Progressive Christians

I just came across a church website that boasts about being "progressive Christians." In this sense they're using "progressive" in place of liberal. I don't understand. Why not say liberal? Why disguise it? Does saying "progressive" make it more attractive? I'm conservative. I guess that makes me "non-progressive" (going nowhere?) by their definition. Anyway, rabbit trail....

I find this whole concept of "progressive Christian" confusing and concerning. God's message is complete. It's in the Bible. It does not change. True, our relationship with Him is ongoing, but what it means to be a Christian stays the same, regardless of the direction of our society or time period. The progressive movement is progressing in the wrong direction, subtly shifting from the Word of God. They would prefer to say they are simply more tolerant or more culturally relevant to today.

A red flag should go up when you hear a church talking about being relevant. Now of course a good sermon is going to be relevant. That's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the entire church movement itself being more concerned with the relevance of Christianity to today's society. Here is the truth: The Truth can stand the test of time no matter what time period it's in.

The problem is that we're in the entertainment age and the church has fallen victim. Too many churches do a disservice to their congregations by entertaining them instead of giving them the meat of the Word. Too many Christians are settling for an easy-peasy message that goes down nicely and sits well in their tummy. A church leader worth following will not back down from the tough topics and will stay grounded in the Word.

As I was perusing this progressive church's website I decided to read the sermon that was preached on Easter Sunday. Sadly, there was no mention of why Jesus had to die. The resurrection was mentioned, but not the death. You can't talk about the resurrection without talking about why He had to die in the first place:

The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Further, it says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Christ came and died as our substitute (Romans 3:24-25) because as sinners we deserve death. Since we are united with Christ, our old sinful self died at the cross. We are now united in His resurrection! (Romans 6:5). Although we still sin we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6). We are alive in Christ (Romans 6:8).

How can a pastor not talk about the death which leads to the resurrection on Easter Sunday??! I'll tell you. Because that means he'd have to address sin.

We should beware of any group that claims to be "progressive" Christians. There is no need to stray from the Word. The message of salvation is in full. No need to add to it or take away. Any progression in this regard is progress in the wrong direction.

GrantJ