Hosea 4

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you (priests) have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your sons.” Hosea 4:6 (HCSB)

There are many different ways to do “church.” Some congregations emphasize music. Others are into drama, visual arts, or creativity. Some are very emotional, and some are quite stoic. Some want to preach the Bible in declarative terms as if motivating a football team, while others are subtle in their teaching as if trying to catch a butterfly.

While I have my preferences, none of these approaches in and of themselves are wrong. They are simply ministry models, methods designed to reach the unreached. If Christians live long enough, they will probably use varied approaches in sharing the gospel because none of them go against God’s character, as He has revealed Himself in the Bible.

God is undoubtedly dramatic, visual, and creative. Scripture informs us that Jesus displayed a wide range of emotions. Jesus quoted the Bible directly and taught with questions and parables designed to make people think.

That said, there is a way of “doing church,” which the Lord detests. That detestable way is the one that withholds the complete knowledge of God and His Word from the disciple.

Where many Christians take issue with one or more of these ministry models is when a church presents its particular way as the “only” way. According to Scripture, God is not ambiguous about the issue. Regardless of their method of presentation, church leaders are responsible for communicating the entire character of God. Those who refuse or neglect to teach the complete knowledge of God will be judged.

Consider two other Biblical examples of how God’s leaders fell short of His standard and were challenged to rise up in faith:  

1) The book of Joshua (chapters 13-24) confronts seven tribes who entered the land of Canaan yet failed to take possession of their inheritance.

2) The book of Revelation (chapters 2-3) lists seven gifted churches, yet each fails to teach the complete knowledge of God. The Lord commands them to repent.

We read the Bible every day because we are zealous to grow in the knowledge of God. And we can only share His Word to the extent that we have received and believe it! So, let’s continue reading and asking the Lord to reveal His plan and purpose for us and that He will direct us to people who need to hear it, as well!