Is your church contributing to lawlessness in the country?

Tue Sep 17, 2013

Editor: While the crime rate continues to rise in our country and worldwide, some churches seem to be breeding grounds for lawlessness through their teachings. Recently, someone on Facebook invited me to view a clip from a sermon by a popular American evangelical pastor. The preacher declared to his congregation that “if we Christians hope for victory over sin, we shouldn’t have any relationship with the law, not even the ten commandments.” {{more}}

Although I am aware that evangelical churches teach that “the law of God is no longer binding”, I was still shocked to hear such a blatant attack on the law of God by a preacher. How can that preacher genuinely tell people to forsake sin – to stop committing crime when he expresses such downright disregard for the ten commandments – law? We must remember that sin is the transgression of the law (1John 3:4). Similarly, crime is the breaking of the law. It is important to note also that the law of the land often mirrors the law of God. So, when we consider the implications of the aforementioned

church teaching, we should wonder whether some churches are contributing to the crime situation. Disregard for the law of God (the highest law of the universe) leads to disregard for the law of the land. Consequently, crime increases. Undoubtedly, the demoralising effect of disrespect to God’s law is causing even Christian professors to be emboldened in sinful practices. A few days ago, I was again very appalled with an article I read on Facebook entitled “Black Gay Church Opening in Cincinnati”. I guess this church may not be using the Bible – where sodomy is condemned! Can this church have any moral authority then to preach against sin?

I am convinced from the word of God that the law of God written in the heart by faith is the only real and lasting solution to crime in society. Unfortunately, while many churches claim to be serving God and to desire a crime-free society with law-abiding citizens, they do not teach obedience to God’s law. These churches seem to be more interested in a ‘money-making get-rich-gospel’ instead of providing spiritual food from the word of God to help sinners to forsake sin.

Believe it or not, if the churches do not teach obedience to the law of the Almighty, then they are contributing to lawlessness in society. We have often heard the saying “righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people”. Similarly, the psalmist David tells us that all God’s commandments/law are righteousness (Ps.119:172). When we teach obedience to them, we help create law-abiding citizens in society who are respecting of the rights of their fellowmen.

Ann-Marie Ballantyne

svgpatriot@hotmail.com