Hi, my name’s Grace Clibourn. I’m part of the team here at God TV, and today I’m going to be speaking to you about how culture changes, but the Kingdom of God is not going anywhere. I feel like I’ve been hearing phrases like, “This is where the church is going,” and comments like, “What we’ve been doing in the church is just an old interpretation of the Word, but now it’s time for a new one,” but I’m here to tell you that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The biblical interpreters and commentators of distant centuries have done such a thorough job of interpreting the biblical texts, and canonizing the books of the Bible, which needs to be honored. Theologians and philosophers have battled out these same arguments that we hear over and over. And, what it all comes down to, is interpreting the Bible for what it is, meaning not projecting our cultural values or personal experiences onto the Word, honoring the Canon and following Orthodox Christian theology.
While I believe that there is more of God and more of the Word to uncover, I do think it’s counterproductive to question the Canon and the accuracy of the Bible, which is happening. It’s not only counterproductive, but it’s extremely dangerous, and it’s a grave mistake. You might hear whispers of what’s changing in Christianity, but I’m here to tell you that though culture changes, the Kingdom of God isn’t going anywhere. It’s staying right here. The entire point of the biblical text is to provide a foundation to our faith that does not move and that no matter what’s going on in the world or in our culture, our foundation stays the same. It takes humility and sometimes even fear and trembling to submit to the Word of God. But who are we if we don’t, if we don’t submit to the Word of God and its faithful interpretations, are we even Christians anymore? I don’t think we are. My encouragement to you is to take a look at your theology and whether it’s been moved by the masses. If you’re a teacher, I urge you to highlight the faithful interpretation of the biblical text. Don’t be afraid to say what’s true. People are hungry for truth and Jesus who is truth is eager to fill them.
I’d love to pray for you. Father, I thank you for each person who has ears to hear this morning. God, as they’re listening, Father, I just thank you that you have put convictions in their heart. And I ask that they would be courageous and faithful to preach those convictions. Lord, I thank you that you have called us to a life that is a narrow road. It’s not a wide road, it’s a narrow road. And so God I ask that you would help us to be faithful stewards of the Word, faithful stewards of your Spirit, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.