We are living in troubled times. Unprecedented changes are taking place in the social, economic, political and religious arenas of world. While some changes are positive in nature, others such as widespread poverty, health issues, substance abuse, increase in acts of terrorism and moral decadence are of grave concern.
The moral tone of the world today can certainly be compared to that which existed "in the days of Noah". The Church as His Body, and every believer, must rise up and be the salt and light as Jesus has commanded. However as we seek to address these vital world issues, the Church must remember her God-ordained responsibility to warn and teach believers so that "we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Col. 1:28).
In such times, the contemporary Church must take measures to build confidence in God and resilience to ward off erroneous doctrines creeping subtly and deceptively into its midst and into the lives of individual Christians.
Paul’s advice to Timothy: "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourselves and your hearers" (1 Tim. 4:16) is relevant to believers today; likewise his admonition to the Church to watch out for false teachers (1 Tim. 6:3–5). We must not allow ourselves to be swayed to and fro by erroneous doctrine but must hold fast to the truth so that "no one will take our crown" (Rev. 3:11).
The contemporary Church must also strive for unity – to be joined together in one mind, one accord, one heart and one purpose to resist and to intercede against principalities and powers of darkness (Eph. 6:12) working vehemently against God’s plan to spiritually perfect His Church (Eph. 5:27).
Contentions should not prevail amongst us (1 Cor. 1: 10–13), nor should there be any "quarrelling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder (2 Cor. 12:20). Spiritual discernment, wisdom to deal with trying situations and a passion for holiness are crucial to being an overcoming contemporary Church.
We as humans have a tendency to be ruled by our carnal minds, often setting aside the work of God’s Holy Spirit who seeks to rule us. God’s Word warns us: "… to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Rom. 8:6). The witnessing and overcoming Church must be led by the Spirit with the wisdom from the Word of God, always seeking for the Spirit’s anointing and for the operating of His gifts as we fulfill the work of God.
Therefore in these testing times, let us pray that the Malaysian Church will be an overcoming Church that is pure in doctrine and lifestyle, purposeful and united in her mission to preach Jesus and powerful in influence through the empowering of God’s Holy Spirit. |
