Thesis 17 – Churches are more dependent on tradition rather than on the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Evangelical traditions have become truth. Many practices in the evangelical church are considered biblical practice and the thought is “how could they be done another way?” Little time is given to the consideration of what is truly apostolic and genuine in our evangelical churches. The hour long church service speaks volumes to this sad condition where it seems almost impossible for the Holy Spirit of God to interrupt our well crafted and planned church bulletin and order of service.

Mark 7:13
Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

Acts 16:6
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.

Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

 

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Thesis 16 – The evangelical church at large has forgotten how to pray.

“And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” Prayer is talked about much but done little. There is little concept of prayers actually being heard by God and the possibility of them being answered. Unbelief surrounds our praying. Waiting on God in prayer is something almost inconceivable in our modern fast paced societies.

1 John 3:22
and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.

Acts 6:4
and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray continually,

 

Thesis 15 – Self disciplines in the Christian life such as fasting, praying, suffering are considered legalistic.

“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” To be purposeful in the Christian life with certain disciplines is considered legalism by modern evangelicals. Yet the Gospel call is full of commands to live such a life and it being only possible by regeneration and a new nature. Fasting is not an option but a command. Praying is not a recommendation its required. Suffering is not a possibility it must happen!

2 Timothy 2:21
Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

2 Timothy 1:8
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Matthew 6:17
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

 

Thesis 14 – The modern day evangelical finds Jesus’ command to sacrifice and serve abhorrent.

“For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.” The clear teachings of Jesus Christ seem harsh, hard and unrealistic to the modern mind. How can we give up so much in our modern selfish secular world. Jesus calls for absolute surrender of the self life that He may reign king in our hearts. There needs to be a dying to the old man and our rights being done away with.

Philippians 2:21
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Thesis 13 – The modern day evangelical believes the error that parts of life are to be spiritual while other parts are to be worldly and secular. Rather than our entire life’s being spiritual and our walk with God.

“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” The idea of the kingdom of God and the Christian believer being part of this kingdom is a vague and oft times confusing idea. There is little reality of Christians being called into a new way of life, that changes their entire daily living. There is a call into a new allegiance to a new master. There is a change of citizenship from the world to a heavenly way of life. True Christianity does not just change a few of your decisions in life it changes them all.

1 Peter 4:2
As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Colossians 3:3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

 

Thesis 12 – There is a lack of true discipleship and making others to be obedient disciples.

“Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The last command to the church’s purpose on earth was for it to go out and make disciples of all nations. But rather not just disciples but disciples that obey everything that Jesus Christ commanded his original apostles. The evangelical consideration of this command is being fulfilled in large evangelistic crusades, quick decisions but there is no concept of the great responsibility of passing on the Gospel of Jesus Christ to another soul.

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

2 Timothy 2:14
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

 

Thesis 11 – We take lightly the cost of discipleship laid out by Jesus Christ and consider following Him a sort of jovial thing rather then it truly costing us our actual entire lives.

“So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. True discipleship in the evangelical church is rarely seen. Men don’t count the cost to follow Christ but consider that a thing to be done later, or rather piece by piece. Evangelicals look at the life of a disciple as sort of an adventure or fun time. They do not see the eternal significance and sobriety of the matter. They don’t see that the true call of Christ demands everything.

Luke 14:33
In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Luke 14:26-27
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 8:19-20
Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”