Y Not I

Interesting story about a Barna Group poll expressing American views of Christianity, basically going over the opinions of Americans in regard to their faith. Here are some of the items the story covers:

• Those that consider themselves to be Christians do not necessarily hold to Christian teachings as valid.
• Two fifths did not see a need to share their faith with others, or at least a responsibility.
• Sixty percent did not look to their congregation for for theological teaching.
• Eighty two percent of those under twenty four believe that they should customize their beliefs as they see fit.

This is very fascinating information. My good friend saw this report as part of a “falling away” (2 Thess. 2-4) that will be seen in the end times. Hard to argue with that. I also, as extension see it as a result of teachings that totally do away with law, wherein the believe only lives by faith and is led by the Spirit. This type of though to me, by definition holds absolutely no standard and of course would lead people to accept what wish and reject what they wish, all under the guise of living by the Spirit. Another part of that is getting away with something because we are “under grace” as compared to being under law. I have often heard believers do something they basically knew was not in accordance with Scripture, but allowed themselves to do it because of the freedom provided by grace.

Basically this type of teaching to me leads to this confusion and brings forth the fruits that can be observed in this poll. Believers will get their doctrine from whomever tells them what they want to hear (read as what their flesh wants to hear). They will pick and choose and ultimately the Scripture has little authority over their actions and choices.

As a Messianic believer and one who does look to Scripture as an authority in my life and does not reject the Torah as obsolete or outdated, I often see and am told about how that is a bondage and that I should free myself from that bondage. However, to me it seems that those that live according to their own shifting “law,” it is much more likely to be them that is in bondage than it is I.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned toward fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Beloved, I now write unto you, in both of which I stir up your purity of mind by way of remembrance,that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Peter 3:1-4

Let us continue in the Word and understand that it is G-d that is the authority and not us. I have often it heard it from one of my Rabbis, that it is He who is the creator and we are the creation. So it is not as we see fit, but as He instructs. Good to remember, especially if it is the end that is rapidly coming. Come soon.

B”H