A Growing Trend; A Growing Concern

This is going to be a very lengthy topic.  I will be presenting it in several posts--over the course of the next month and as time allows.  I will begin with a few somewhat provocative statements followed by some questions to ponder.

The bible saves no one!  It is the gospel (the message of the Cross - the "good news") that saves by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I do not want people "churched".  I want them saved and then to attend worship services with me.

Questions to ponder:

1.  Is the gathering on Sundays for believers or for all people?

2.  Is the written Word (the bible) for believers or for all people?

3.  What is God's purpose and intent for Sunday gatherings?

4.  What is God's purpose and intent of the written word?

5. Were the early Christians, and all Christians for that matter for 1500 years, who did not have the written word in their own language, less effective for the cause of Christ then we are?  Was their Christianity sub-standard?

6. Throughout the history of the Christian church, who was it that "gathered on Sunday" and why?  - even when it meant the possibility of losing their life.

I don't think that these should be difficult questions to answer.  The confusion, I believe, is the result of two things: first, our lack of zeal in doing what we should be doing; that is sharing the gospel with others outside of church; and, second our zeal for defending the authority and inerrancy of scripture - which I wholeheartedly affirm.   But, I do not believe it is a book for the unregenerate.

What I see happening is that the church is becoming a place to bring people that are not saved, to get them saved; and, the Bible (the actual printed book) being given power, in and of itself, as a means of salvation.

more to come...

(If I am really off track here, please take the time to set me straight, as these matters are weighing very heavy on my heart.)