I recently read some statistics that set me back on my heels:
- God learns and adapts to different circumstances: 48% of evangelicals agree
- Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God: 65% of evangelicals agree
- God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam: 56% of evangelicals agree
- Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God: 43% of evangelicals agree (up from 30% in 2020).
- {Source: “You are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and J.T. English- p.4}
As Wilkin and English say, “Let that sink in. Professing Christians in staggering numbers don’t understand or ascribe to the most basic beliefs of the faith they claim to stake their lives on.” (p.4)
I think it is safe to say that most professing Christians are ignorant of basic fundamentals of the faith. And given that last statistics and the words “up from” in only 3 years (the book is copyrighted as 2023), it doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a math major to figure out where we are headed. Throw in the troubling cultural issues we face (LGBTQ+, the church’s role in social justice, etc) and it is scary to think where we are headed, say by the year 2030. More and more denominations are becoming liberal and picking leaders who veer far away from the basic truths of the Bible. Can I say how glad I am that I am not a part of any denomination?
People at OVCF have often heard me talk about what I call “non-negotiables.” (My spell check tells me that is not a word. Oh well. It is to me). 🙂 Those are basic truths you simply cannot compromise on. Nada. Zip. Sort of like “There are many paths that lead to God. We are all just following our own.” Aaah no. Jesus was pretty clear about that when He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) That is what I mean by non-negotiable.
It behooves every pastor and every leader to know the Bible truth himself. Then we need to teach other followers of Christ to be serious in their study and application of those truths. Converts make numbers look good; disciples make a difference in lives. Let’s be disciples i.e. learners who know and share the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Amen Bill. We cannot compromise the truths of the Bible. God’s word is perfect as it is. I’m struggling right now with so many comments that people who confess to be Christian’s are saying are ok. Those statistics you wrote should break our hearts and wake us up. The truth of the Bible has to be read and meditated on. To many Christians are jumping on a bandwagon and misquoting the Bible because it’s sitting on a shelf and not being studied.
Thanks Gail for your comment. I agree that many are jumping on the bandwagon and misquoting the bible because what they hear sounds “good” and “true.” But it is far from it and when it is close it is hard to discern. Get into the Word for sure!
Those statistics are both staggering and sobering, Bill. In this age of practically instant communication and gratification, how are people more ignorant than ever? Thank you, my friend, for standing up always for the only truth that can set us free: Jesus!
Blessings!
I think if you can answer your question, it would explain why things are so messed up. I was stunned that it was only 3 years! Lord willing, I will always stand up for the truth. I pray for discernment to do that. Thanks for the comment.
You are absolutely right, Bill. We all need to spend more time knowing God’s Word so we can discern truth from error. There is no substitute!
You are right Pam. There is no substitute for knowing God’s Word.
Bill, you have written truth. I read about Christians who are not in the word at all. No desire and no hunger. People are running to AI and not the word of God. AI isn’t the correct way to go.
1. Word
2. Prayer
3. Sit in His Presence and be silent. Hear His whisper.
4. Wait on the Lord ~ He isn’t your microwave. That I know. Practice His presence.
Keep sharing His word.
Thanks Charlotte for adding to this conversation. You speak truth. I am adverse to AI and try to avoid it at all costs. your 4 points are spot on.