To rehearse, “Counterculture” is simply any idea that opposes the culture. This concept has been widely panned by those who demand conformity to the philosophies of mass consciousness. However, the “resistance” has multiple sides. John wrote against embracing a worldly point of view: 1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The church is commanded not to conform to this world or the precepts of godless mandates. In every respect, the Apostolic Pentecostal Church is Counterculture!
However, there is another issue to address: Modern Church Culture. This particular idea is rooted in cultural relativism with tenets of subjectivism and human experiences. Modern Church Cultural-ism embraces lessons of grace, but rejects messages of holiness, i.e., worship without boundaries. It speaks of inclusion, while ignoring the words of Jesus: Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. The modern church parcels out the scripture to fit into a selective view. Yet, this type of theology is contrary to living a set apart life. Moreover, it leaves out the entirety of the Truth which leads to a fleshly lifestyle.
To this end, I submit Modern Church Counterculture. I rise against the modern church thought, which is secular in nature. The Bible is the inherent Word of God. Real Christianity is rooted in the exclusive Doctrine of Jesus Christ, which the Bible calls “The Apostle’s Doctrine.” It is neither validated by popularity or disqualified by the opinions of the majority. When Christians bow to secular beliefs, they are left with a diluted religion that appeals to the vain sensibilities of the American life and not to the scripture.
The Bible promotes self-sacrifice; self-denial; daily dying to the flesh; and being hid in Christ. All of these are contrary to the modern church. Furthermore, the apostles and prophets set the precedent for spiritual living, which was never measured by societal approval. Right and wrong; holy and corrupt… these are not subject to personal opinion.
Peter and John rebuffed the religious council, Acts 4:19-20 Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Paul wrote: Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
We embrace a Holy God and the purity of the Scripture. It is the only thing that will lead to Eternal Life.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole