Student Connect

How would you describe the spiritual situation of the Church in the world today in general? 

The Church today shares similar conflicts and difficulties as even it did in the New Testament era that Paul needed to write to the churches and correct.  We see many different interpretations of key scriptures leading to new “divisions” and “rules” about how exactly to be a Christian then people lead to conflict within the Christian faith one against another based on those difference of opinion on key scriptures and topics.  We know that this is what the Devil wants - he wants a church that is dividend even against itself and as Christians we need to use discernment and ask God for wisdom about what Church we should be part of for a community basis and support for this reason.  We need to also ensure we are actively reading the Scriptures every day and praying so that we can have the insight from the Holy Spirit on what the truth about certain doctrine is rather than rely on hearing a Pastor’s opinion or viewpoint, however valid it is.  We also need a returning to “Fear of God” for leadership where we see less moral decay in the leaders as they are fully aware of the consequences of that sin and affect on the body of Christ if will have.  The Church is to be as like Jesus as possible, and that means knowing and understanding and applying everything the Bible teaches without legalism of habits like the Jewish faith relies on for their relationship with God. 

Would you say that it is like Israel at the time the Book of Samuel was written?

In Samuel’s time the church did not have Christ to understand the fullness of God’s plan and purpose for mankind, knowing that there was even more details about how days would continue and the world would end up.  For those people though, the Old Testament and Prophets were sent in order to keep them in line with God’s Commandments and to bring them success but just like people today there is a very strong desire to “do it on my own” and follow the promptings of the Devil and his lies instead.  The access to scriptures was also very different in Samuel’s days so in some way people had to rely on listening or hearing scriptures instead of having regular access to it in their homes today.  Understanding this makes me so thankful for the luxury of having a Bible in my home that I can study every day and know what God wants for my life ahead.  I really enjoy reading the book of Samuel and I’m thankful for the time to study it in this course.