NEWS ALERT BLOG – 14
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD?
12/16/24
by: Bill Watson
Direct Comments to:
The “Mission of the Church” is probably one of the most debated and controversial subjects among Christians today. Christian ministers from multiple denominations that keep either Sunday and/ or Saturday for Sabbath are all caught up in the cross-fire of their critics. And clearly, this is especially passionately true when it comes to “politics:” should it, or should it not be presented, discussed, and / or talked about, in the pulpit? These same people claim there is no difference between speaking to policies, or politics––in their minds, both are one and the same–-to speak about cultural policies, is to speak about politics. But, is this true?
Many Christians today espouse the fact, all that should be presented is the “gospel,” but unwittingly, they are separating the Church from the “public square,” confining it only to what they subjectively identify as only that information relative to salvation. Now that’s not to say that segment of information is not part of the gospel, because it most certainly is an important part––it goes without saying––but, is that all there is to defining what the gospel is?
So, undoubtably, this is critical to defining the “Mission of the Church;” and why is that? Because Christ told us to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Christ, the Son, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. He continued to clarify: “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world” (Matt. 28:19-20).
Interestingly enough, when you begin to recognize the “social culture” is changing and going in opposition to what “Christ’s teachings and observances are;” why wouldn’t you determine His Church should sound the alarm and point out that the direction the culture is going in, is wrong? Why would we not think the Church is responsible to “witness and warn” and speak out to these issues and growing “anti-Christ” conditions, which are leading the people astray? After-all, Didn’t our Lord forewarn us that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a “witness” unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matt. 24:14).
Crying aloud and showing my people their sins by speaking to the issues is not abandoning the preaching of the gospel–-that is the gospel ( Isa. 58:1) !! To claim the Church of God has no responsibility to direct attention to the malfeasance and malevolent behavior of the leadership we are surrounded by, is simply deflecting and running from its responsibility.
Everything about the “Mission” of the prophets as well as the ministry of Christ, was focused on addressing the leadership and to the society in general, where they were missing the mark–-where they were sinning! This could only be done by contending with the policies of the leadership and lifestyles of the culture of the time. Christ pushed back on the hypocrisy of His day, whether from the Romans, or the Jewish religious leaders––He measured everything by what the church was founded on––the apostles, prophets, and law, with Christ Himself as the Chief Cornerstone (Acts 28:23 & Eph. 2:20).
When we see trends like attacks on fatherhood, true femininity, the family, gender dysphoria, immoral sexuality, life in the womb, war, lies, and thievery; policies that result in hurting our health, or stealing our freedom of ownership, speech, and expression––should not the Church speak out, warn the people and witness to them that the conditions and trends are not right and are gravitating toward “satanic confusion?” Unquestionably, these are forces, and sometimes policies that if allowed to go unchecked, would encroach and interfere with us teaching what Christ commanded to observe and do. I would hope we understand plainly, our battle is spiritual and is against spirits in high places (Eph. 6:12-13).
For the Church to assiduously recoil and draw–back from this calling and avoid forewarning the people, to keep them aware of the subtle and insidious demonic agenda working on their conscience, is a “cowardice withdrawal” that God does not favor! Notice; “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition [loss, destruction]; but to them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:38-39).
And so the thought is, if we believe the gospel has the power to save our souls, then no matter where we are, what circumstances we face, or conditions we are surrounded by; preaching the Word of God needs to address those topics regardless, as to where we as His witnesses are lead to share His message––that’s our mission!
And the apostle Paul believed in this same manner of courageously sharing the gospel message, which is the Mission of the Church. Notice: “For though I be free from all, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gan the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; …To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Cor 9:19-23).
What Paul is saying, is to meet the people on their terms, address the issues on their level. We as witness’ ought to have the courage to become aware of the same concerns the people have so we can explain for their edification, what God expects from them. And if that requires us to address certain cultural policies of a political nature, well then; so be it!
Keep in mind, just because a moral issue has been politicized, doesn’t put it in a “hands off” category for the Church. There is no free passes! The Church should speak out regardless, as to where the subject and/ or topic may reside; be it in families, morality, political policy, or religious doctrine. The Mission of the Church should be “brave, bold and courageous” enough to address the wrongs, the perverse, and the hypocrisy of our times! It is the Church of God’s commission, to “cry aloud and show my people their sins, baptizing them and teaching all nations to observe and do whatsoever Christ has commanded us to do (Matt. 28:19-20; Isa. 58:1).
And if that causes the Church to cross over into some of the political policies a nation may have, the Church should face the responsibility it has and witness, confront, and address; reveal what God expects in the face of the sin being conducted!
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A recommended book all should read is:
LETTER to the AMERICAN CHURCH
by: Eric Metazas