The search for truth now follows a different path. We now seek for life's answers by conforming to the world's methods. We seek for it by reasoning, by understanding, and by speculation. By emphasizing our knowledge, we subject the Bible to critical analysis from science, history, and opinion. Psychology, science, and philosophy now interpret the Bible in hopes of finding solutions to life's circumstances.

Sadly, such an approach rejects the Holy Spirit as revealer of truth of God's word.

Fifth, the Church of Jesus Christ fails to teach Biblical doctrine. In its feeble attempt to correct disagreement and disorder, the Church elevates unity over truth. Such ill-fated attempts compromise truth and open the door to error, even heresy. Further, ministers, feeling pressure from strife and feuding factions, flee doctrinal preaching in favor of "How To" messages to satisfy their audiences. They concentrate instead upon felt needs.

Sixth, and finally, believers today most obviously lack the fruit of the word in practical life. A variety of different examples prove the point. For instance, believers today neglect serious meditation upon the Bible and the direct application of its truths. It shows in the lack of self-examination under Biblical precepts and a failure to study God's word. Without it, conviction of sin is absent, and application of truth breaks down.

Another case in point emerges because believers disobey the Bible's commands. Obedience goes wanting in the wake of neglected study and application. This sin affects individuals and the Church collectively. At the least, it reveals an uncertainty of the Bible's sufficiency for life and godliness.

An emphasis upon religious activity has replaced simple obedience to the Scriptures. Further, the Church of Jesus Christ fails to walk in the Spirit, but lives according to the flesh.

Numerous evidences prove the failure to walk in the Spirit. Sadly, the works of the flesh that are stated in Galatians 5.19-21 and Colossians 3.5 permeate the Church today. Sexual immorality, false worship of God, and strife too often raise their evil heads not only in the congregation but also in the leadership, even the pastorate. Holy living has fallen upon hard times. Rarely is it mentioned; it is virtually extinct in the Church of Jesus Christ today.

Holy Spirit filled believers have become an abnormality. Instead, fear of the very mention of the Spirit and outright rejection of His ministry rule the day. Surely, our sins have grieved and quenched His mighty presence and work in our midst.

Although presented in summary arrangement, the foregoing examples indeed demonstrate that the Church of Jesus Christ rejects Biblical authority. It began very subtly but has escalated into a significant problem. The failure to recognize it serves to intensify its magnitude. It now permeates and affects virtually every aspect of the Church.

Consequences
The rejection of Biblical authority yields significant consequences, which stain the Church of Jesus Christ and believers today. First, believers suffer individually and collectively as the Church. They lack spiritual power. Spiritual maturity in the Church goes wanting. Faith in God declines. Discontent and uncertainty trouble believers.

The Church lacks direction and looks to the world for help. The rejection of Biblical authority causes Christians to question, misrepresent, and finally to distort fundamental truth. The inevitable result, sin, comes because the child of God fails to believe the Bible rightly and fails to obey God thoroughly.

Second, the rejection of Biblical authority offends a holy God. This evil practice fails to honor and glorify God. It leads to idolatry, the worship of a false god fashioned after defiled reason. Prayers go unanswered. God withdraws His glorious presence and begins to judge His children for their sin.

Third, this sin of the Church causes offense to the Holy Spirit. To reject Biblical authority resists the work of the Holy Spirit, Who breathed its message into life. Such betrayal grieves Him and quenches His work. Thus, without His power, believers operate in the flesh, which is enmity against God and can not please Him (Romans 8.5-8).

Finally, to reject the authority of God's word tramples on the person and work of Jesus Christ. After all, the Bible speaks primarily to One Person, Jesus Christ. It promises Him. It predicts His works on behalf of sinners. It describes the sinner's need of Him. It reveals the gospel in its entire splendor. In effect, then, this evil rejects Jesus Christ.