"But what if we're totally missing the point? What if one of the reasons we're so spiritually dead and the church is abysmally failing at its mission is not because we study the Bible too little, but too much? Instead of being out and about extending the works of the kingdom, Christians are wasting precious time excessively "studying the Bible" in groups and feeling quite content that if they're practicing the "spiritual disciplines" at home that they've done their duty and can call it a day. Who gives a crap if I never open my mouth and share my faith today? Or forgive those who mess me over? Or share my money with those in need? Or my house with the homeless? All is good. I read my Bible today. What do you think? Do I have a point, or am I missing the point"? -- Brian Jones
No Brian you do not have a point other than to lead people away from Jesus Christ. Let's start here with the obvious. There are plenty of good intentioned people in the world who house the homeless, share their wealth, and forgive people with ease who are all still going to hell. How do you have a faith to share without the Bible? What is your faith in? Some existential sense of a relationship with a deity you do not bother to understand based upon His own words? You honestly believe that a Christian can "waste excessive time" in studying the Bible? Seriously? The not so obvious problem here is the NAR underpinnings of sloppy agape experiential Christianity. Brian Jones is obviously deceived into thinking the mission of the church on an individual basis is to do good works to people and convince them to come to your mega church to discover their purpose. He believes each individual person needs to be "out" and "extending the works of the kingdom." Even if you use the Great Commission as your justification here, what does that even command us?
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." -- Matthew 28: 19-20 (ESV)
Does the commission command us to go and extend the works of the kingdom? Does it command us to study the word less? Of course not beloved! We make disciples by teaching them to observe all that He has commanded and guess where we find that? In the Bible of course. Brian Jones does not get it. He started a small group with a handful of people and has grown it into a church of over 2000 people and he believes that is kingdom growth. In all likelihood however it is carnal growth. We can conclude that by this ridiculous carnal article suggesting that Christians read their Bibles too much. I can think of no better strategy from the devil than to get Christians to lay down their swords. It is just frightening to see he has enlisted the help of pastors to convey that message.
Reverend Anthony Wade -- July 8, 2017