What are the main differences between a church that follows the Bible and one that does not?

The Bible serves as the foundation and guide for many Christian churches around the world, shaping their beliefs, practices, and missions. However, not all churches adhere strictly to the teachings of the Bible, leading to differences in doctrine, worship, and overall spiritual focus. In this blog post, we will explore the main differences between a church that follows the Bible and one that does not.

1. Authority and Source of Truth: A church that follows the Bible views the Scriptures as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. They believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, containing all the truths necessary for salvation and spiritual growth. On the other hand, a church that does not prioritize the Bible may rely on human wisdom, tradition, or personal experience as sources of truth, leading to a deviation from biblical teachings.
2. Doctrine and Beliefs: Churches that follow the Bible tend to adhere to traditional Christian doctrines and beliefs based on scriptural interpretations. They affirm core tenets of the faith, such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the importance of repentance and holiness. Churches that do not prioritize the Bible may veer towards theological liberalism, relativism, or syncretism, compromising biblical truths for the sake of cultural relevance or inclusivity.
3. Worship and Practices: A Bible-following church typically emphasizes worship practices that are grounded in biblical principles, such as prayer, singing hymns and praise songs, preaching the Word, observing sacraments like baptism and communion, and engaging in fellowship and service. These churches seek to honor God and edify believers through their worship gatherings. Conversely, churches that depart from biblical teachings may introduce rituals, doctrines, or practices that contradict or dilute the message of the Bible, leading to confusion and spiritual compromise.
4. Mission and Outreach: Churches that prioritize the Bible often have a clear mission to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and engage in compassionate service to their communities and the world. They seek to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the love of Christ, meeting practical needs, and advocating for justice and mercy. Churches that deviate from biblical teachings may focus more on social or political agendas, self-help programs, or entertainment-driven activities, losing sight of the church's primary calling to make known the kingdom of God.
5. Impact and Effectiveness: Finally, the main difference between a church that follows the Bible and one that does not lies in their overall impact and effectiveness in advancing the kingdom of God. Churches that remain faithful to the Scriptures tend to experience spiritual growth, transformation, and unity among their members, as they are rooted in the unchanging truth of God's Word. In contrast, churches that stray from biblical teachings may face division, spiritual stagnation, and a lack of spiritual fruitfulness, as they drift further from the foundation of their faith.