Sanctification Confusion Among Youth<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
By Vince and Lori Williams
www.vinceandloriministries.blogspot.com
 
 
 
There seems to be a major problem with youth groups in churches, and it's an emphasis on behavior modification over the Gospel. For many of us, this idea is also known as moralistic therapeutic deism, which is a more accurate definition of what's going on. It is moralistic because it is about incorporating a moralistic approach to life, teaching that being a good, moral person is central to living a good and happy life. It is therapeutic because it focuses on providing therapy to one's "problems" instead of focusing on repentance from sin. Finally, Deism because they still claim to adhere to believe in a particular kind of God who exists, created the world, and defines our moral order, but not One Who is personally involved in our affairs, especially when someone does not prefer to have God involved.
 
The Christian Post says, "According to Brian H. Cosby, associate pastor of youth and families at Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City, Ga., such teaching has led to widespread belief in "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" where "we are supposed to be 'good people' and where God is more like a 'cosmic therapist' or 'divine butler'."
 
While these youth groups and their leaders  may not intentionally want to leave God out of their teaching and/or lives regarding their sanctification, this problem would not be happening if many pastors, and youth pastors, truly regarded Scripture as sufficient for all matters of life and Godliness (2 Tim 3:16). Of course, we certainly need God's moral standards upheld in our culture, but those moral standards cannot last without the solid foundation of the Gospel. The Gospel, through the work of the Holy Spirit, must be securely in place for consistent, permanent, moral living, or in biblical terms, sanctification.
 
Cameron Cole (director of youth ministries at Cathedral Church of the Advent in AL) said "if these actions come out of a student misunderstanding Christianity as a code of behavior rather than heart transformation through the Holy Spirit, then they do not necessarily reflect lasting life change."
 
Is it fair to wonder if many of these youth pastors are false converts, which is resulting in false conversion among the youth?  It is certainly fair. Are not the marks of a true believer, especially those in leadership, to preach/teach the Word (1 Tim 4:11-16) and consider it as absolute, and a sufficient authority in all things, including sanctification? Pastors and the leaders they work with need to make a serious change in direction and start teaching the Gospel in accordance with sanctification, and leave the rest in the Sovereign hands of the Holy Spirit Who will start the work, and finish it (Phil 1:6).
 
 
Endnotes:
http://www.christianpost.com/news/youth-ministries-teaching-behavior-modification-not-gospel-73408/
 
 
www.vinceandloriministries.blogspot.com