must resist the temptation to conform to worldly values. By focusing on the eternal joy set before us, as described in Hebrews 12, we can live lives that honor Christ in every sphere. [14:42]
5. The Importance of Church History: Understanding church history is crucial for knowing who we are and how we got here. It helps us see the heroes, wisdom, and mistakes of the past, allowing us to be introspective and thoughtful in our faith journey. [23:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction of Guest
- [00:36] - Personal Anecdotes
- [01:41] - Perils Facing the Evangelical Church
- [02:24] - Historical Context of Church Challenges
- [03:03] - The Danger of Cultural Conformity
- [04:04] - Protestantism and Roman Catholicism
- [05:11] - The Relevance of Protestantism Today
- [06:31] - Differences Between Protestants and Catholics
- [07:32] - The Role of Theological Institutions
- [09:47] - Challenges Facing Christian Institutions
- [11:54] - Maintaining Theological Integrity
- [13:18] - The Influence of Worldliness
- [14:42] - Focusing on Eternal Joy
- [17:07] - The Importance of Christian Education
- [23:29] - The Value of Church History
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 12:1-2
2. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
3. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three critical perils facing the evangelical church today as identified by Dr. R.C. Sproul? How do these relate to the historical context of the Scottish National Covenant in 1638? [01:41]
2. According to the sermon, what is the danger of churches pandering to cultural trends, and what is the proposed solution? [03:03]
3. How does the sermon describe the historical significance of the term "Protestant," and why is it still relevant today? [05:11]
4. What role do theological institutions play in maintaining doctrinal integrity, and what challenges do they face according to the sermon? [10:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "cultural conformity" challenge the church's commitment to biblical truth, and what might be the long-term effects if this issue is not addressed? [03:03]
2. In what ways does understanding our Protestant heritage help maintain our distinct identity and mission as Christians today? [05:11]
3. How can theological institutions effectively guard against both external pressures and internal drift to maintain their doctrinal integrity? [10:32]
4. What does it mean to resist worldliness in a society that offers material success and comfort, and how can Christians focus on the eternal joy described in Hebrews 12? [14:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you noticed any tendencies to conform to cultural trends? How can you encourage a renewed love for the Bible within your community? [03:03]
2. How familiar are you with the core principles of the Reformation? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of your Protestant heritage? [05:11]
3. Consider the role of theological education in your life. How can you support institutions that strive to maintain doctrinal integrity? [10:32]
4. In what ways do worldly values influence your daily decisions? Identify one area where you can shift your focus from material success to eternal joy. [14:42]
5. How does understanding church history impact your faith journey? Share a historical figure or event that has inspired you and discuss how it can influence your spiritual growth. [23:29]
6. Think about a time when you felt pressured to conform to societal norms. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to better honor Christ in every sphere of your life? [14:42]
7. Identify a specific way you can engage with your church community to promote sound doctrine, proper worship, and church discipline. How can you take action on this in the coming weeks? [02:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Resisting Cultural Conformity
In today's world, churches face the challenge of cultural conformity, where the gospel message is often diluted to appeal to broader audiences. This trend can lead to a departure from biblical truth, resulting in spiritual decline. To counter this, churches must cultivate a renewed love for the Bible, ensuring that their teachings are deeply rooted in Scripture. This commitment to biblical truth is essential for spiritual vitality and growth. By focusing on Scripture, churches can maintain their distinct identity and mission, resisting the pressures to conform to societal trends. [03:03]
Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you noticed cultural trends influencing your faith or church community? How can you actively seek to align more closely with biblical truth today?
Day 2: Embracing Our Protestant Heritage
Understanding our Protestant heritage is crucial in maintaining our distinct identity and mission. The term "Protestant" originated from a protest for religious freedom and tolerance, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and the necessity of faith. In light of recent calls to return to Roman Catholic traditions, it is important to remember the core principles of the Reformation. By doing so, we can ensure that our faith remains grounded in the authority of Scripture and the necessity of faith, allowing us to navigate contemporary challenges with clarity and conviction. [05:11]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles of the Reformation, such as the authority of Scripture and the necessity of faith, into your daily spiritual practices?
Day 3: Maintaining Theological Integrity
Theological institutions play a vital role in maintaining doctrinal integrity. Historically, institutions like Harvard and Princeton have faced challenges, often succumbing to external pressures and internal drift. To guard against this, it is essential to remain anchored in confessional standards while engaging with the world without compromising beliefs. By doing so, theological institutions can continue to serve the church effectively, ensuring that their teachings remain true to the core tenets of the faith. [10:32]
2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV): "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that your personal study and understanding of theology remain true to biblical teachings?
Day 4: Resisting Worldliness
In a society that offers material success and comfort, Christians must resist the temptation to conform to worldly values. Instead, we should focus on the eternal joy set before us, as described in Hebrews 12, and strive to live lives that honor Christ in every sphere. By doing so, we can maintain our spiritual integrity and witness, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel in a world that often prioritizes material gain over spiritual growth. [14:42]
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where worldly values have taken precedence. How can you refocus on eternal values and live in a way that honors Christ?
Day 5: Learning from Church History
Understanding church history is crucial for knowing who we are and how we got here. It helps us see the heroes, wisdom, and mistakes of the past, allowing us to be introspective and thoughtful in our faith journey. By studying church history, we can gain valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of those who have gone before us, equipping us to navigate our own spiritual journeys with greater wisdom and understanding. [23:29]
Psalm 78:4-7 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific event or figure from church history that has impacted your faith. How can their story inspire you to live out your faith more fully today?
Quotes
I think the evangelical church has allowed itself to be lured into thinking that they must be all things to all men, and there's a kind of pandering license: "What do you want? Tell me what you want, we'll give it to you." I think that is a road to destruction. [00:03:03]
I think they have to fall in love with the Bible. I think they have drifted away from the Bible. They've taken, it seems, the Bible as sometimes too much slogans out of the Bible. It's the Bible itself that is the sword of the Spirit, that is the powerful word of God. [00:03:30]
The origin of the word Protestant goes back to the Diet of Speyer in 1529 when Roman Catholic civil authorities were determined to persecute those who were following Martin Luther. The protest was a protest in the name of freedom of religion and toleration. [00:04:36]
I do think the word Protestant is being used a lot less, and I think the word Protestant is not being understood very well in its historic sense, and that's really tragic. The suggestion that somehow Protestantism is not as needed today as it ever was is ridiculous. [00:05:18]
Theological institutions must remain vigilant against external pressures and internal drift. By staying anchored in confessional standards and engaging with the world without compromising beliefs, they can maintain doctrinal integrity and continue to serve the church effectively. [00:10:32]
The reality is that most of the time institutions begin to crack more from within than from obvious pressures from the outside. Institutions begin to drift or presume on the great heritage that has been given to them. [00:10:54]
American Christians face not the kind of problems that many Christians in the world face, such as persecution or harassment. In fact, the problem American Christians face is that we have it so good in this country. We have so many opportunities and have seen so much material success. [00:14:42]
We are tempted to really want to root in all the goodies this world offers, the same as the world that surrounds us. It's possible to say we ought to do as everybody else does, and that becomes underworldliness. We get focused on this world's values. [00:14:58]
I think it's absolutely crucial, and I think Reformation Bible College is continuing a great tradition of Christians who have always been school builders. The whole idea of a university really originated from a Christian notion of understanding God's world so that we can serve God in it according to His word. [00:17:07]
History is crucial for us to know who we are and how we got here. People who are interested in history are interested in being alive, it seems to me. If we want to know who we are, we have to know how we were made, how the culture shaped us that brought us to this place. [00:23:29]
It helps us, as we look at church history, to see heroes in the past, to see wisdom in the past, but also to see weaknesses, mistakes, and sins of the past. It causes us to be introspective, to be careful, to be thoughtful. [00:23:47]
A confession is a standard that says to the world, "This is what we as a church believe." We write this to say, in a summary form, what we think the Bible teaches. There's a lot in the Bible, and you can't very easily hand a newcomer to the church a Bible and say, "Here's what we believe." [00:29:11]
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