The Dangers of the Social Gospel

The design, or intention, of the modern American Church's social gospel, is the same as that of megachurch pastors: to increase the number of people who believe whatever it is they believe.

Basically the social gospel is our religious leaders' attempt to be politically correct--which is not, btw, one of the Beatitudes--and to 'modernize' scripture to make it more palatable to modern thinking--which is, btw, the doorway to following in Satan's footsteps.

To better understand this, let's get specific, Bob.

The social gospel:

1. Promotes the tolerance of New Age Movement lifestyles in the church (a good way to boost attendance)
2. Avoids the controversial subject of abortion, rather than taking a stand against it
3. Emphasizes focus on tolerance (of sin) instead of focus on Christ, who never spoke of tolerating sin, but on repenting of sin, so that it might be forgiven
4. Corrupts scripture in order to justify disobedience to God and his Word
5. Seeks to solve social and political issues and create a utopia in this world, rather than dealing with the true issue at the heart of the Gospel: the salvation of our eternal souls

While on the surface, the social gospel movement appears useful, providing shelter, food, and financial support, the emphasis placed on this human movement inherently distracts its followers from the importance of Christ, who is our Redeemer and Savior. Frederick Nymeyer put it wisely:

'The Social Gospel may be the most crucial of all problems besetting Christian churches at this time, for when a Christian's ethical certitudes are revealed to be defective, as it always turns out to be in the Social Gospel, then he ends up abandoning confidence in valid, Biblical faith. In practice what happens is that when Social Gospel action fails to produce valid results, the person promoting such programs does not abandon the Social Gospel and return to the true Gospel, but plunges deeper into further Social Gospel actions with progressively more frustrating results.'

We must remember that it is God who saves, that this world is only our temporary residence (1 Peter 1:17), and that our duty here in this world is not so much to effect social change, but to effect eternal change in the souls of those we meet.

A Good and Faithful Servant

Today God received into His arms His good and faithful servant, my grandfather.

After a long horrible illness, grandpa is finally home, having shed his old tent and put on a new one, a form that will not wither and waste away, but sustain him in perfect health forever. (2 Cor 5:1)

It is difficult . . . to think that he is no longer here with us. But he leaves behind a testimony, a life led by love, filled with good works, an example worth following in a world where precious few examples are even remotely decent.

Until we see you again, grandpa, I will strive to follow in the footsteps of the Christ-like love and obedience you leave behind.

Praise God for the time we had together with grandpa, for the wonderful memories of this godly--and often humorous--man.
Amen.