WHY THE CHURCH IS DYING ON THE VINE

The prophesied apostasy of the church is galloping across America, and, it has already destroyed most assemblies in Europe and other parts of the world. The reason is very simple. They no longer are teaching the Word of God. Churches are moving to feel-good messages, entertainment, devotionals, and simplistic concepts. As well, most pastors are not trained to "teach" the Scriptures. About half of most pastors have little or no training at all. The violate Paul's instructions where he writes: "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). This traditional has been the purpose of seminaries—to have faithful teachers pass on their knowledge to others in order to shore up doctrinally other men who will turn around and share the Scriptures with their flock.    Mark Gilli, writing in Christianity Today, points to the issue the Jews faced in Nehemiah 8. "The people gathered as one" and Ezra the scribe, read from the book of the law of Moses "which the Lord had given to Israel" (v. 1). A large crowd who had come from Babylon assembled, men, women and all who could listen, "with understanding" (v. 2).    A wooden podium was set up where the entire crowd could see him (v. 4). And there he taught "from morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, and all the people were attentive to the book of the law" (v. 3). When the scrolls were open "the people stood up" (v. 5). Ezra blessed the Lord, and the people were so moved, "they bowed low and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground" (v. 6).    But besides hearing the words from the law, there was an interpretation of it as well. The reading "was translated to give the sense so that they understood the reading" (v. 8). The people were tremendously moved. And the Levites and the scribes "taught the people and said, 'This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.' For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law" (v. 9). Finally it was said: "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (v. 10).    The teaching of the Bible is the key to the growth of the believers in our assemblies. But Christians are turning away from the great truths of the Word of God. And because of this, the church is being destroyed internally, and the congregations are turning to all kinds of things except to the Bible!    May God touch the hearts of our people! There is no other hope for us!    Dr. Mal Couch (Mar., 10)