“Be not conformed to this world…” –Paul (Romans 12:2)
We return to this theme again and again: churches “reach out” so far, they’re not in the church anymore.
https://chalcedon.edu/blog/the-gospel-of-little-commitment
We have all had experience, I daresay, of theologically flabby churches that stop just short of outright apostasy–not because they have a horror of apostasy, but because they were just too blamed lazy to go any farther.
But remember: we are the Church: all of us who believe in Jesus Christ Our Lord, who call upon His name, and put our trust in Him. It’s not the building, it’s not the denomination. It’s “the holy catholic church” of the Apostle’s Creed, the universal family of all Christ’s people.
Some of whom can even be found in megachurches.
The reality of the ear-tickling, prosperity gospel preaching mega churches like the one you have pictured above, are a mystery to me. Can Bible-believing God-fearing people really believe the name it and claim it garbage that comes out of the mealy mouths in these pulpits? You know. The same ones who are telling their congregations/suckers they need more new private jets to fly around the country and the world ‘ministering’ because there are too many demons on commercial aircraft. No kidding. One of them said that recently. The thing is, how on earth can people fall for this garbage?
Mr. Rushdoony, at the close his article above, said it perfectly: “We should not rejoice that we have heard a gospel that pleases our ears but rather that God has graciously granted us knowledge of what pleases Him. Shouldn’t the Christian heart be anxious to do so? “
Throughout his career, he got a lot of heat for saying that.
My answer to his critics is Psalms 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
The mere thought of Our Father wanting to show Himself to us, with the goal that we live throughout eternity with Him – the heart cannot contain the joy of that knowing. It sometimes causes me to audibly draw a breath in awe. . .
Interestingly enough, I cued on the same paragraph as Linda. “We should not rejoice that we have heard a gospel that pleases our ears but rather that God has graciously granted us knowledge of what pleases Him. Shouldn’t the Christian heart be anxious to do so?”
As I’ve stated before, I given up on churches after numerous bad experiences. That is not to say that I’ve given up on fellowship. Just a week ago, I had a very upbuilding conversation with someone with whom I was doing business. I came away feeling uplifted, because I was speaking to a brother in Christ. When I have these sorts of experiences, then I know that I am far from alone.
Some of these mega-churches seem to be in the business of self-affirmation. If you go about your business as you see fit during the week; all is right, because they tell you so every Sunday at church. Swipe your credit card on the way out and we’ll see you next week for a cheerleading session.
We live in treacherous times. I know several people whom will not even consider marriage because of the risk of being cleaned out in a divorce. This is all well and good, but God’s moral standards still apply. Using the fear of divorce as an excuse for immorality is not what the Bible says we should be doing. We have to do what pleases God, not what our flesh wants.
Well . . . speaking of a gospel of little commitment, the has pope struck again:
http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/pope-francis-is-handing-out-ez-pass-coupons-for-catholic-loved-ones-to-speed-their-way-through-purgatory/
I would edit this severely if it were an article for Chalcedon. Whatever we may think of this pope–and lots and lots of Catholics are appalled by him–we are still talking about a church that belongs by right to Jesus Christ and which includes many of His people. If we don’t like some of their doctrines, well, they don’t like some of ours. I don’t know anything about the Catholic teaching on plenary indulgences, so there’s nothing I can say about it. But I can say that some of the language in that “Now the End Begins” article is intemperate and unjust.
I am sure we can criticize this pope without indulging in anti-Catholic slurs. Go through the article again, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s language that I won’t repeat.
God has allowed this age to be rife with enemies who would destroy the Christian faith wherever they find it, and who would be happy to destroy us personally, whatever our denomination. We should not lose sight of that.
If you say I’m too hard on megachurches, goddess-worshiping churches, seminaries where they make up the doctrine as they go along–well, I’m afraid I have to plead guilty as charged. Maybe I ought to ask myself if there are some good Christians even in those churches and seminaries.
Now I don’t know whether what I’m trying to say is being said well, so maybe I ought to shut up. But when I think of the Catholics in my family, I would be ashamed to show them that NTEB article.
I agree, Lee. It’s not the Catholics – it’s this pope! – which is what I continue to say. NTEB may have been a bit intemperate, but this pope could be dangerous to the flock. As I’ve said many times, I was raised in the RC Church. I know the rules. I know the doctrines. I have many family members who are Catholic. Aren’t we supposed to call out false doctrine? It’s probably best I don’t comment on this pope from now on. It seems to ruffle people, although I really don’t understand it. My comments are about the pope, not Catholics. Come out of her My people . . .
It wasn’t your comment, but NTEB’s language that I objected to. I’m probably overreacting: I just hate an in-house fight.
The problem, as I see it, is that many people seem to believe that salvation is tied to a denomination or some religious figure. The [fiil in the blank] church can’t save you. Neither can the pope, Martin Luther, Oral Roberts, Joel Osteen or any other religious figure. Our salvation comes from the shed blood of the Christ and it is a free gift. Our end of the deal is our faith and living in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.
I’m not speaking against organized religion per se, because I understand that people have to have some structure in their life, but religious organizations are not the source of salvation. The teachings of these various religions are frequently at odds with one another. They can’t all be right if they contradict one another. I am am non-denominational Christian, and that’s all I’ve ever been.
I agree that NTEB can be a bit impertinent, but I appreciate that they call out this pope for such ridiculous behavior. I’ve met some fine people whom were Catholic and don’t pretend to judge them in any way. I can say the same about many other folks whom associate with various denominations. It isn’t my place to judge them, but I judge my own conduct using the Bible as a reference.
Very well said, UnKnowable. My thoughts on the subject are the same. Thank you for expressing them so well. But then, we can always count on you to do just that! 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, Linda.
I mean them sincerely.
I have always been fascinated by Jesus words “New wine needs to be put into new wine skins.” Modern man is not like 1st century Christians. Of course expressions of the Gospel and of worship will take many forms. I am all for beautiful buildings with A/C, etc. What is always paramount is the condition of the heart. I have to say, that picture of Joel Osteen on the visual screen is kind of frightening.