What does your church teach about the Bible? Do your pastors uphold all of Scripture as God’s true Word, or do they dismiss parts they find outdated or uncomfortable? Have you been told that certain passages no longer matter because the “times have changed?” Are your teachers more interested in aligning themselves with a particular political party and special interest groups than being faithful and true to God’s Word?
It grieves me deeply to see many churches today proclaiming that certain biblical teachings no longer apply. These congregations proudly boast of being progressive and not beholden to “outdated” ideas from the time of Scripture.
I expect unbelievers to hold such views, but what about those who claim to trust Jesus? Do they not trust his Word? Some, by openly rejecting passages they deem incompatible with modern society, reveal their desire to be loved by the world over being obedient to God. Perhaps included in those passages they erase from Scripture are St. Paul's words, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Don’t get me wrong: there are plenty of churches that still revere the Bible as God’s inerrant Word. We know Scripture cannot be cafeteria-style, where one takes what suits them and leaves the rest. The entirety of God’s Word is inspired and instructive for righteous living (2 Timothy 3:16) and it remains relevant because God's truth is timeless and unchanging. God's Word isn't shifting and malleable; it’s a solid anchor and foundation in the face of changing values and increasing wickedness.
I understand the desire to be liked by the world, but at what cost? Do biblical values often conflict with secular worldviews? Of course, they do! But when God points out our flaws, challenges our thinking, and convicts us in our sins, our response shouldn’t be to brush off his Word as no longer applicable but to take a good look at ourselves. Between God’s Word and our hearts, we must let God’s Word rule the day. As the Prophet Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things ... who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
In every age, the temptation arises to compromise or abandon biblical ethics that feel inconvenient. But rejecting God’s loving corrections leads only to deception and heartbreak. Watering down Scripture’s message to suit popular opinion betrays our call to faithfulness. As Christ-followers, we are called to trust and obey God’s Word in its fullness.
I pray all believers will find the courage to uphold the entirety of Scripture during these culturally tumultuous times. God spoke through his Word to transform lost lives in ancient days, and he still does so today.
May we build our lives on the solid foundation of the Bible, anchored in enduring biblical truth. For within its pages await hope, guidance, and the unlimited grace of Jesus Christ.