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Topic: Insulted (11/01/04)
TITLE: Respect the Congregation with a Challenge By Doug McHone 11/07/04 |
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“It ain’t those parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”What was Twain referring to? Was he seeking a text that would match his worldviews as he had been taught? Did his parents and church teach him what to believe with scriptural references or did they pay lip service to sound doctrine while teaching things that were not even alluded to in their Bibles? It makes me wonder.
-Mark Twain
Isaiah 29:13I have found certain doctrinal things clearly spelled out in scripture that, quite frankly, was completely new to me after growing up in church, attending at least three times a week. Why were some of the most basic points lost to me in all of that time? Were they not taught or was I not listening?
Therefore the Lord said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men
I think blame is found on both parties. There are certain things that were not taught. Many times I would zone out for the church service. I cannot place the blame of my not absorbing the teaching that was given on others, but I do hold the church accountable for not presenting certain clear truths before me.
What is the purpose of man? Why do we believe in salvation through Christ alone, by faith alone? I have a firmer grasp of these things through reading the scriptures, and studying the Bible is one obligation that we all must accept. Even so, why were these things not taught in my church? Did the church leaders feel that the congregation was not ready for deep thinking? Were they afraid of doctrine with the misperception that doctrine divides? And if so, did they think that the church was so shallow that we could not have our individual worldviews challenged in this way, lest we splinter off to other denominations, seeking a deeper worship or a slicker presentation?
Again let me say that much of the blame for this goes upon myself, as well as the rest of the congregation. I was inattentive through the milk that was continually poured. Why should I be served meat? How had I exhibited a readiness or even a willingness to consume a message that required meditation? I do accept much of this, but at the same time, I feel just a bit insulted.
It has been my experience that students will usually rise to the level to which you teach them. Maybe not all the way, but certainly no higher. With proper care, they can blossom far beyond anyone's low expectations and begin to challenge your higher expectations. If the church is not challenging the congregation at any point, is there no room for growth? Has the church finished its purpose? Is the milk being served becoming just a bit stale, leading people to wonder why they need to attend? This is a symptom of a human worldview, where people are looking for self-serving reasons to attend church, rather than attending church to the glory of God.
As long as we are a fallen people, we will search for reasons to obey the fourth commandment. The reasons will be either to our edification or to the Lord's glory, and our fallen natures will always be slanted to ourselves somewhat. The church needs to challenge its body on a regular basis if it is to produce disciples and not drones who respond at the appropriate times. Teaching in the church needs to always remain a step above the congregation and give it reason to reach higher to attain further understanding without seeming to be out of reach. This should be the goal of every teacher as well as every person who sits in the pew. If anyone asks for a reason why they should attend church, the church leadership needs to respect the congregation by offering the challenge of reason.