Neighborhoodtimes: Question of Faith

2/14/12 8:37 PM

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Question of Faith
The Rev. Smith Times Staff Writer Published October 1, 2003 QUESTION OF FAITH: Is Scripture being reinterpreted for modern times? Answered by the Rev. Mark C. Smith, pastor of Christian Service Center Full-Gospel Church, 4800 37th St. N, St. Petersburg. "A resounding yes. Then I began to ponder why and looked back at some current issues facing the church in America: a former Presbyterian minister executed for murdering an abortion doctor; a major denomination having to call a vote to decide if a person's sexual preference should prevent him from ordination; the convicted pedophile Catholic priest killed in prison by his cellmate; charismatic preachers who peddle a gospel for gain, a kind of "get rich' sugar daddy God. The list goes on. "Scripture is being reinterpreted, misinterpreted, denied and flatly rejected. This is nothing new. It has been going on since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, when the serpent said to Eve: "Has God indeed said . . .?' Satan is still up to his old tricks. Funny thing, those who know better are still falling for them and being deceived. Listen, when a person or a group strays from the inerrant word of God and the truth it proclaims as absolute, then they are open for anything-goes Christianity apart from Jesus. "Scripture warns, in the last days, false teachers, false doctrine and a falling away will occur (Matthew 7:15, 24:12; II Thessalonians 2:3; II Timothy 4:2). We are in those days. What do we do? Get back to the truth and absolutes of God's word. Sin is the problem, and Jesus Christ is the only answer for our lives and this sin-sick world. Jesus said these loving words to a backslidden church: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.' " (Revelation 3:19-20 New King James Version) SKETCH: Mark Smith has been co-pastor of Christian Service Center Full-Gospel Church for 11 years. He and his wife, Christine, have been members for more than 20 years. The ministry has served Pinellas County for 25 years. TEST OF FAITH: "Alcoholism. I was an alcoholic. After coming to salvation in Jesus Christ, I battled the dry-drunk syndrome and stayed sober. A few years later, I experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit and was completely healed and delivered. God made me a new person in Jesus, and the old has passed away. Twenty-five years later and still healed. Dry of drink and full of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!" Copyright, St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

http://www.sptimes.com/2003/10/01/news_pf/Neighborhoodtimes/Question_of_Faith.shtml

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