Is God's word still relevant?

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Our approach to Holy Scripture

Most of us have been familiar with the Word of God and the Gospel since childhood. From Sunday school through adolescence, we are taught both at home and in the church to live according to biblical teachings. However, it is happening more and more often that people in this world tell us that the Holy Scriptures and the four Gospels cannot be directly applied to the present day.

When you talk to young people, you often hear that the words of Jesus in the new testament, but also the teachings of the apostles, were valid for that time and therefore need to be adapted to today's circumstances, since we live in a different time.

Especially on social media, there is a wealth of seemingly good and instructive sermons, church services, and interpretations of Scripture. Particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been an almost inflationary increase in the number of providers on the internet, offering church services and sermons to everyone.

But wherever something good is being built, the enemy tries to misuse it for his own purposes! Wherever sincere preachers and singers try to proclaim the pure and true message, the enemy invades the same field and sows weeds.

God's word as easily digestible food?

Many Christians enjoy listening to sermons and interpretations from preachers of various denominations. Sermons that present the word of God in a modern form, style, and language, adapted to contemporary times, are particularly popular. However, this carries the risk for listeners of not noticing when the messages proclaimed do not align with the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Bible. This is especially true when the sermons are simplistic, focusing almost exclusively on God's love and salvation. Sin and the wages of sin are rarely addressed. With this type of message, it is easy to reach the heart and ear of someone whose faith is not firmly established.

We are constantly confronted with statements like: God only looks at the heart. Consequently, a person's appearance and demeanor play no role. This is suggested by some preachers on social media. Unfortunately, this contradicts the teaching of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

We should always ask ourselves the following questions: Do I know the preacher of this message, and am I at least partially familiar with the background of his life and way of life? Who is the author of the text on a website that I find so appealing? Is the true word of God being proclaimed here, or is this a false wind of doctrine being sown in people's hearts?

In his second letter, the Apostle Peter wrote extensively about false teachers and the way they try to preach a prosperity gospel with sanctimonious words, assuring everyone that they will all go to heaven. They preach according to their own limitations. The Apostle Peter describes this behavior as follows: “They promise them freedom, even though they themselves are slaves to perdition” (2 Peter 2:19).

The term "submarine Christian" is very relevant in this context. It refers to people who live and act as they see fit throughout the week and then resurface at church on Sunday to publicly demonstrate their love for the Lord. While a life like a submarine Christian may appeal to many people and be the opinion of some online teachers, it contradicts the Word of God.

Anything that leads us to become more carnal is not true freedom. Rather, it often unconsciously plunges us into a renewed bondage to sin, from which we must be freed once again. Many young people want to enjoy freedom. They surf the internet, visiting various sites to gather supposedly good information, and unconsciously slip onto sites where the sight of images or videos offends their conscience and leads them into addiction.

The misinterpretation of freedom unfortunately often leads to young people becoming trapped in gaming addiction, which begins with seemingly harmless online games. A misunderstood sense of freedom has also led many young people to rapidly succumb to alcoholism, which often starts with seemingly harmless cocktails or drinks. This apparent freedom has also led many young people into the terrible clutches of drug addiction and its devastating consequences. A misunderstood sense of freedom inevitably leads to sin. Paul describes this very aptly in Romans 6:23, where he says: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

God heeds His word

In Galatians 1:9, the Apostle Paul chooses very harsh, but also clear words: “If anyone is preaching to you a gospel other than the one you received, let him be accursed!”

We must never forget that we are dealing with a jealous God who unconditionally stands by His word. To expect that God has changed His mind on many things—especially regarding the definition of sin—is foolish. Even though we often hear that our God is a God of love, we must not forget that we still need to walk purely and holy before Him. Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). In fact, the Apostle Paul exhorted the church in Ephesus to examine their conduct in relation to God. In Ephesians 4:20, he makes a startling statement: “You have not come to know Christ.” Very often we see Christians striving for freedom. And in this search for freedom, they are tempted by the devil to stray further and further from the teachings of Scripture. Even when attempts are made to justify this newly gained freedom with God's word, the transformation of these individuals often reveals no difference from worldly life and worldly desires. And before they know it, this supposedly newfound freedom leads them into dependence on Satan and sin.

When religious people – regardless of denomination – want to leave their own congregation because they are seeking a more comfortable life or a modern style of worship that they believe will make them feel less ashamed before the world, they often realize far too late that they have distanced themselves from God and are now completely trapped in the web of sin. Such desired ease and freedom usually end in entanglement in the web of the adversary.

It is foolish to expect that God has changed his mind about many things – especially the definition of sin.

The parable of the prodigal son (cf. Luke 15:11-32) is a cautionary and relevant example for us all of what it means to turn away from the father and enjoy one's "newfound freedom." This young man had to realize that the servants in his father's house were better off than he was, as he struggled with hunger. And so he set out to return to his father, humbly and repentantly asking for forgiveness and agreeing to serve as a servant. And here the father's love is revealed. He sees his returning son from afar and welcomes him back into his home.

The Word of God is clearly and unambiguously formulated. Jesus spoke to people and his disciples in parables during his time. He used this vivid and clear language to make the will of the heavenly Father clear even to the simple and unlearned. The Bible is still accessible to us today. Through his suffering and death, Jesus took the guilt of this world upon himself. Yet Scripture makes it clear that "nothing impure" will enter into glory (see Revelation 21:27). Sin remains sin. Even though times have changed, we can be absolutely certain that God has not revised his opinion on sin or intended to reinterpret his word.

The Word of God was, is, and will remain the only true compass for the life of a Christian. It requires no correction or adaptation to the times, as it was written by people driven by the Holy Spirit. We are dealing with a God who is eternal. While times have changed since Jesus began his ministry on earth some 2,000 years ago, this is still a tiny fraction of time compared to eternity. Therefore, it is all the more remarkable to recognize that God's Word still provides the appropriate answer to all the current questions that concern us and is more relevant than ever. The power and authority reflected in the Word of God are also the yardstick by which every preacher who wants to proclaim the Word of God in a modern way must be measured. And even today, with regard to God's Word and the Gospel, the following holds true for us: "The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of God endures forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

Streams of living water

Jesus Christ said: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:38).

Did Jesus, who spoke these words shortly before his suffering and death on Golgotha, perhaps err and not know what problems and temptations the youth of the 21st century would face? – Not at all! Jesus knew exactly what awaits us in our time. And he knew exactly what the purification and sanctification of the heart brings us.

A true life lived according to God's will is a life of genuine freedom. God gives every person the free choice to decide how they want to live their life on earth and where they want to spend eternity.

Liberation from sin and the cleansing of our hearts through the blood of Jesus Christ enable us to live a life free from fears and addictions. It is a life through which we can serve as true witnesses of Jesus to those around us. And it is a life with which we can be an example to those who have not yet shown interest in Jesus Christ, encouraging them to open themselves to Christ.

Freedom from sin and the certainty of eternal life allow us to look with confidence at all that lies ahead in our present time, which is full of uncertainty and fear.

We are able to fulfill the mission that Jesus gave His disciples shortly before the Ascension: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15).

It is comforting to know that God's Word does not change and that it is worthwhile to remain in its pure doctrine. If our relationship with God is founded on the true teaching of God's Word and we adhere to it, then we have the assurance that God also adheres to His Word. It is comforting to know that God's Word remains constant in these turbulent times.

Christ is my life

In particular, Jesus' words to the Jews reveal themselves as a wonderful promise: "Whoever the Son sets free will be free indeed!" (John 8:36). Paul demonstrated the extent of this freedom by proclaiming: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). He had the absolute certainty that eternal glory awaited him after his departure from this earth.

Living with Jesus according to God's word does not mean that we will not encounter difficulties and struggles in our lives. However, we have the assurance that the Spirit of God helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (cf. Romans 8:26). A life with Christ, however, is a life that gives us profound peace, joy, and security in God's hands.

The disappointment will be all the more bitter for those whom Jesus one day has to tell that He doesn't know them, because ultimately their own needs were more important to them than Jesus' desires. Deepening their relationship with Him daily was not their primary goal.

Many Christians live by the motto: Life is short – enjoy it. But they forget an undeniable fact: Eternity is so long – therefore prepare yourself well for it.

Conclusion

Dear young people, more than ever, it is important that we are strengthened in a true understanding of God's Word. Therefore, always examine—and not only the preachers in your own church—whose message you hear and see. Who is proclaiming or posting these messages, and who is the source?

Seek God's presence every day in prayer and Bible reading. Consciously set aside time for this each day. Ask God that the word you read may bear fruit in your life. Use this time to speak with the Savior in prayer and to consult Him for guidance in all situations.

Jesus himself gave the following advice in the Sermon on the Mount: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Mt 6:6).

Don't fall for the notion that God only looks at the heart. Obey the Lord in all things, as God's Word commands us. Never forget that we are the temple of God and that God's Spirit dwells in us (see 1 Corinthians 3:16).

Be an example! Live as the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “Let no one despise you because of your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). “Let the same mind be in you as Christ had” (Philippians 2:15). “Serve the Lord fully and with conviction, without wavering in your convictions or being carried away by strange and unfaithful teaching” (Hebrews 13:9).

Ask God for forgiveness of your sins, confess your guilt, and have a priestly prayer offered for you by the brothers of the congregation. Seek the counsel of the ministering brothers in the congregation into which God has planted you if you have questions about God's Word and need further explanation. "Obey your leaders and follow them, for they watch over your souls and will have to give an account. So let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would not be good for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

And finally, consider the word that God spoke to the church in Philadelphia: “Look, I am coming soon; hold fast what you have, so that no one takes your crown!” (Revelation 3:11).

May the Lord bless you abundantly!

Harry Arndt, Municipality of Pforzheim