Reaffirming Faith: Scripture, Creeds, and Evangelism

 

Summary

In our gathering tonight, we explored the profound questions that challenge and shape our faith, focusing on the authority of Scripture, the role of creeds and confessions, and the enduring relevance of historical theological debates. We began by addressing the root causes of doctrinal minimalism and compromise within the church, identifying a loss of confidence in the Word of God as a central issue. This lack of confidence is not new but has been a recurring challenge throughout church history. We emphasized the importance of grounding our faith in Scripture and allowing it to guide our beliefs and practices.

We also discussed the role of creeds and confessions, highlighting their value in summarizing and condensing the teachings of the Bible. While the Bible remains the ultimate authority, these historical documents link us to the wisdom of the church and help us understand the core tenets of our faith. The conversation then shifted to the significance of the Sabbath, affirming its creation-based origin and its continued relevance as a day dedicated to worship and rest.

The discussion on J. Gresham Machen's "Christianity and Liberalism" underscored the ongoing battle between traditional Christianity and modern liberalism. Machen's work remains relevant today, as it addresses the fundamental differences between these two worldviews and calls for a return to a full-orbed, biblical Christianity. We also touched on the nature of Christian confidence, which is rooted in the promises of God and stands in contrast to worldly confidence that often relies on human achievements.

Finally, we explored the role of the church in evangelism, emphasizing that while the church service is primarily for believers, it can also be a powerful witness to unbelievers. The church's mission is to declare the good news of Jesus Christ, both in formal settings and through the everyday lives of its members.

Key Takeaways:

- Confidence in Scripture: The root of many challenges in the church today is a loss of confidence in the Word of God. This struggle is not new, but it is crucial to reaffirm our trust in Scripture as the ultimate authority in our lives. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's truth and resist the temptation to listen to other voices. [02:04]

- Value of Creeds and Confessions: While the Bible is sufficient, creeds and confessions serve as valuable tools that summarize and condense its teachings. They connect us to the historical wisdom of the church and help us articulate our faith clearly. However, they must always remain subordinate to Scripture. [05:07]

- The Sabbath Principle: The Sabbath is a creation ordinance, not merely a Mosaic law. It is a day set apart for worship and rest, reflecting God's design for human flourishing. Observing the Sabbath is a way to honor God and find delight in His presence. [12:46]

- Christianity vs. Liberalism: Machen's "Christianity and Liberalism" highlights the stark contrast between traditional Christianity and modern liberalism. The book argues that liberalism is a different religion altogether, one that undermines the authority of Scripture and the core doctrines of the faith. [18:04]

- Role of the Church in Evangelism: The church's mission is to proclaim the gospel, both in worship services and through the lives of its members. Evangelism is not just about calling for decisions but also about testifying to what God has done in our lives, inviting others to explore the faith. [29:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Introduction to Ask Ligonier
- [01:37] - Doctrinal Minimalism in the Church
- [02:35] - Lightning Round Introduction
- [03:22] - Using Psalms in Prayer
- [04:30] - Authority of a Pastor
- [05:07] - Bible's Sufficiency and Creeds
- [06:27] - Understanding Creeds and Confessions
- [07:45] - Recommended Church History Books
- [09:10] - Arminian Churches in the U.S.
- [11:02] - Struggling with Infant Baptism
- [12:20] - Sabbath Principle Today
- [14:24] - Machen's Christianity and Liberalism
- [21:15] - Christian vs. Worldly Confidence
- [28:10] - Role of the Church in Evangelism

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2. Exodus 20:8-11 - "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Observation Questions:
1. What are some reasons mentioned in the sermon for the loss of confidence in the Word of God within the church today? ([02:04])
2. How do creeds and confessions serve the church according to the sermon, and what is their relationship to Scripture? ([05:07])
3. What is the significance of the Sabbath as discussed in the sermon, and how is it described as a creation ordinance? ([12:46])
4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing relevance of Machen's "Christianity and Liberalism"? ([18:04])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the loss of confidence in Scripture affect the church's ability to stand firm in its beliefs and practices? ([02:04])
2. In what ways do creeds and confessions help believers articulate their faith, and why must they remain subordinate to Scripture? ([05:07])
3. How does observing the Sabbath reflect God's design for human flourishing, and what might this look like in a modern context? ([12:46])
4. What are the key differences between traditional Christianity and modern liberalism as highlighted in Machen's work, and why is this distinction important today? ([18:04])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal confidence in Scripture. Are there areas where you struggle to trust the Bible as the ultimate authority? How can you address these doubts? ([02:04])
2. Consider how creeds and confessions have played a role in your understanding of faith. Is there a particular creed or confession that has been meaningful to you? How can you use it to deepen your faith? ([05:07])
3. How do you currently observe the Sabbath? Are there changes you could make to better honor this day as a time for worship and rest? ([12:46])
4. In what ways can you engage with the ongoing conversation between Christianity and liberalism in your community? How can you stand firm in your beliefs while engaging with differing viewpoints? ([18:04])
5. Reflect on the role of evangelism in your life. How can you be a more effective witness to the gospel in both formal settings and everyday interactions? ([29:07])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you rely on worldly confidence rather than Christian confidence. What steps can you take to root your confidence in God's promises instead? ([21:15])
7. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to proclaim the gospel? Is there a specific ministry or outreach opportunity you feel called to support? ([29:07])

Devotional

Day 1: Reaffirming Trust in Scripture
In today's world, many challenges within the church stem from a diminishing confidence in the Word of God. This struggle is not a new phenomenon but has been a recurring issue throughout church history. It is crucial to reaffirm our trust in Scripture as the ultimate authority in our lives. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's truth and resist the temptation to listen to other voices that may lead us astray. The Bible is not just a historical document but a living guide that shapes our beliefs and practices. [02:04]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to reaffirm your trust in Scripture today, and how can you actively seek God's guidance through His Word?


Day 2: The Role of Creeds and Confessions
While the Bible is sufficient, creeds and confessions serve as valuable tools that summarize and condense its teachings. They connect us to the historical wisdom of the church and help us articulate our faith clearly. These documents are not meant to replace Scripture but to support our understanding of it. By studying creeds and confessions, we gain insight into the core tenets of our faith and how they have been understood throughout history. However, it is essential to remember that they must always remain subordinate to Scripture. [05:07]

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the study of a specific creed or confession into your spiritual routine this week to deepen your understanding of your faith?


Day 3: Embracing the Sabbath Principle
The Sabbath is a creation ordinance, not merely a Mosaic law. It is a day set apart for worship and rest, reflecting God's design for human flourishing. Observing the Sabbath is a way to honor God and find delight in His presence. In a world that often values productivity over rest, the Sabbath reminds us of the importance of taking time to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. It is an opportunity to focus on our relationship with God and to find peace in His presence. [12:46]

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God." (Exodus 20:8-10a, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to set aside a day for rest and worship, honoring the Sabbath principle in your life?


Day 4: Christianity vs. Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen's "Christianity and Liberalism" highlights the stark contrast between traditional Christianity and modern liberalism. The book argues that liberalism is a different religion altogether, one that undermines the authority of Scripture and the core doctrines of the faith. This ongoing battle calls for a return to a full-orbed, biblical Christianity that stands firm on the truths of the Bible. It is a reminder to evaluate the influences in our lives and ensure they align with the teachings of Scripture. [18:04]

"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8, ESV)

Reflection: Are there any modern philosophies or ideologies that have subtly influenced your beliefs? How can you realign your worldview with biblical Christianity?


Day 5: The Church's Role in Evangelism
The church's mission is to proclaim the gospel, both in worship services and through the lives of its members. Evangelism is not just about calling for decisions but also about testifying to what God has done in our lives, inviting others to explore the faith. While the church service is primarily for believers, it can also be a powerful witness to unbelievers. As members of the church, we are called to live out the gospel in our daily lives, demonstrating the love and grace of Jesus Christ to those around us. [29:07]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you share your testimony with this week, and how can you be intentional about living out the gospel in your interactions with them?

Quotes

GODFREY: Well, I think there's a loss of confidence in the Word of God. I think that's at the root of the problems the church faces today. But in a sense, that's nothing new; the church has always faced that struggle. Does it listen to the Word of God or does it seek to listen to other voices or to itself, even more dangerously perhaps? [00:01:54]

GODFREY: A pastor's authority, we've always said, is ministerial. That is, it is not original. He doesn't have authority in himself; he has authority only insofar as he is ministering the Word of God. So, he is free to have opinions. By and large, I think, ministers ought to keep their opinions out of the pulpit, but he has authority only when he can speak for God in the place of God; and he can only do that when he can establish what he says by the Word of God. [00:04:23]

GODFREY: Well, I think that's a simplistic and, really, in the end of the day, unhelpful approach to the sufficiency of the Bible. The Bible is a big book and none of us are sufficient for it, and, therefore, to have help from the church to summarize the Bible, to condense the important teachings of the Bible in the way that confessions and creeds do is a way of linking ourselves with the wisdom of the church's understanding of the Bible and linking us with the Bible itself. [00:05:07]

GODFREY: I think that the key issue with the Sabbath is that Genesis 1 and 2 teach us that the Sabbath is established in creation. God blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy, and, therefore, it's not part of the Mosaic legislation. It's not a uniquely Jewish institution. It had Jewish forms under Moses from Sinai, but before Sinai, the Sabbath was an institution that God had established at creation and He establishes it for the well-being of mankind in general. [00:12:31]

GODFREY: Well, I hope all of our listeners know who J. Gresham Machen was. He was one of the greatest scholars and champions of the faith that the American church has seen. He taught at Princeton Theological Seminary in the first decades of the twentieth century and was one of the leaders in the battle at that time against the rising tide of what in those days was called "modernism" that we know as "liberalism" as well. [00:14:24]

GODFREY: Well, Christian confidence at its heart is a response to the Word of God. It is a confidence that what God has said He will do, that what God has said is true, that we can have assurance that the promises of Jesus Christ will be fulfilled. And the world takes confidence in all sorts of things. It takes confidence in its own accomplishments. It takes confidence in its various ways of avoiding having to think about reality. [00:21:15]

GODFREY: It is certainly the role of the church to evangelize. When we talk about evangelizing, what we mean is declaring the good news. And the good news is that Jesus Christ came to save sinners and we want to make that known as far and wide as possible. And the church does that in all sorts of ways. The gospel, the good news, certainly, should be heard in worship services. The good news should be heard in various teaching ministries of the church. [00:28:10]

GODFREY: The church service is designed for the believer and for the covenant community to meet with God. The worship service is a meeting- that's the best way to talk about it- between God and His people, and, therefore, it is a place where God speaks to His people and His people speak to Him. He speaks to His people in the reading of the Word and in the preaching of the Word, and we speak to Him in prayer and in song and in confession. [00:30:36]

GODFREY: I would say that you are busy with unimportant things. Now, I wouldn't do this most of the time quite like that. I would try to be nicer most of the time. But since it's just you, Nathan, there's no great pressure to be nice. And I would say as a historian in particular, we in America have more time than any other people in the history of mankind. [00:39:57]

GODFREY: Sunday, I believe, is the Lord's Day. That's what the Scripture says; Revelation 1:10. And because the day belongs to God, we should not think that we have fulfilled our relationship to God on His day by an hour with Him. And so, that has resulted in Protestant churches historically having two services on the Lord's Day that were usually in the morning and afternoon or morning and evening, and it just provides twice as much time for fellowship with God and with His people. [00:43:02]

GODFREY: I think some Protestants get tired of all the responsibility of being a Protestant. A Protestant has to constantly ask himself or herself, "What does the Bible say? What does the Bible teach?" And, I think, there are a certain number of people who just find comfort in saying, "The pope or the patriarch has the responsibility of figuring out what truth is, and I don't have that responsibility anymore and I can just experience the faith as a liturgical matter and I can appreciate the sort of mystery of the liturgy." [00:49:58]

GODFREY: Well, I would say whatever people are wrestling with, and that's a very serious issue, it's a very real problem for some people, but I would say if that's the problem or whatever else the problem might be, the first thing to say is, start going to church, start listening to the Word of God being preached, start getting to know the people of God and the life of the people of God. [01:00:56]

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Transcript
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