The Seventh-Day Adventist Church has been locally adhering to practices that perhaps years ago would seem scandalous. Leaders have been adopting new strategies, that sometimes sacrifice doctrine, with the excuse of attracting people to church, especially youth. I've seen this policy permeating youth church programs recently here in Europe, especially in very western countries, such as the UK and Netherlands.
Our youth is thirsty for God's teachings, which include a deep and meaningful study of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy. We've been feeding them with baby food instead, while they are hungry and in need for real, consistent doctrine. As we all know it's been no different with music and worship. Last quarter's lesson stressed the subject in a thoroughly way, and I'm sure we could learn a lot from it.
I'm not in a position to judge the organization, and it's not my intent to do so. I just believe that whenever such things happen we should look back at the Bible and Jesus' own example. Christ attracted people to Himself by His example and original character and ways. He didn't compromise principles or doctrines so as to reach those around Him. In fact, this is what the Gospel is all about - being saved and changed by Jesus, transformed according to His character and will.
This week's lesson study deals with Paul's authority related to the Gospel. The final question on Wednesday addresses the issue of compromising doctrine for the sake of experience. Local churches have been adopting liberal practices and teachings in order to accommodate to culture and customs, whereas they should be sticking to God's revealed will for His people in the last days. Let's meditate on this question, as found in the lesson, and prayerfully seek guidance from above, as we reach people and worship our Creator and Redeemer, waiting for His approaching return.
"There is, today, a tendency even in our church (in some places) to emphasize experience over doctrine. What matters most (we are told) is our experience, our relationship with God. However important experience is, what does Paul’s writing here teach us about the importance of correct doctrine?" (Sabbath School Bible Study Guide - 4th Quarter - Wednesday , October 5th)
I'm not in a position to judge the organization, and it's not my intent to do so. I just believe that whenever such things happen we should look back at the Bible and Jesus' own example. Christ attracted people to Himself by His example and original character and ways. He didn't compromise principles or doctrines so as to reach those around Him. In fact, this is what the Gospel is all about - being saved and changed by Jesus, transformed according to His character and will.
This week's lesson study deals with Paul's authority related to the Gospel. The final question on Wednesday addresses the issue of compromising doctrine for the sake of experience. Local churches have been adopting liberal practices and teachings in order to accommodate to culture and customs, whereas they should be sticking to God's revealed will for His people in the last days. Let's meditate on this question, as found in the lesson, and prayerfully seek guidance from above, as we reach people and worship our Creator and Redeemer, waiting for His approaching return.
"There is, today, a tendency even in our church (in some places) to emphasize experience over doctrine. What matters most (we are told) is our experience, our relationship with God. However important experience is, what does Paul’s writing here teach us about the importance of correct doctrine?" (Sabbath School Bible Study Guide - 4th Quarter - Wednesday , October 5th)
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