In this video, Dr. David Garner discusses the Christian’s need for theological discernment and where we can turn to pursue growth.
The question of theological compromise has actually been a matter at the core and heart of human history since Genesis 3. And so, at every age and every stage of the church, there has been need for theological discernment. So the question then becomes, how do we become a discerning people? And I think that requires diligence. It requires attention to God’s Word. It requires actually a following of what Scripture tells us about how we are to gather, what is the role and function of the church to sit under—what we call the ordinary means of grace, including the Word preached, the Word read, the prayers and fellowship of God’s people, the practice of sacraments—all of those things are key for preserving theological orthodoxy; not only for the church currently, but for the church in the future.
I would add to that that it is essential that the leaders of the church are qualified leaders, that they are men of integrity, men of theological fidelity. It is critical that the leaders of the church are well trained so that they know God’s Word. But I would also add that the church is not only responsible for its current state but is also responsible as Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 to think about literally four generations. So, what is the church doing now as it looks to the future of their children, their grandchildren, their great grandchildren? What are we doing in terms of nurturing and bringing up God’s people for the future church as well as for the global church?