Understanding Faith, Scripture, and How We Live Today
Introduction
Are churches today living out what the Bible really teaches, or have they drifted away from those truths in everyday life? This is a big question for many people—ordinary churchgoers, pastors, and those who are just curious about faith. With changes in society, new technology, and shifting values, some believe the church isn’t as relevant or authentic as it could be. Others, though, find their church is a place where real faith and the teachings of the Bible come alive in practical, meaningful ways. Let’s break down what’s going on in simple terms.
What Does the Bible Say About Truth and Living It Out?
Biblical Truth in Simple Language
The Bible is full of stories, advice, and commands—think of it as both a guidebook and a diary of faith. It talks about who God is, urges people to trust in Jesus Christ, and emphasizes treating others with love and kindness. But it’s not just about knowing facts or rules; it’s about letting those truths shape who we are and how we act every day.
James 1:22 puts it like this: “Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” And in Matthew 5–7, Jesus talks about real-life attitudes—being humble, forgiving, generous, and loving—even when it’s hard.
How Should Biblical Truth Show Up in Daily Life?
The Bible isn’t meant to just stay on a shelf or be talked about on Sundays. Its teachings should show up in everyday actions: helping the needy, being honest, showing patience, and working for justice. Early Christians didn’t just meet for worship—they shared what they had, prayed together, and supported anyone who was struggling. Being a Christian wasn’t just a belief, it was a lifestyle.
Where Does the Church Sometimes Lose Its Way?
Becoming More Like a Business
One problem is that some churches focus more on being big organizations than on being close-knit communities. They worry about membership numbers, fundraising, and keeping the building looking good. Sometimes, to attract more people, churches might avoid tough topics or stick to feel-good messages, leaving out deeper, sometimes challenging, Biblical truths. The church can start looking and sounding just like the rest of society—more about entertainment or popularity than spiritual growth.
Faith on the Surface
Real growth in faith—called discipleship—takes time and effort. Yet for many, church is just going to a service once a week or joining a program now and then. There aren’t always deep friendships or real accountability. Some people don’t know the Bible very well, so they struggle to connect faith with real-life issues.
Dodging Difficult Issues
Churches sometimes avoid talking about things like poverty, racism, or protecting the environment, even though the Bible has a lot to say about caring for the world and each other. Why? Because these topics can be uncomfortable or divisive. Political views and traditions can get in the way of honest, Bible-based conversations and action. When churches say one thing but do another, members—especially young people—can get discouraged or cynical.
Why Is This Disconnect Happening?
· Secular Society: As society becomes less focused on religion, faith can become just a private thing, not something that guides everyday life.
· Technology Overload: With social media and constant distractions, it’s easy to be busy but never slow down and reflect, pray, or read the Bible.
· Too Much to Do: Life moves fast, and faith can end up as just another item on a long to-do list, instead of being the center of everything.
· Poor Leadership: Scandals or leaders who don’t live out what they preach can turn people away and make church feel less trustworthy.
· Pressure to Be “Nice”: Wanting everyone to feel included and comfortable is good, but sometimes it means avoiding the tough, countercultural truths of Scripture.
Reasons for Hope: Churches Getting Back on Track
Even though there are challenges, many churches are making an effort to reconnect with Bible truths and put them into practice:
· Deeper Friendships: Small groups and one-on-one mentoring can help people really engage with Scripture and support each other.
· Bible Study Initiatives: Programs that encourage reading and memorizing the Bible help people understand and live out God’s Word.
· Working for Justice: Churches are getting involved in fighting poverty, promoting racial reconciliation, and caring for the planet, using the Bible as their guide.
· Authentic Worship: There’s a growing desire for worship that’s honest and real, not just a performance.
· Serving Others: Churches are rediscovering their mission—being “salt and light” by helping their neighborhoods and sharing faith through actions, not just words.
Steps Toward Reconnecting with the Bible
Putting the Bible First
Churches and individuals need to make the Bible central again—not just on Sundays, but in everyday life and decisions. Leaders should teach courageously and clearly, helping everyone wrestle with tough questions and apply the Bible’s lessons.
Whole-Life Discipleship
Learning about faith shouldn’t just happen in a classroom or worship service. It needs to be part of relationships, work, family, and community life. Practices like prayer, generosity, and serving others help deepen faith and make it real.
Building Honest Communities
When churches create spaces for vulnerability, confession, and mutual care, people can experience the grace and truth of the Bible in real relationships. Pretending “everything’s perfect” doesn’t help anyone grow.
Speaking Up for What’s Right
Churches are called to live and speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular. That means taking a stand on justice, caring for those who are hurting, and living out values that might look different from the culture around us.
Conclusion
So, is today’s church disconnected from Biblical truth and its real-life expression? Sometimes, yes—there are real gaps between what’s preached and what’s lived, and sometimes faith gets pushed to the sidelines. But the story isn’t all bad. Many churches and believers are working hard to reconnect, reform, and live out the Bible’s teachings in fresh, authentic ways. The challenge for all of us is to make sure our faith isn’t just words, but something that transforms how we live—bringing hope, healing, and meaning to ourselves and the world around us.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 