Sunday, May 07, 2006

WATERED DOWN CHRISTIANITY


I wonder sometimes where the church is going today. I see such division amongst the brethren and it is disturbing. A lot fo the times things are candy coated.Today's churches seem to be so watered down. I see to much seeker friendly churches popping up all over the place and it is frightening to be quite honest. Churches that are catering to the world instead of being used for worshiping and the feeding the flock. Churches that have restaurants and movie theatres in them. What is wrong with picture? These churches are trying to draw people to church by having this on their properties? What happen to the Lord drawing people to church, does He need help from Ronald McDonald now? The problem is we don't use church for the purpose God meant it to be? The purpose of the church is: (1) teaching Biblical doctrine, (2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, (3) observing the Lord’s supper, and (4) praying. The church is meant for the believer. ” The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and love one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another in truth(Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage each another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly love one another (1 John 3:11).It is there to grow together and learn together so that we can go out into the world and share the gospel with the Lost of the world. The church is to both promote the Gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15).Today's churches seem to have more music time then feeding time. Worship is important but so is the word. How can a baby christen grow without the word being preached, he or she needs milk found in the word, eh/she needs to be nourished. To be quit frank, a lot the worship used to day are not biblically sound. It is seeker friendly words; the songs sometimes are not the words of truth and conviction. Finally, I read this once and it is so true. So, with all that said, what is the purpose of the church? I like the illustration in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The church is God’s “body” – we are His hands, mouth, and feet in this world. We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be “Christian” – “Christ-like” and Christ-following.

2 comments:

Brother Frankie said...

dearest sister in Christ,

i write that salutation with the greatest of sincerity.

This past year i have wandered in the desert. i had left a church that started with five to ten people and grew to 500 within a few short years.
i became churchless.

it felt like i was homeless.

i visited many, many supposed house' of God.

i am discouraged.

my family is temporarily attending a midsize church.

i still feel lost, homeless. the message of the Gospel of Christ has been lost in small groups, fund raisers, ministry (LOL), worship with advertisements for ministry between each song (no hymn's, just songs),communion that is not even close to what it should be, ....

i have met some pretty awesome folks. Nice people but if I was to label them they would be "christian lite's" .

Anyway, your blog mirrored my thoughts and we are in agreement on Church. I have been praying for a Christ like way to blog on this topic. It's complicated.

walk with Him and stay on the path.

Blessings

Frankie G

Unknown said...

I thank you so much for your words. It is despair to see so many "Christians" think of Church and Christianity as pure religion. As you said, it's much more. The purpose of Christianity and Church is to show and manifest our love for each other and most importantly, God. It's not about being attractive. I agree with you in so many ways. God is working in your life, and if you hold fast to Him (which you are - I'm proud of you), He will lead you down the paths of righteousness.

Thank you. God bless.

Katelyn Swope