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(Part Two of Two) By Rusty Stark THE NEW TESTAMENT ANTICIPATES AND CONDEMNS PROGRESSIVISM The Gospel of the New Covenant was intended for all generations to come. In fact, departing from it in favor of something new (progressivism) is clearly condemned in scripture. Galatians 1:6-9, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” 2 John 9, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” The word translated “transgresseth” is the idea of going onward and beyond. Thayer defines it this way: to proceed, go forward: in a bad sense, to go further than is right or proper. Sounds like progressives espousing progressivism! Evil indeed. Jude 3, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” 1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” Progressives wish to depart from the faith, and they do so in league with seducing spirits and demons. It is not progress to leave the word of God to follow Satan. SPIRITUAL PROGRESSIVES TODAY This article is more than an intellectual exercise. Those crying out for something new in the church today are progressives. They are “carried away” (consumed) with progressivism. They may not call themselves that, and they may not appreciate being called that, but they are progressives just the same. Progressivism is not progress in the right way —not in God’s Way! It’s digression and apostasy. Let’s consider some of the ways progressives have rejected the Bible in favor of that which is new. 1) They reject the Bible as being adequate. Many want to be ruled by the dictates of modern philosophy or psychology. “Thus saith the Lord” has been replaced by “thus sayeth Freud or Skinner or Rogers.” 2) Modern progressives think the church should be shaped by the “felt needs” of modern Americans. They preach sermons full of modern buzzwords and the newest fads, yet sadly lacking in God’s word. They expose their weakness, cowardice, and liberal direction by what they won’t preach —the whole counsel of God. They are the opposite end of the spectrum from Paul who held back “nothing that was profitable” and declared “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:20,27). This progressivism is not progress. 3) Many seem to accept a strictly pragmatic, utilitarian viewpoint in preaching and practice. This means they will do whatever brings in the numbers. The cry is, “We have to be current. Forget Matthew 7:13-14! Let’s be with the many, not with the few.” One wonders why progressives, appealing to the masses and following the fads of the multitudes, cannot feel the heat of the destruction that awaits them at the end of the road. In the moral realm, progressives are also revealing themselves. 1) Some have abandoned preaching about marriage, divorce, and remarriage. After all, in our society, marriage does not mean what it once did. In modern society, living together without being married is commonplace. Marriage vows are not as binding as mortgage contracts. Vast numbers of people have been divorced and remarried without knowing anything about God’s law on the matter. How can Matthew 19:9 possibly address all of these modern issues? And so, many shift their doctrinal position, or they simply leave out what God has to say about the matter. 2) Those who will not preach against homosexuality for fear of being out of touch are acting in a progressive manner. The same with those who will not oppose same-sex marriages. 3) Those who vote for abortionists clearly do not think we should be governed by God’s word. God’s word clearly expects us to uphold the sanctity of innocent human life. If we do not do so, in our votes and in our sermons, we are refusing to be governed by God’s word. THE CHURCH HAS A PERFECT, UNCHANGING CONSTITUTION As long as we have for our foundation the Rock of Ages, and as long as we use for our constitution the timeless Bible, we will never be out of touch or out of date. 1) Jesus claimed a timelessness for his words: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). 2) It is only through the ageless, incorruptible Gospel that men in our modern age can be born again: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). 3) “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25). God’s word meets all of our needs regardless of how modern our world becomes. 4) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). 5) “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). It really does not matter how or why men reject God’s word. Nothing new can replace the perfect pattern. There is no new need, no new cultural phenomenon, no popular fad, and nothing about modern society that God did not anticipate in his holy, inspired word. Those who reject God’s word in favor of some newer more modern standard are spiritual progressives. And, spiritual progressivism is not progress. It is digression wrapped up in bright paper with a pretty bow. It is a rotten egg with icing on top. It is not progress, it is heresy. It is a departure from the truth that sets us free (John 8:31-32). & Jamaica Patois Wisdom #1 By Jefferson David Tant The Jamaican Patois dialect is colorful, unique and humorous. It is my desire to share some of the philosophy shown in this mix of colorful phrases that are witty as well as thought-provoking. I hope the readers both profit and enjoy. In my quarter-century plus of teaching there, I have come to appreciate some things about their culture. – Jefferson David Tant) Patois: “Nuh bite di han weh feed yu.” English: Never bite the hands that feed you. Meaning: Do not be ungrateful to one who has given you help. Among many things God teaches us is gratitude. Christ exemplified this himself. “At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes” (Matt 11:25). Many passages urge us to not only be thankful, but to express that spirit. Those who are the children of God have more reason than anyone on earth to be thankful. We have reason to be thankful for salvation from sin, the hope of heaven, an understanding of the meaning of life, freedom from worry, the right to pray with confidence that our prayers will be heard, the fellowship with those of like precious faith. Many Psalms are expressions of thanksgiving. The apostle Paul expresses his own view of this as he encourages his readers: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:7-8). In Romans 1, an unthankful spirit is linked to all sorts of vile sins, beginning in v. 21: “they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Daily thanks should not only be directed to God, but to our fellow humans. Paul often expressed thanksgiving for his brethren for their faith, their example, and for their fellowship with him in spreading the gospel. Rom. 1:1; I Col. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; Col 1:3-4; I Thess. 1:2,8; Philemon 1:4. Note Paul’s expression of thanksgiving to the Philippians: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5). How much more satisfying our lives would be if we practiced expressing thanksgiving for daily things. Do you give a thankful wave to the driver that let you cut in on the road; do you thank the waitress who comes to refill your glass of water; do you thank the cashier at the store who rings up your order; do you thank your wife for preparing the meal; do you thank your husband for washing your car; do you thank those who have done even small favors for you? You may think, “Well, that’s what they are supposed to do.” So what? Does that fact that someone does what they are supposed to do mean that their deeds are not worthy of a simple “Thank you?” The words “thanks, thanksgiving, thankful,” etc., are used 136 times in the Bible. They must have some important significance to God. & |