Hebrews 5:12-14 was referenced along with Ephesians 4:14 (and 2:20) in our pastor's sermon this week. Your connection with churches neglecting the meat and becoming progressive is a good one. Sadly, many don't even get the milk! They deny the foundation in their "deconstruction".
I wonder if our problem is that we are too comfortable in our Christian liberty that we group that in with theology. We'd rather not alienate a congregation full of different views instead of teaching them the correct ones. In turn, we end up with a congregation with poor discernment because they aren't trained with constant practice (Heb. 5:14).
I would agree, and wonder if a lack of maturity seen in some churches is a result of a lack of good discipleship programs. There should be babies in every congregation, and plenty of opportunities to receive pure spiritual milk at church (1 Peter 2:2).
But I’ve wondered why many long time church attendees come to a course like Alpha, for example, which is meant for those new to the faith (though I know that some come out of curiosity or to bring a friend who needs it, or to learn to dialogue about the basics). I’ve had discussions with several long time church attendees at Alpha who still don’t understand the basics, or who have never chosen baptism, and that’s concerning.
I also think some people don’t want to grow up. With knowledge comes responsibility - it’s uncomfortable and it means letting go of sin. This could be the biggest problem.
“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Well organized mentorship programs in churches are also helpful, giving opportunities for both mature and immature believers to learn and grow together. This models a healthy family.
Spot.On. Thank you for this. The fact that we resist thinking deeply about the Word is truly concerning and just plain strange given how much time and research Christians give to nearly anything else.
Hebrews 5:12-14 was referenced along with Ephesians 4:14 (and 2:20) in our pastor's sermon this week. Your connection with churches neglecting the meat and becoming progressive is a good one. Sadly, many don't even get the milk! They deny the foundation in their "deconstruction".
I wonder if our problem is that we are too comfortable in our Christian liberty that we group that in with theology. We'd rather not alienate a congregation full of different views instead of teaching them the correct ones. In turn, we end up with a congregation with poor discernment because they aren't trained with constant practice (Heb. 5:14).
Great summary.
I would agree, and wonder if a lack of maturity seen in some churches is a result of a lack of good discipleship programs. There should be babies in every congregation, and plenty of opportunities to receive pure spiritual milk at church (1 Peter 2:2).
But I’ve wondered why many long time church attendees come to a course like Alpha, for example, which is meant for those new to the faith (though I know that some come out of curiosity or to bring a friend who needs it, or to learn to dialogue about the basics). I’ve had discussions with several long time church attendees at Alpha who still don’t understand the basics, or who have never chosen baptism, and that’s concerning.
I also think some people don’t want to grow up. With knowledge comes responsibility - it’s uncomfortable and it means letting go of sin. This could be the biggest problem.
“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Well organized mentorship programs in churches are also helpful, giving opportunities for both mature and immature believers to learn and grow together. This models a healthy family.
Spot.On. Thank you for this. The fact that we resist thinking deeply about the Word is truly concerning and just plain strange given how much time and research Christians give to nearly anything else.