Pagans don't really like church that much - Todd Friel
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18 NASBSo why do we ask non-believers what they want church to look like, and how they want to "do" church? We should look to Jesus.
Can a church mutate?
the decline might be less showing a declining church and becoming something we have yet to imagine - Kristine Stache on the decline of the Episcopalian church organisation, quoted by Todd Friel.Jesus defined the church Himself on the declaration that He is the Christ (Matt. 16:18), the church is His Bride (Rev. 21:9). He gave us a snapshot of the Church (Matt. 28:19-20) so that we don't have to use our fallible imaginations to define it!
When I first visited India, I was shocked at the chaos of the place. People were urinating in the carpark of the airport; cars were driving in any direction regardless of road configuration; traffic control signals were ignored; people pushed others in lines and out of lines for their own greed; beggars harrassed people constantly. There was no rule, no order. I was soon met by my friend who put all of this chaos into a biblical worldview for me when he said, "God is a God of order. The devil is a god of chaos."
God is indeed a God of order. We see it through creation, and throughout His plan for the ages. He does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We see that He created beings according to their own kind, with their own DNA.
The church is a living organism with its own DNA. It is therefore impossible for the Church to redefine itself at the whim of man as Jesus has already designed it with its own DNA. DNA can mutate, but after mutation, it is no longer what it was. The new organism is not the old organism. So a local church that deliberately neglects or changes its very being so that it no longer meets its design is no longer part of the church.
There is only one Church, and that is the Body of Christ on earth, made up of many local church bodies all over the world. We could break it down even into 3 levels: the Church Universal (all believers past and present), the geographical church (for example, the church in Australia, or the church in London), and the local church (that is, meeting in homes and small local congregations).
1st level church (Universal)
Saul began to destroy the church ... Acts 8:3
The church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria ... Acts 9:31
2nd level church (Corporate)
In the church at Antioch ... Acts 13:1
The churches in the province of Asia ... 1 Cor. 16:19
The church at Ephesus ... Rev. 2:1
3rd level church (Local)
The church that meets in their home ... Romans 16:5, Phil. 1:2
Todd Friel of Wretched Radio is on fire this month with two excellent discussions (although Todd's work is always excellent because he looks to the Word of God as the ultimate authority).
The first leads to the second although his second was published first, if that makes sense. In my opinion, and for the purpose of this blog, I think that's the way it flows!
Video 1: "If you want to destroy your church, go liberal". In this video, Todd Friel discusses the compromise of corporate church bodies to the way of the world. He discusses the danger of liberalism and letting people do whatever they want. As you listen to this video, I encourage you to remember this scripture:
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 2 Tim. 4:3-4
Video 2: "Why your Church Shouldn't Play Bethel and Hillsong Music". Although the discussion in this video below between Todd Friel and Justin Peters certainly reflects the title, it is more about Shepherds protecting the flock from wolves, and being aware of some of the devil's schemes. Context scripture:
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them." Matt. 7:15-16a
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Acts 20:28-31
In light of these discussions, consider whether your church is seeking to follow Jesus, or to follow man. Watch out for wolves and do not be shy to rely on the Word of God to confront them and the lies that come with them.
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Cor. 1:9
If we died with Him,
We will also live with Him;
If we endure,
We will also reign with Him.
If we disown Him,
He will also disown us;
If we are faithless,
He will remain faithful,
For He cannot disown Himself 2 Tim. 2:11b-13
References and links:
Friel, T., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhy55uwFOzw, Wretched (28/2/20)
Friel, T., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0uFSYHVSRk, Wretched (28/2/20)
Peters, J., Justin Peters Ministries, https://justinpeters.org/ (28/2/20)
