Survey Shows Evangelicals Confused Theologically - CBN News

Dr. Stephen Nichols

Survey Shows Evangelicals Confused Theologically

CBNNews.com   Sunday, November 02, 2014

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A new poll from Lifeway Research reveals that evangelicals have a significant level of theological confusion.

The survey, commissioned by Ligonier Ministries, shows a lack of orthodox views about God, salvation, and the Holy Spirit.

The good news is that nearly all evangelicals, about 96 percent, believe that Jesus rose from the dead. And 92 percent believe that salvation comes from Him alone.

Also, close to 90 percent believe that God is sovereign over all people and that the Bible is the word of God.

What are some of the most concerning heretical views some evangelicals hold? For more on this, CBN News spoke with Dr. Stephen Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College and a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow.

Watch CBN News Video: Survey

Love For His People Editor's Note: My most recent NOW THINK ON THIS message asked the question, "No More Retraints?" As has been found in the survey above, American Christians in particular no longer know/believe what is black and white and Scripturally based, and thus cannot stand for what is right and wrong. Read below. 

Steve Martin
Love For His People, Inc.
President

No More Restraints?
- Now Think On This
by Steve Martin


“And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.” 2 Thess. 2:6-8 NASU


The walls are falling down. Many of the restraints we formerly could count on, which have been holding back the onslaught of the evil one as they had been in place over the centuries, are no longer there.

Almost anything is allowed now, as people and governments are using all excuses to serve their own purposes. Often it is heard, “We must be sensitive to others”, or “stop pushing your own agenda or beliefs on us.” It would seem that all situations are ok, as there is no longer any fear of paying a price for sin, no matter how large or small. After all, some would think, no longer is there a need for accountability to anyone or anything having rules, regulations or set guidelines. We are “free to let it all go and do our own thing.”


According to many, there are no longer any restraints that would or should guide us anymore. The concept of sin went out the door decades ago. With a common misconception that one can be called a Christian by just saying you are one, the thought of a God who would judge people is labeled as old school. Why therefore need we adhere to the Ten Commandments or any Scripture? We took those down off the court room walls decades ago, after all.


There used to be a time when at least you could hear, even in mainline churches, good, solid teaching on standards, as they held the ground on what was permissible and what wasn’t. Now, due to the fear of political correctness or attacks from the other side, speaking Bible truth has been so watered down that young kids have no idea what really is right or wrong. The standards have been so lowered that what we once upheld and stood strong on have now been tossed aside, replaced by ungodly standards and immoral judgments. Deception abounds.


Even certain nationally observed days, with foundations from evil origins themselves, have become some of the most celebrated in our countries. Indeed, the ever increasing temperature rise in the frog’s captive water has gone up so high, whereby the “frog” is now being boiled alive, not even realizing the impending result. But death will actually result.


Parents raising kids are confronted daily with sound waves of how all the others are doing it, how it will be alright to give in a little, and why not to be so tough on allowing your kids to explore and try new ways. Weariness takes its toll on those attempting to hold the line, while struggling to stop the onslaught from coming into the home daily from every which way.


So what do we do? Give up and give in? Tell ourselves that the world is going to hell anyway, so just let it happen?


In speaking to those of us who are of the current parental generation, we are called upon by our Lord to stand, even as others around us would give in. We are the ones who must be the lighthouse to those who have lost their way. We must be the “Bible” to those who have never been instructed in the Way, or shown the Truth, or heard of the Life in Jesus Christ.


“Refuse to follow the devil. Stand strong in your faith. You know that your brothers and sisters all over the world are having the same sufferings that you have. 1 Peter 5:9


“So, brothers and sisters, stand strong and continue to believe the teachings we gave you when we were there and by letter.” 2 Thess. 2:15


I know I grow weary at times, with the frequent temptations, the short term victories of the ungodly, and the continuing battle to keep my mind on the Lord and His ways. But I know for the sake of my family, my grandkids, and others who are watching and listening, I, along with you, must hold the line. We must stand for truth, righteousness and accountability.


Be encouraged in the Lord’s strength. Spend the time daily to be uplifted by His Word, His answers to prayers, and His light that does shine in the darkness. Our promised reward awaits us in the end.


Now think on this,


Steve Martin
Love For His People. Inc.




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Now Think On This #163 - “No More Restraints?” by Steve Martin
Date: In the year of our Lord 2014 (10.29.14) Wednesday at 5:30 pm in Charlotte, NC


All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on our newest website: Now Think On This