Chuck Colson Diagnoses 'Heart' of Church Problem

Comments

• TerryH

  Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:57 am : 1 : 0 Flag

  Christianity is not religious. It is not a great movement or evangelization for the betterment of
  the world. It is not reacting to a need simply because the need is there (Matthew 26:6-13).
  In many ways, religion is a deception. It is an activity carried out by men in the name of God.
  Often, the activity substitutes for the operation of the Holy Spirit.
  Religion always has doctrinal biases. That is one way it can be recognized. Also, religionists
  are busy doing instead of being. There is a kind of romance in religious work. Much
  enthusiasm can be generated in organized activities.
  But it is not what we do before men that matters. It is what we are in the eyes of God, in our
  secret place with Him. Where are we in our personal communication with Him? Where are we in
  relation to what He wants to accomplish in our personal lives? Those are the questions, which
  separate Christianity from religion.
  Religion is the birthplace for denominational divisions. The tendency of denominational
  behavior is to observe one another, compare activities, and count heads. There is a
  competitive spirit to outdo the church down the street. Each denomination declares, “We're
  right, we've got it all together.” Although unsaid, the implication is that the others are wrong.
  Christianity is not dependent upon the acceptance of a creed nor upon a statement of doctrine.
  It has nothing to do with the observance of rites and ordinances. It does not require attendance
  at certain services or functions, nor demand conformity to a set of rules for behavior.
  These things are all good works and can be very deceptive. Those who perform them may
  assume they are earning favor with God. Unfortunately, this is an illusion, which could lead to
  a bitter day of confrontation with the Lord (Matthew 7:21-23).
  Christians become Christians by discipling themselves to Jesus Christ. In this manner, they
  join with other born-again believers and become one in Christ. This body is the true body of
  Christ, the real church. It is possible to attend church and never meet Christ, yet become very religious. Historically,
  every time man has received a revelation from God, he has built a denomination around it. He
  has imposed rules, which have made him comfortable. But he has so distorted the original
  revelation that the Spirit of God has been forced to leave. Luther, Calvin, and Wesley all
  received revelations, which have been turned into denominations. This has fragmented further
  the body of Christ.
  Continued below.

• TerryH

  Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:56 am : 0 : 0 Flag

  In Matthew 23:37,38, Jesus told the religionists. "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”
  It was no longer the house of God, for man had claimed it for himself. Then, in Matthew 24:1, it
  is recorded that Jesus left the temple. He walked away from the institutional church and took
  His real church, His believing disciples, with Him.
  Religion has never made this world happier or better. Religionists tend to occupy themselves
  with the bad state of things; how the world has deteriorated into a terrible condition, and how
  mankind is headed for hellfire and damnation.
  But the Lord is more interested in the solution than in the problem. He would have His people
  align themselves with Him to bring about His purpose. Through them, He could then alter the
  state of things.
  Religionists try to change the world, but it is the church that needs to change. When the
  church changes, the world will change.
  There is nothing supernatural about religion and its ritualism. The world fears supernatural
  powers. But there is nothing offered by religion for the world to fear, or even to respect;
  therefore, the world treats religion with contempt.
  John the Baptist called himself a friend of the Bridegroom (John 3:28-30). He understood the
  principle of decrease in order to draw the bride (the church. the body of Christ) to Christ, the
  Bridegroom. Today's preachers are in the same position, that of friends of the Bridegroom. But
  instead of decreasing in order to draw the bride to the Bridegroom, many are flirting with the
  bride. They are exalting themselves, and drawing the bride in their own direction.
  Such activity deceives the sheep, and they go astray from the real Shepherd. They follow
  substitute shepherds, intermediaries placed between themselves and God. Those sheep suffer
  from stunted growth, for they are unable to grow beyond their man-shepherd.
  Jeremiah 23:1 proclaims, “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of My
  pasture! saith the Lord.” Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:4, that following after one man's doctrine
  is carnal. When we are interested only in a form of religion, we do just that. We select a leader
  because of his popularity and his image, and we allow our eyes to focus upon him rather than
  upon God.
  God's purpose is to make His believers one body (Ephesians 2:14), and He is doing just that.
  He can reach through the veil of religion and touch those who truly seek Him. When they
  respond to His touch, He introduces them to salvation, the first segment of His truth.

• artm

  Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:53 pm : 0 : 0 Flag

  One reason the Church is Ignorant of what Christanity is, Because of Blind Watchman, who no longer preach the truth of Gods Word. But also because Most Christians don't read their bibles.
  
  And Christanity is not a religion, It is a Person, Jesus Christ.

• ronwilson4u

  Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:50 pm : 1 : 0 Flag

  With TVs and videos, people have learned to read less. Many Christians I know seldom study the Bible reguarly and rely primarily on weekly sermons for most of their information about Christianity.
  
  The first Christians gathered to study and pray reguarly because they were hungry for the Word and thirsty for the Spirit. A December 2007 Gallup reported that 82% of Americans claim their faith has ties to Chrisitanity. A lot of us living in these "end times" must be very hungry and thiristy spiritually.
  
  Hope Page: http://itsallaboutjesusnotme.blogspot.com
  
  Hope Page:

• scotirish

  Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:05 pm : 1 : 0 Flag

  ,” argued Colson, who was a top aide to former President Richard Nixon before being jailed for the Watergate scandal." Why is it that every time Chuck Colson is written about there is a need for the media 'Christian and secular' to introduce him as 'having been jailed for the Watergate scandal'? Do we speak of Moses as an unindicted murderer, David as a murderer and adulterer? And so on and so on. Give it a break.

• aritonang

  Sun Apr 13, 2008 8:19 pm : 0 : 0 Flag

  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God
  For me that verse from the Gospel of St John also state a complete explanation of our faith.
  
  Mr. Colson touches some of the things which I see myself do everyday, being unaware, ignorant and not fully understand Christianity to properly answer trivial questions let alone theological ones.
  
  And further I do not particularly check all social and cultural goings on with the Word of our Living God in the Holy Bible.
  
  Slowly but surely shall I learn more, Mr. Colson. Thank you for your input.

• Wilderness1

  Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:45 pm : 1 : 0 Flag

  “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Ti 3:16, 17).
  
  “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col 2:8).

• russellstjohn

  Sat Apr 12, 2008 4:29 pm : 0 : 0 Flag

  A great diagnosis by Chuck Colson! Colson believes the root of the church’s problem is that Christians don’t know what they believe in. How true.
  Perhaps nothing has been as destructive to Christian society in the last number of decades as the abandonment of two thousand years of Christian teaching on God’s order for sexuality, starting with beliefs about contraception.
  Like Colson points out, Christians should understand historic Christian beliefs and live by them.
  I posted a blog entry today on this subject.
  http://signofcontradiction.blogspot.com/2008/04/unholy-sacrament-of-corrupt-christian.html
  I invite your comment.

• FullGospel

  Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:11 pm : 4 : 3 Flag

  Hey Coffee, I encourage everyone to read the writings of Ignatius of Antioch like I did. He led the Christians as a bishop in the first city the Christians were called Christians. He also wrote the name down for the first time that described the Church Jesus founded: Catholic, with a capital C. 110 A.D. And he learned Christianity from John the Apostle.
  
  "Let no one do anything of concern to the Church without the bishop. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop or by one whom he ordains [i.e., a presbyter]. Wherever the bishop appears, let the people be there; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church" (Letter to the Smyrneans 8:2 [A.D. 110]).
  
  The Orthodox faith was the first to split from Catholicism. Since then, I think we're up to 33,000 conflicting versions of Christianity. What a shame. Yet Jesus' Church hasn't been overcome by the gates of hell. To me, it's the only safe harbor in a world of theological shifting sand.

• coffee

  Fri Apr 11, 2008 6:12 pm : 0 : 0 Flag

  chris says that the church was once united. The who was the first split-off group? The Orthodox claim that it was the Roman church, that Orth. was the true original church.

• Quecat

  Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:53 pm : 0 : 0 Flag

  The Bride of Christ IS united in HIM and always has been. There are many people sitting in the pews of many denominations who profess Christ, but whose hearts are far from Him. They are not members of the body. The building into which you enter for worship does not define who is of the body and who is not.
  Compromising scriptural doctrine for the sake of an outward appearance of unity avails nothing.

• msnchris70

  Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:53 pm : 3 : 1 Flag

  Well said, Chuck! You are truly a wise man. You have also done many wonderful things in ecuminism between Catholics, Orthodox and Evangelicals. Keep up the great work, and I pray that someday all will follow Jesus Christ and that His Church will be united again like it once was.

• holito8

  Thu Apr 10, 2008 8:54 am : 1 : 0 Flag

  “Most people are basically ignorant,” he said referring to believers’ lack of knowledge on their own religion.
  
  Remember the old testament; Israel went in and out of capativity. Best yet, we in and out of hellfire.
  God said: Hosea 4:6-7, 9-10
  My people are destroyed for a lack of knowlege. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
  The more they increased, the more they sined against Me; I will change their glory into shame.
  And it shall be: like people, like priest. So I will punish them for their ways, and reward them for their deeds.
  For they shall eat, but not have enough; They shall commit harlotry, but not increase; Because they have ceased obeying the Lord.

• kevin82

  Thu Apr 10, 2008 2:21 am : 2 : 2 Flag

  Thank God for Chuck Colson.
  
  I agree with those recommending blogs. Sure, there's some bad blogs, but, by and large, you find some very talented students running theology blogs. I have some links to such blogs on my own blog:
  
  http://dogmatics.wordpress.com/
  
  Also, read some good Christian magazines/journals, like First Things and Touchstone.

• prespilot68

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:58 pm : 3 : 1 Flag

  Boy I think Colson has hit it on the head here! I have come to learn one way (but not the only way) if someone really is a genuine Christian. Its simple. Just ask them to explain the atonement to you. If their answers is illogical or incoherent then you know that person is not a Christian, If they are unable to explain it then how did they ever get saved to begin with. If you have little or no knowledge of the Gospel (and that is essentially what the atonement is) then how did you ever come to salvation. Most folks go to church for 20 years and have a scad idea of why Jesus died on the cross. Typically I'll get the parroted answers they have learned or heard from their pastor such as "Oh my sins are paid for" or "I ask Jesus into my heart". As Paul stated "I preach nothing but Christ Crucified!"

• pgcfriend

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:33 pm : 2 : 0 Flag

  I totally agree with learning from reading blogs. For me it helps me solidify my faith. Those that disagree are the ones that can help a person understand what they believe and why, especially those that are antagonistic to Christianity. It is evident that we in America are seeing a major change in the moral compass of the nation. We need to be able to have answers for those that are seeking.

• servant424

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:58 pm : 3 : 0 Flag

  Thanks, Quecat - and to one and all. You are right -in fact, all of you make very valid points. I'm new to all this - have never participated in blogs, comments postings, etc. - didn't know this site existed until a week ago. It IS a huge help to read the thoughts and learn from the wisdom of other like-minded believers - and yes, it is also very helpful to hear comments from those who may not agree. Swords need to be sharpened to be effective - and while the Sword of the Lord doesn't need sharpened, my use of it certainly does!
  
  Again, thanks to one and all -

• da6383ma

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:27 pm : 2 : 0 Flag

  Quecat: thanks,...you are a HUGE HELP to me personally,...I also believe that with the "messages" like yours and Charles Colson`s,....with the way the World is revolving to,...you are "bleeding" alot of sense into the publics psycology ( me inclusive) to come off "the fence" and become more actively involved into a more focused Word of G--d,...
  And I also believe, (personal opinion) that we are approaching a time in history that it will be blatantly obvious before G--d`s way of all who are wishy-washy,...who absolutely turned their backs on the truth and all those who are actually responding to the "tap on the shoulder"...
  Thanks again.......

• ronwilson4u

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:24 pm : 2 : 0 Flag

  Anyone reading this probably studies God's Word more than most. Many devote Christians I know do little reading and rely on pastors for much of thier knowledge about Christianity. Our spirit's are renewed through private study and prayer in addition to being part of a Spirit-filled service once or twice a week. The first Christians met in their homes to pray and study scriptures. Those able to study and teach can help remedy this problem by leading home Bible studies and open prayer with their familes and friends.
  
  Hope Page: http://itsallaboutjesusnotme.blogspot.com

• Quecat

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:05 pm : 5 : 0 Flag

  Actually Servant 424 - these forums have been a wonderful tool for me to spread the Gospel and reach people who need to hear. I was initially amazed to find how many atheists, secular humanists, pagans and "seekers" I've encountered in these forums. They came with the intention of being a spoiler or posting some smart-alecky comment.
  
  But God says that His word will not return void.
  I use every opportunity, every encounter with folks on these forums as a chance to speak the truth of God's word into their lives. Some run away, others rebel and turn hateful, some want to argue along pointless rabbit-trails, but some will engage and reason - and prayerfully still others are watching (reading) and being taught the truth although they themselves don't yet know it or recognize it.
  I've been blessed by the effort too. It tests your self-control to refrain from returning spite for spite, and trains you to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and let His words flow through you, instead of allowing your natural man to respond in a fleshly way.
  
  And most of all, it's made more of a Bible scholar out of me. Some of the challenges that I've answered in these forums, required much study on my part. ...Study through which I've learned pearls of biblical truth of which I had not previously known!
  
  All in all, by exercising my "gospel-speading-muscles" here - I've strenghtened my own faith, increased my understanding of God's word, practiced answering the questions of skeptics and am more confident of my abilities to engage folks, one-on-one in real life in a more knowledgeable and logical way.
  
  Isa 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:"
  2Ti 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
  
  Maranatha!

• PCesario

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:51 pm : 0 : 6 Flag

  Mr. Colson is misguided a bit. Equating the Great Commission (Mt. 28:19,20) with "bring[ing] God’s truth and majesty to bear against everything" shows me that he believes that the cross of Christ was endured equally for eternal salvation and earthly dominion. Additionally, by equating the need for knowledge of world issues and events with knowledge of the Bible ("Colson said that he begins each morning with a New York Times newspaper on one side and the Bible other the other side"), he misunderstands the mandate to "contend for the faith" (Jude 3) and the completeness we have in the Bible for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16). A Christian would be within God's will by keeping His Word, even if he failed to clearly grasp the latest incident of terrorism one Tuesday morning.
  
  Ignorance of our world and lack of understanding of issues we face in society are not helpful. But the Gospel and the message of Christ dictate priorities - "I consider all things rubbish compared to knowing Christ" (Phil 3:8). Christians who are deeply rooted in Scripture will change their world. The state of souls who think they're saved and Christians is deplorable. That's a greater need for the church of Jesus Christ than trying to solve the riddle that is Bin Laden.
  
  Colson would do better to make getting people back to the Bible and reaching lost souls his overwhelming message. Perhaps this conference didn't lend itself towards his being able to do so. No matter. He could have taken this position and let the hearers do with it as they will.

• servant424

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:15 pm : 6 : 0 Flag

  I couldn't agree more - and I'm certain that most who read the article and/or take time to comment will concur. My concern is - what are we going to do about it? Are those of us reading this site, listening and responding to other Biblical apologists, teachers, sermons, websites (Josh McDowell, Ravi Zacharias, Christian Worldview Network, etc.) actually making a difference in our "little corner of the world?" Are we ourselves teaching - discipling - either in classes or one-on-one mentoring relationships? Are we so busy gathering articles and information that support us in our own beliefs that we are not actively engaged in our individual churches and neighborhoods? I know that I certainly have that tendency - I love to study and learn and am known in my circle as a well-informed and Bibically literate Christian - but I've been woefully lethargic about searching for ways to disciple others. That requires "getting your hands dirty" - getting down in the trenches where our neighbors and yes, even our church family, live painful, often hidden lives.
  
  Colson is right - Jesus' commandment is to "make disciples, teaching them to observe all things." It's a word I speak first to me, but I challenge others - make certain that we who are aware of and concerned about the apostasy that is rapidly gaining such a stronghold in our American culture are equally concerned about (and actively teaching - and living ) the truth of the Word Made Flesh.
  
  That being said - it has been a real validation to me to discover that there are others across the country who believe as I do - that the rampant apostasy prophesied for the last days is already here. We are about out of time - and I for one am asking God to burden me with the emotional realization that these "end times" means most of the people I know personally are headed for hell. Break my heart, Lord - and strengthen me for the task of speaking the Word into their lives and serving them with heart and hands directed and empowered by Your Spirit.

• Quecat

  Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:59 pm : 2 : 0 Flag

  AMEN!

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