Banner of Truth have republished an article recently calling for churches to preserve with holding evening services -or in many cases to recover them. I’m not sure who the target is of such articles? Is the aim to lay a heavy burden on pastors for not persevering with opening up buildings knowing that few if any will come? Or is it to rebuke and stir up the congregations for not coming? I’m not sure what is hoped to be gained.
I don’t intend to work line by line through the arguments and respond to them. Partly, this is because my friend Steve Kneale has done an effective job here and partly because I’ve written previously on the subject of evening services.
Rather, what strikes me is that the article comes out of a stable that places a strong emphasis on taking God’s Word seriously. It is after all aimed at encouraging more time for people to hear expository preaching. Banner of Truth’s history is of seeking to encourage sound teaching by publishing commentaries on other books from a Reformed perspective.
Yet, we cannot duck the issue. The way that the article handles scripture is shocking. Sadly, this is not a one off. Too often over the past few years we’ve been treated to big pronouncements about what Christians should be doing, whether its holding an evening service, resisting COVID measures, seeking an inner calling or whatever. Too often the pressure comes from those who claim to hold a high view of Scripture and yet in time and time again, the demands come without any serious Biblical support. I’m not sure what is worse. Is it worse to just make the claim without any attempt at Biblical argument or worse to mangle Scripture and use eisegesis to support your claim.
The question we need to ask is “Why does it happen?” And why do we tolerate it? Do we give a free pass to those who misuse Scripture because they claim to be its defenders? Surely, we should expect more of them.
Faithroots 