How Much is Too Much?

The Project Manager enjoys reading the many different Christian blogs, in order to get a feel for the issues that spark the most discussion. The PM enjoys getting different perspectives, even those with which he does not necessarily agree, and relishes a good discussion on a variety of topics.

One recent conversation that caused the Project Manager to sit up and take notice asked the question; "Can you be overly gospel-centered?"  This topic is of great interest because of the implication that there can be too much reliance on the Word of God. The Project Manager believes that the idea of a follower of Christ relying too much on God's Word is like the idea that we rely too much on oxygen.

The following short paragraph is a reprint of a message, left in reply to a different message, on another blog. It is unedited, other than redacting the names of other participants in the conversation. Read it with the intent of spotting the faulty logic and liberal attitudes expressed, and then we will go over the paragraph line-by-line, exposing and correcting the sinful mindset contained within these few short sentences.

I agree that we can use "gospel-centered", or at least our perception of the lack of centeredness of others, as a new way to judge other believers. We create these new cliques, which can breed pride. "So-and-so" is better because 72.3% of their sermon is quoting the Bible directly. I actually think that's a symptom of a larger problem: Bible idolatry. Placing the text above He who the text is about, much how Islam does. -----, I'd have to agree with ----. You give your opinions quite frequently on your radio program. ---- has given his opinion that the pastor was "gospel-centered" enough, and reflected on the danger of us using this bar as a new way of creating ghettoes in our faith.

The Project Manager always appreciates the opportunity to correct wrong and sinful thinking, and this little paragraph gives an ample amount of both.  Please join the PM in examining the harmful and sinful attitudes expressed by the author of those words.

I agree that we can use "gospel-centered", or at least our perception of the lack of centeredness of others, as a new way to judge other believers  Using the Word of God as the measuring stick for the faith of believers is nothing new; it has been done since the Holy Spirit directed Moses and the other Old Testament writers to put God's communication down on paper for us mere men to see, read, and obey.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only reason that we have hope for our salvation, and is the only way that we sinners can re-establish the relation with our Heavenly Father (John 14:6) that was broken when Adam and Eve took and ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:22-24).

The gospel is the Word of God, and we who claim to be His children fear His Word, as a commitment to our Father (Deuteronomy 13:4).  Jesus Himself gauged the commitment of those who claimed to be following God, but were not (Matthew 23:1-35).

...as a new way to judge other believers  There is no "judging" here, only a concern that those who are in error recognize it and repent, before they stand in judgment and hear those terrible words; "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matthew 7:23).  The true follower of Christ has a heart for those who are on the broad road to destruction, and tries, through instruction and with the Gospel, to bring as many people through the narrow gate as possible. Also, the Project Manager is not unaware of the irony; you are judging the person whom you accuse of judging you.

We create these new cliques, which can breed pride  Actually, it is the liberals in the church that create the "new" things, like new gospels, new revelations of God, new experiential worship, new ways to salvation, new definitions of faith, new "cliques".  If you who wrote this feel that the gospel-believing Christian is prideful, then perhaps the issue lies within your own heart. You might consider prayerfully asking the Lord to reveal if you have pride issues yourself.  The PM points out error in humility, knowing full well that without the Grace of God, and the discernment granted by the Holy Spirit, there would be no recognizing any error in doctrine or misuse of Scripture.

"So-and-so" is better because 72.3% of their sermon is quoting the Bible directly  Now that's just silly; why would any diligent follower of Jesus listen to any pastor who gives sermons that are not based on an accurate interpretation of the Word of God?  Also, it's not the quantity of the Scripture, but the quality (read: contextual accuracy and faithfulness to the Truth) that counts.  What does Scripture say about those who would change the Word of God? "Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.  Do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar" (Proverbs 30:5-6).

I actually think that's a symptom of a larger problem: Bible idolatry.  Placing the text above He who the text is about, much how Islam does  FAIL:  What we need to remember, and what this person appears to have forgotten, is that God is the Word (John 1:1-3), and the sum of His Word is Truth (Psalm 119:160).  Believing that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired Word of God is not idolatry, but rather an acceptance by us that the Scriptures are God's Truth. At this point, the Project Manager would like to ask a practical question; how can worshiping the Creator (you know, obeying Him) be idolatry?!

One other comment: comparing the Bible-believing, Scripture-centered, Word of God-obeying Christian with radical Islamic fanatics is painting an extreme example as the norm, and you are then using it to make a (fallacious) point.  If you have a problem with people who uphold the Word of God, the problem most certainly is yours, not theirs.
 
-----, I'd have to agree with ----.  you give your opinion quite frequently on your radio program  You make that sound like a bad thing; do you believe that only opinions you agree with should be aired?  Just asking.
---- has given his opinion that the pastor was "gospel-centered" enough  Enough?! Again, how much can one obey the Word of God before it becomes "too much"?  

And reflected on the danger of us using this bar as a new way of creating ghettoes in our faith  Using adherence to the Word of God as a measuring stick to determine a pastor's ability to shepherd the flock is a bad thing?!  Only to the liberals who believe that they have a "new" and "better" way of interpreting Scriptures and worshiping their God.  

Creating ghettoes?!  Really??  So the diligent followers of Jesus who insist that His Word be preached honestly and truthfully, and not folded, spindled, and mutilated to fit the "doctrine du jour" are Nazis, persecuting those with whom they disagree?!  

At this point, the PM points out a basic truth; namely, that when you are dealing with liberals, you will always know what they are doing by that with which they accuse you of doing.  This person apparently believes that they have the right to persecute and silence those who preach the true word of God, as they have no problem telling the diligent followers of Christ that they are the persecutors.  
 
Liberalism is evil, cannot stand the Truth, and will flee from the Light (John 3:19-21).  The PM points out this egregious example of religiously liberal thinking to educate the diligent follower of Jesus that this sinful mindset is the prevailing wind in the sails of the vast majority of American churches.  Scripture is very clear on what is in store for the unrepentant sinner, liberals included.  The PM asks that you join him in prayer for the strength of all those who stand up against this rising storm of liberalism that threatens to overthrow the church, and also that you join him in prayer for the repentance of all who fall into the liberal mindset.