HARBINGERS DAILY– Jonathan Brentner-
On Crosswalk.com in June of 2023, an article appeared entitled “5 Signs Your Church Might Be Heading toward Progressive Christianity.”
Below are the main points from Crosswalk’s piece:
- There is a lowered view of the Bible.
- Feelings are emphasized over facts.
- Essential Christian doctrines are open for re-interpretation.
- Historic items are redefined.
- The heart of the gospel message shifts from sin and redemption to social justice.
I would say that if all these things are true of your church, it has arrived at the point of “progressive Christianity.” It’s either already a “woke” church or well on its way to it.
The article in Crosswalk inspired me to put together a list of signs that indicate something might be amiss at your church.
1. There’s A Lack Of Respect For The Words Of Scripture
The “lowered view of the Bible” mentioned in Crosswalk’s list most often begins with the spiritualizing of its words in regard to biblical prophecy. By this, I mean that many pastors and teachers today retrofit God’s promises to Israel so that they apply to the church, albeit spiritually. This disregard for the intent of the author often has severe negative repercussions for other portions of Scripture.
For example, if one can assign different meanings to John’s written record concerning what he saw and heard concerning the future (the book of Revelation), it opens up other passages in God’s Word, such as those that forbid homosexuality, to continue retrofitting in order to make its words align with secular human wisdom.
2. Attendance Numbers Trump Teaching The Whole Counsel Of God
If your pastor avoids mentioning the truths of Jesus’ appearing for His church, the Rapture, lest it upset a few people and they leave, something is amiss at your church. If you hear the Gospel presented without one word regarding “eternal life” or eternity, you can be certain that something’s amiss.
Churches primarily dedicated to putting people in the chairs often use the word “tertiary” to describe their beliefs regarding future things. This conveys that message one’s view of future things is of lesser importance than the essential doctrines of the faith and should not be a dividing factor in the congregation. Continue reading…
