Instead, there was an experience to be had, so they heard. There was the possibility of healing; there were miracles on offer, but there was no talk of their real problem and its remedy. We, visitors, intended to get as many "filled with the Holy Spirit" as possible. Our agenda contained precious little about introducing them to their Saviour. (And, no, they’re not the same things).

What they needed were good answers. They needed someone to explain that there "is no other name" for salvation other than Jesus. However, what they got from our little group of visitors was the one story we had to tell and a one-line gospel – "get filled with the Spirit and speak in tongues".

In my view, the people of that village didn't get good answers from us.



Now while people here in "The West" like to think they are a bit more sophisticated, they have the same cut-off-from-God-by-sin problem, and when distilled to its essence, we are preaching (still), a one-line gospel.

Yet the Word of God, in all its glorious fullness, can quickly provide good answers to both the Hindu man in the Nepalese village and the university-educated, sceptical atheist in Australia. Given we are more likely to meet the sceptical atheist, a worldly agnostic, a confused work colleague or friend, we should be working on the answers for them. Why? Well, because of their cut-off-from-God-by-sin problem for a start. Not only that, we should be lighting our candle and holding it aloft to provide direction and hope for people who the Lord is calling out of the dark.

The moral, ethical, and sexual seismic shift has moved the ground under our feet in the last decade. The Rock on which we stand as Jesus' disciples is now more than ever a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence.

As far as the world is concerned, what we believe as Christians committed to God's word, is awful news. We need equipping to meet the challenges that we will increasingly face from a hostile world that sees what we believe as damaging, dangerous and ripe for being dismantled and destroyed root and branch.

Over a short time (a decade or so), the world's morality appears to be reversed. But that's all the time it took for the world to jettison the Bible's clear teaching (and society's default position for thousands of years across all cultures) on the family and gender. While the moral reversal seemed to happen so rapidly, the change was at least 50 years in the making. Our church, and much of Christendom, watched this travesty build its momentum for 50 years. When it came to the crunch, we remained silent and were part of the Gospel-bearing crowd so ineffective in their resistance [1]. We just built the ramparts a little higher and hunkered down.

The degree and rapidity of change are staggering, frightening, and confusing. When the world is full of the lost, confused or bewildered and the world's moral compass points to a different heading almost daily, then those who know the Word of God and who contend for that Word with forthright confidence are like a lodestone. We can provide, through our stand with God's Word, clear, unwavering direction. Churches that hold their own in this post-Christian world cling to and contend earnestly for the Word of God, its standards, and its clear directions.

By "cling", I do not mean organisations that retain what they consider to be doctrinal purity by stifling discussion, limiting doctrinal breadth and depth (by intent or apathy), are anti-intellectual, controlling or cultish. Instead, by "cling", I mean having a commitment to sound, clear, defensible doctrinal positions that are based on a deep knowledge of the revelation that our Holy God has given to His creatures.

God's people need good answers. Bible-based answers. Answers in which they can be confident and which will stand up to scrutiny and criticism. Such answers provide the solid ground that the saints are looking for and which the unsaved need. The leaders and teachers in the church are the ones to impart, from the Word, the whole counsel of God to the saints, thus equipping them with what they need to not just survive, but to have confidence in God's Word and to flourish in Babylon as they live out the truth of God's Word.

Given the revolution in society, I can see a time coming when we may be ostracised (in a way that has actual consequences) for believing what we believe. Paul and Jude had some strong words for the church.

• Ephesians 6:13 For this reason, take up the full armour of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.
• 2Corinthians 10:4-5 ...for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.
• Jude 1:3 Dear friends, although I have been eager to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel compelled instead to write to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

In context, Jude then goes on to say why we should contend – because of error being preached as truth and the damage that causes to the church.

How do we equip the saints and ourselves to stand for the word of God in this "hell-bent" generation? How do we defend our position? Easy – we study, meditate on, live, obey and love the Word of God.

The teachers in the church bear a tremendous responsibility to "feed my sheep" and "feed my lambs". Therefore they have a charge to know what they are talking about.

I want to encourage you all to further reading and research. I want to encourage you all to start asking questions. I want to promote the following of scriptural breadcrumbs like truth-sleuths to find spiritual reality so that both the teachers and the students can boldly stand for God's Word.

It's time for some courageous communication about improving our doctrine in areas where we are weak or at least where we fail to communicate that for which we stand. From my observations, there is a shallowness and a blandness to what we preach day in and day out. It is what Tozer called “insipid pabulum”. Arguments, defences, apologies (apologia [2]) are often not sound, not robust or not comprehensive.

Much of what we hear is directed to keeping the fellowship narrative [3] alive - reviving it even when, in some cases, it should be left to its own, final demise rather than trying to put new wine into old wineskins (so to speak). Much of what we hear is misdirected, and it does not squarely address, in a meaningful way, the problems and issues we face now in this generation. The challenge of multifaceted worldviews centred on cynicism, relativism, revisionism, and egoism looms over us.

We, too, have a worldview or, using a more substantial and more appropriate term, a Weltanschauung [4] – it's called Christianity. It is deep, wide, robust, and comprehensive, founded on the atoning blood of the Word made flesh.

Suppose we continue to focus on an experience. In that case, we will find ourselves struggling for relevance, unable to muster anything more than "I have had an experience – you can too!". From that opening, we attempt to explain something significant and profound by quoting some very well worn (and sometimes inapplicable) scriptures presented as brute facts that we expect people to accept without reason or justification.

We can do better, and we can teach our people to do better.

DISPELLING IGNORANCE

The word of God is as simple as it is profound. The Gospel doesn't require a reader with a PhD so it can be understood. The doctrine aptly named Perspicuity of Scripture declares scripture can be understood (and is meant to be understood) by anyone who wants to know how to be saved, how to be in right standing with God. The salvation message is not obscured by complicated theology. Yet even such a simple Gospel can be multifaceted, and, just like a fractal, there is more detail and more beauty as you progress from the surface to the deeper layers.

As I've focused on the Word over the last few years, the one thing I've learned above all others is this: I am still woefully ignorant. Looking back on over four decades "in the Lord," I'm chastened by the fact that my understanding, knowledge and application of the Word are so meagre compared with what they could be. I don't know about you, but considering the depths available, my own understanding, knowledge and application of the Word lack even after 45 years to hone my skills.

I have a suspicion that here in our fellowship, this is true for many and (I venture to say) the same is the case across the spectrum of our fellowships. This lament, the ignorance of God's people about God's word, is generally echoed across the Christian world. Even in "mission fields" where the Gospel is getting traction accompanied by a thirst for the Word of God (a desire sometimes absent in other, more established areas), there is little teaching of the depth of the riches available in the Word despite there being a desire for such instruction.

Colossians 2:1–3

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (ESV)

The Apostle Paul used riches often in his description of the Gospel and of salvation's story. In Ephesians alone, there are these…

• Ephesians 1:7......the riches of his grace,
• Ephesians 1:18....the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
• Ephesians 2:7......exceeding/immeasurable riches of His grace,
• Ephesians 3:8......unsearchable riches of Christ,
• Ephesians 3:16....riches of His glory.

I think the Apostle was onto something...we should take particular note, I think.

I have a few ideas as to why the Word is neglected beyond the basics. Still, my purpose here is not to diagnose people's unwillingness to study the Word, their inability to study the Word or the strange things they believe and defend based on poor hermeneutics or shallow exegesis (or both). Nor will I discuss here how reading and studying the Word in depth leads to uncomfortable questions. Some concepts, ideas and scriptural truths seem hard to understand or reconcile with the fellowship's (or the fellowshippers') pre-existing beliefs. So what happens? The hard and the contrary things are characterised as mysteries and used to buttress the great pillars of wilful ignorance that stop the logical sky from falling.

My purpose, instead, is to encourage the church's teachers to think and act biblically as they expend every effort to know God's Word more deeply.

Want more of "the wisdom from above"? (By the way, this wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits and without favouritism and hypocrisy.) I believe that if we are not dedicated to the task of "getting wisdom", that is, of reading, studying, analysing, discussing, knowing, obeying and living the Word, we will fail in our mission to teach accurately and with authority.

Too many of the conversations I've had over the years struggle to move beyond our Fellowship's Narrative. Too many thoughts or ideas that are contrary (really or in perception) to the Narrative are dismissed as going beyond some ill-defined and foggy barrier that hedges in our Fellowship's conventions. Suppose a thought or idea bubbles up and proves to have some weight. What’s bubbled to the surface may require the Fellowship to reckon with the concept and deal with it. Most likely, it will be labelled irrelevant, dangerous or a threat to stability. A "stand" is taken. No further enquiry need be made into the troublesome concept. This can happen no matter how well-attested the idea in scripture or how well the point is made apologetically [5].

 My observations are that our fellowship faces challenges regarding clear, precise, harmonised delivery of Bible truth. To be honest, some of the things I have heard curl my toes. The toe-curling incidents have prompted me to get serious about really knowing what's what in the scriptures and encourage the same in all of us who teach, preach and offer advice to those asking questions or seeking clarity and direction.

We can do better. There is no way that we should take the easy path and rest on our I-know-all-about-salvation laurels. There are a few reasons for us not to be contentedly basking in the warm glow of self-satisfaction just because we know a few scriptures about how the Holy Spirit manifested Himself on a few occasions in the book of Acts. One reason is that we don't know all about salvation at all. In fact, our cherished view of the coming of the Holy Spirit is an interpretation that is radically different to the vast majority of others who, out of love for their Saviour and their God and His Word, have prayerfully and diligently read, studied and analysed God's Word. Concerning what overseers must do, Paul instructed Titus to select and encourage the type of overseer who could …hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it [6]. With that in mind, we must be convinced of what we believe not based on our Narrative but based on a sound, clear, precise and faithful-to-the-truth understanding of what the Word of God actually says.

Another reason is this – there's so much more to learn! Paul said:

1Corinthians 2:2-5

For I decided to be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and with much trembling. My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not be based on human wisdom but on the power of God.

In the cross of Christ, the justification of sinners is made possible. This is the central, crucial point of the Gospel. The significance, purpose, and meaning of the cross of Christ are repeatedly unfolded to us in the New Testament. This knowledge has multiple layers and with each new understanding on our part comes increased faith, assurance and desire to serve the One who has done such amazing things.

As R.C. Sproul reminds his readers, clearly Paul was determined to know all kinds of things about the person and work of Jesus apart from his death by crucifixion. Just read his epistles. If Romans or Hebrews don't make you think, then something is amiss. Taking examples from Paul's other writings, it's evident that Paul wanted to teach the Corinthians about the deep things of the character and nature of God the Father. He planned to instruct them about the person and work of the Holy Spirit, about Christian ethics and about many other things that go beyond the immediate scope of Christ's work on the cross. However, to these Corinthian students with their beginner-level understanding, Paul was saying:

"You might forget other things that I teach you, you might struggle to understand but don't ever forget the cross and make sure you really do comprehend what was done for you because it was on the cross, through the cross, and by the cross that our Saviour performed His work of redemption and paved the way for the sealing and gathering of his foreknown and foreordained sheep to be His people for eternity. [7]”

The time is coming (and now is. I judge) when the general tenets of The Faith, which Christianity at large describes in doctrine and theology, will not be welcome in society. Once, being a Christian set you apart as one who upheld (and was judged by) a higher standard, the Bible standard, God's standard. That situation came with a certain authority and moral credibility attached. That is not so anymore. Increasingly the opposite is true. We are now the "bad guys". I can see a time where jobs, promotions, school enrolment and even a welcoming place at social gatherings will not be available to those who, it will be thought, speak hate and are divisive in the name of their God.

We should not be surprised, as this has happened before...

In about A.D. 111 Pliny The Younger (the Roman governor of Bithynia, in the north of what is now Turkey) wrote a letter to Trajan (The Emperor) about the Christians. To find out more about the Christians, Pliny …judged it necessary to find out what the truth was by torturing two female slaves called deaconesses. But I discovered nothing else but depraved, excessive superstition.

What was this depravity that Pliny discovered?

…they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by oath, not to do some crime, but not to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, not falsify their trust, nor to refuse to return a trust when called upon to do so. When this was over, it was their custom to depart and to assemble again to partake of food.

Pliny was concerned about the effect on society. He wrote further:

…For many persons of every age, every rank, and also of both sexes are and will be endangered. For the contagion of this superstition has spread not only to the cities but also to the villages and farms….

As Rome attempted to stamp out dissent and outlaw any belief system that didn't fit their agenda, we will find our society trying more and more to do the same. Make no mistake, we must teach the Church the Word. With conviction, confidence and clarity, we should teach the authority of its truth and its applicability to each person in every society. In this way, even under pressure or perhaps persecution, the saints will hold to the truth. They will honour the truth not only because they know what they believe, but they will also know why!

We don't need a how-to manual nor a "10 ways to be a better Bible student" listicle. We need deep, questioning and systematic Bible study. I hope you are provoked and challenged (in the tradition of Hebrews 10:24). After all …the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Post Script

Stephen McAlpine has recently released a book every Christian concerned for the Church should read - Being the Bad Guys.

If you want a copy you can get it HERE.

I've put a few excerpts below. Perhaps instead of me writing all the words above, a few hours spent in McAlpine's book may have convinced you and given you some drive to ensure We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, (Heb 6:19)

The world's people and systems are coming for us - just as they always have. Do we stand with God's Word deep in our hearts, souls and minds or crumple declaring "Caesar is Lord"?

But the problem is that that’s not where we are now. The tide has shifted further. Increasingly Christianity is viewed as the bad guy. Christianity is no longer an option; it’s a problem. The cultural, political and legal guns that Christianity once held are now trained on us— and it’s happened quickly. The number of those professing faith has fallen dramatically. The number of those who reject the faith they held until their late teens has risen dramatically. The seat at the cultural table that we assumed was ours for keeps is increasingly being given to others. We’re on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of so many issues and conversations. If this were a Western, we would be the guys wearing the black hats whose appearance is accompanied by the foreboding soundtrack. It’s come as a surprise, we’re not sure how it happened, we don’t like it and we don’t feel like we deserve it— but we are the bad guys now. So what do we do about it?

...All of us are immersed in a highly effective discipleship program offered by our culture Monday through Saturday. In everything, from our phones to Netflix to advertising and news items, we are being offered a discipleship program that invites us to a completely different way of life, mediated to us through a dazzling array of images, sounds, stories and suggestions. In response, our church gatherings on Sundays must offer discipleship programs that are deeper, richer and more compelling than those offered by the culture. As God’s people we are tasked with laundering one discipleship program out of ourselves first, before we can even begin to launder the gospel discipleship program in. So, the post-Christian culture puts twin pressures on us. How do we offer the true and better gospel to those outside the church who view it as not only wrong but possibly dangerous? And how do we ensure that the alternative gospel does not entice and draw away those among us who are being charmed by its online claims 24/ 7? I do believe that what we have in the gospel is the most liberating, hope-filled news that the world has ever seen. Nothing has changed that conviction in me. So how do we recognise and challenge the counterfeit gospel? The same way that law-enforcement agencies train their staff to recognise counterfeit banknotes: not by examining every detail of a fake ten-dollar bill but by becoming completely familiar with legitimate currency. We must turn to the truth of the Bible to get our direction.

Stephen McAlpine. Being the Bad Guys (Kindle Locations 16-29, 231-242). The Good Book Company.

Endnotes.

1. Some, of course, do not think it is the business of the churches to censure, lecture, or to remonstrate about the excesses of the world. They may be right of course. However we have a gospel to proclaim, joyfully, hopefully and patiently. The world, though ignorant of it, does need the Gospel.
2. A defence of one's opinions or conduct (often formal and/or written)
3. Any group or any society’s Narrative (more properly: meta-narrative) is the set of formational and foundational ideas, beliefs and concepts through which or by which explanations and rationalisations are given by the dominant forces within the group. Our Revival Fellowship narrative is a pervasive (and somewhat elusive or invisible) influence on every story told about "The way things are", "The way things should be", and "The way things are done around here". The fellowship’s narrative is the lens through which all our vision occurs. Having a narrative is to be expected and is not necessarily a bad thing but those who look through the narrative’s lens without question or without due concern for discovering God's truth - His message to us - are, unknowingly, looking through a broken, cloudy lens where the imaginary can be perceived as real and the mistaken can be seen as God-given truth.
4. Weltanschauung is the broad world-perception of a people which originates from their unique experience and history. This view is developed over multiple generations and is preserved, taught and reflected in their language and culture.
5. “Apologetically”, here, has the meaning of a formal defence or justification of a theory or doctrine. 
6. Titus 1:9 (ESV)
7. Adapted from The Truth of the Cross by R.C. Sproul. Reformation Trust, 2007.