Why Do So Many People Leave Seminaries With Less Faith in the Bible?

I think many people start off believing what is written in the Bible. However, they mistakenly believe also that if they study in a seminary they will become deeper rooted in the Bible and Christianity. Sadly, often the opposite is true.

In seminaries and Bible colleges they are taught by professors who often correct the Bible and teach them from various Bible versions. The word of God becomes diluted and polluted with humanism, modern psychology, and naturalism. One of the first things attacked is that God did not really mean six days, and it degrades from there. 

This happens repeatedly for 2, 4, 6, or 8 years until they leave the seminary quoting authors instead of the Bible. By the time they graduate, they have received a lot of information but have missed the deeper things of God—through faith we understand (Hebrews 11:1–3). 

Often their faith has been so undermined that when they assume positions in churches they proliferate the same teachings to their congregations (Acts 10:28–31). The members believe these teachings because, hey, the teacher came from a seminary. 

The church has fallen into the trap that to understand the Bible, one must leave the church and attend a seminary. The teachings of seminary professors cannot be monitored by the church. The church member is now under the teaching of a professor instead of a pastor-teacher. 

But the Lord has ordained the church as the means for education of His people. He did not ordain sending people from the church to learn theology elsewhere. Christians are supposed to learn their theology from the local body (Acts 2:42, Ephesians 4:11–15). Here the pastor-teacher is supposed to protect the flock from false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). 

Sometimes learning takes years of sitting under church teaching. But in our weakness as humans, especially humans in modern western culture, we seek shortcuts to what is supposed to take time and maturation (cf. 2 Peter 3:18). This is one of the concepts behind the term “elder,” in the Bible, and the idea behind a bishop not being a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6).

Some people reading this may agree that they learned some of the best lessons sitting under a God-fearing preacher who practiced Bible exposition in his messages. And I suppose there will be others who think they learned the most in Bible school.

But to answer the question more succinctly: People come out of seminaries with less faith then when they went in because we have failed to heed God's word. 

---
By Jerry F. Smith

Image source: unsplash.com

How to Know If You Love the World

The world in spiritual terms is a reference to the corrupt world system. It is not a reference to the physical planet earth or an excuse to avoid our responsibilities to be good stewards of the planet God has given us.

Nevertheless, asking this question is a good start. So how can you know if you love the world or the things in the world? Examine yourself in the light of God’s word. 

We read the answer to a similar question the Psalmist once asked in Psalm 119:9—How shall a young man cleanse his way? 

The answer: by taking heed to the word of God. What does the Word of God have to say about knowing if you love the world? 

Scriptural Foundations 

Believers in Christ are born again into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). They are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and a peculiar people (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9)—the purchased possession of God who are being developed into the image of Jesus Christ His Son (Romans 8:29). 

A major component of that image is that, in Christ, we are in the world but no longer of the world (John 17:14–16, John 18:36). We are likened to pilgrims and heavenly citizens passing through (Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11, Philippians 3:20, cf. Hebrews 13:14). This has a connection to what we read in Colossians 3:1–2. So if we have been born again, we ought to be seeking those things which are above. 

In 1 John 2:15–17, the Lord tells us not to love the world. The world in the Bible is often a reference to the world system where self-centeredness, appearances, and ambition rule. 

Jesus taught that if the world hate us, it was because it hated Him first (John 15:18), because Jesus was not of the world, did not think like the world, nor exhibited its practices. The inference is that the world will hate Christ in us (John 15:19) which will be evident when we are seeking those things which are above. 

Seeing Ourselves in the Light of God’s Word 

These are only a few references from the Bible, but they contain elements to questions that we can ask ourselves. For example, am I living as a new creation in Christ (born again) or as an old creation (the old man)? 

Am I walking in this world as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven or as a citizen of the world? Which kingdom do I identify more with? 

Am I humbly submitting myself to be conformed to the image of Christ through the Holy Spirit’s leading and teaching or resisting it? 

Am I seeking those things which are above, or do I look for the latest worldly trends? That is, am I desirous to know more from the word or more interested in keeping up to date with the things of today? 

Is my mind occupied with God or with the world? Where are my thoughts typically? 

Are my eyes looking up to God or looking around at the things of this world? 

Am I looking out for others (loving and giving) or for myself only (self-centered)? 

Am I concerned about developing the inner spirit man (spiritual growth) or more concerned about the outward man (physical and aesthetic temporal improvements)? 

Do I seek God’s will in matters, or do I pursue my own will? 

Am I enjoying the things of God, or am I enjoying the pleasures of sin more? Am I convicted when I do enjoy the pleasures of sin, or have I become desensitized to sin? 

Does the world see Christ in me and avoid me, or does it see itself in me and want to hang out with me? 

One interesting point is that if we will humbly seek the righteousness of God in Christ, God has promised to reveal our errors, saying, if we are otherwise minded, He shall reveal it to us (Philippians 3:15). 

Conclusion 

In the end, this question can only be answered by you with the Holy Spirit’s illuminating guidance. Ask God to reveal areas in your life where the world has taken hold. If you see yourself as more inclined to the world in certain areas and or attached to the things of this world, confess it and ask God for more grace. Remember, in Christ, every believer has an inexhaustible supply of grace available to them. 

---

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/maica

As a Christian What Music Should I Sing?

We read in Psalm 113:3, "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised." That is, we're to praise God all day long. And, when we have opportunities to praise Him, we should be proclaiming the glories of God in praise. So if we have time to sing, we have time to praise God in song. And that, from morning to evening.

In Psalm 147:1, the Lord declares,

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

It's good to sing praises to God. If it's good, that means it pleases God.

In Heaven, Music Centers on God

In Revelation 5:9 we read:

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy ...

Revelation 15:3 tells us,

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

God used John to give us a glimpse of heaven. And what do we find there? Music and singing. What are the people singing about in heaven? They're praising God.

So if praising God in song is appropriate in heaven, it's certainly appropriate on earth from His people.

Why Not Praise God in Song?

Isaiah 12:5 reminds us,

Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Isn't God worthy of praise for all the great things He's done for us? Where did we get our health, our house, our strength to make money, our house, our blessings, and more?

So What Music Should Christians Be Singing?

It's clear from the Bible God-exalting, God-praising, God-glorifying songs are what we ought to be singing.

But Do the Songs We Sing Fit the Bill?

Have you ever really listened to some of the words in the songs people sing?

"Imagine there's no heaven ... "

"You're everything to me ..." in reference to a man or woman.

"Save me ..." in reference to another person.

"You're all my heart desires ..." talking about someone that is not God.

"I did it my way ..."

And on it could go.

God wants us to examine all things in light of His word. We're not to be duped into singing songs that exalt self, others, the world, or things in the world. These are a direct affront to what God has not only commanded, but what He deserves.

The Bible says,

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11).

Surely there's something you can praise God for today. Why not listen and sing along with some God-glorifying songs?

Not just songs that sound religious, Christian, or spiritual, but songs that are actually sprinkled with the word of God, clear, and doctrinal:

"Praise Him, praise him, Jesus our blessed Redeemer ... "

"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe ..."

"To God be the glory, great things he hath done ..."

"He's the Lily of the valley ..."

"All praise to Him who reigns above ... "

And there are so many more.

Boring You Say?

Why? As Christians, our spirits should be inclined to the things of God (Colossians 3:1).

Doesn't God tell us He's looking for people to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24)? Spirit, meaning born again; truth, meaning according to His word.

Where Does That Leave Us?

The Lord tells us repeatedly not to be ignorant:

Now I would not have you ignorant ... (Romans 1:3).

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant ... (Romans 11:25).

... I would not that ye should be ignorant ... (1 Corinthians 10:1).

... I would not have you ignorant (1 Corinthians 12:1).

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant ... (2 Corinthians 1:8).

... But I would not have you to be ignorant (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

But, beloved, be not ignorant ... (2 Peter 3:8). 

He also tells us to study so we won't be ashamed and to know what pleases Him (2 Timothy 2:15):

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Therefore, I can know that some songs are good, and some are evil. Using the word of God I can prove what pleases God.

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:10).

So when I get up in the morning and hear my neighbor's licentious pop music, I can know with certainty it's evil.

When I go to the store and hear godless music playing, I can know for sure it's evil.

When I hear people singing worldly, ungodly, songs, I need not have any doubts the act itself is evil. I am not judging (condemning) people, but I can judge (discern) their behaviors.

I don't have to wonder if this music or that music is okay, for Christians to listen to (an ever-popular debate for some to justify what they listen to and sing).

The Bottom Line Is That if It Doesn't Extol the Lord, It's Not Right

Does that mean I should condemn others for their choices of music? No.

Does it mean that I must demand others change their music? No.

Does it mean I should not fellowship with brethren who listen to worldly music? No.

What it does mean, is that I can know the music that pleases the Lord and what does not, and behave myself accordingly.

If you'd like to explore the subject of music further. We have a book that discusses the topic in more detail:

Click to View

---

Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

Does God Being Male Insult Women?

God refers to Himself as the Father; Jesus Christ, God in the flesh (John 1:1-3,14), who referred to Himself as the Son of God, came to earth in the form of a man, was crucified, rose again, and now sits on the right hand of the Father as the God-Man. It's fairly straightforward—God is male.

Though God has chosen to reveal Himself as Father and Son—both males, it doesn't mean men are more important than women (cf. Galatians 3:28). Females have played important roles in the Bible: Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary 1, Mary 2, Elizabeth, Lois, Lydia, and others were noteworthy women. And there's no record about them being unhappy with God's gender. 

There is no insult in God being male. The only insult is the one that people try to create.

The female was made from the male (Genesis 2:22), and God has given roles to each gender. They're both equal in creation but not in order (Genesis 1:27). God ordained males as heads (Ephesians 5:23). The only offense is to someone unwilling to accept God's declared order in creation.

Humans could have been anything God created, but He chose to make us male and female. When men and women have children, the family becomes a reflection of the eternal relationship within the Trinity. Apparently, God takes pleasure in proper familial relationships and is glorified in them.

Women can understand God the Father just fine and God the Son just fine. Female Christians in history did not seem to have a problem with that. Only now in American PC culture has God's gender become an issue.

One final note: Jesus Christ gave His life for His church (Ephesians 5:25)—a group comprised of both males and females. He refers to His church as His betrothed bride—a female (2 Corinthians 11:2), and their wedding ceremony will be in heaven during the Tribulation on earth (Revelation 19:7-9). That may make some men uncomfortable, but it's what God has declared—Christian men do not seem to have a problem with that. So, in the New Testament, God speaks to us as a Father, as a Son, and as a Husband to His bride. 

---
By Jerry Smith
Feature image: Photo by Julie Johnson on Unsplash

The Church and Truth

Background

Paul left Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus while he likely went on to Macedonia. From Macedonia Paul writes Timothy this letter (epistle) to instruct Timothy on how he should lead and manage the church at Ephesus. Part of that instruction describes the New Testament church (1 Timothy 3:15): 

...the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 

Paul explains to Timothy what the church represents (God) and the church's role in this world as the pillar (support) and ground (foundation) of the truth. And that highest truth is found in 1 Timothy 3:16... 

...without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

Faith Lesson 

When referring to someone who is a pillar such as in Galatians 2:9 (James, Peter, and John), in the New Testament sense, it means someone well rooted and grounded in the truth and strong in the faith (William Burkitt NT Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:15). 

When the church is referred to as the pillar and ground of the truth it means the church should be holding fast the truth (as well as proclaiming it). And, the highest truth is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11) which is found in the word of truth (John 17:17), written by God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). 

The truth in every believer is the light that shines in this dark, evil world. If it is dim or if it is hidden, people will not be able to to distinguish truth from lies. 

The church should be a refuge that opposes heresy, false teaching, untruths, false doctrine, false signs (Matthew 13:22, 24:24), and anything else contrary to the truth. People should feel safe in the church—safe from lies and deceit. 

The truth does not compromise—it cannot. Truth is truth and will always prevail over falsity. Even 99% truth is not truth. The truth must be kept pure for there are many false truths (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) that lead people away from THE truth (John 14:6). 

Holding the truth does not mean simply knowing right doctrine, but living it as well. What more untruth can there be than when a church holds to the truth but its members fail to live it and exemplify it; fail to bear fruit from it? 

Sadly, some churches do well in proclaiming the truth but fall short of holding to it. 

Sadly, some churches do well in holding the truth but fail in proclaiming it. 

Sadly, some churches do well in proclaiming and holding the truth, but fail to live it. 

Sadly, some churches do none of these. 

Reflection 

Why is it important (for individuals and churches) to be the pillar and ground of the truth? 

In what ways can Christians deviate from the truth? 

How/Why do you think Christians get away from the truth? 

In what ways to churches get away from the truth? 

How do we maintain the integrity of the truth? 

What should our response be when we encounter false truth? 

---

By Jerry Smith

Feature image: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/PhotographerOlympus