"I used to work in a bank. We were taught about real money, not counterfeit."
This, from a wise elderly woman at my church. She was metaphorically speaking about the church in America today. We fell into this conversation after a church service last week. The woman had visited a relative's church in Iowa a week ago and said she felt uncomfortable there, as the service seemed more along the lines of entertainment than spiritual.
It's unfortunate that there are churches in America today that have become seeker sensitive; aspiring to fill the wants and needs of the congregation rather than deliver what's really needed, the Gospel. Their vision is all about filling the people's lives with programs and filling the pews, rather than letting the Holy Spirit have control, to where people are being set free from addictions and afflictions.
"Without the Holy Spirit, Christianity is reduced to religion." - Richard Bonnke
With so many Americans struggling with unemployment and unable to provide the basic necessities for their families, the church's responsibility has increased. If you've ever gone through something and saw your life take a downward spiral, then you know what I'm talking about. The reality is that only Jesus can fix what's broken.
A great example of how the Church should be is found in Acts 14:
Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synogogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.
But the Apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldy about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.
I like the fact that Paul and Barnabas chose to stay and boldly preach about the grace of God.
Whether you live in America or in another country, if you find yourself in a church that isn't boldly speaking the Word of God and it's truths, pray that the Lord will direct your steps to a new church. One that isn't afraid to boldly claim all the truths in God's Word, A Word that God Himself would want you to hear.
If you live in an area with no access to a Bible, click on: www.biblegateway.org for more of God's encouraging Word.
This, from a wise elderly woman at my church. She was metaphorically speaking about the church in America today. We fell into this conversation after a church service last week. The woman had visited a relative's church in Iowa a week ago and said she felt uncomfortable there, as the service seemed more along the lines of entertainment than spiritual.
It's unfortunate that there are churches in America today that have become seeker sensitive; aspiring to fill the wants and needs of the congregation rather than deliver what's really needed, the Gospel. Their vision is all about filling the people's lives with programs and filling the pews, rather than letting the Holy Spirit have control, to where people are being set free from addictions and afflictions.
"Without the Holy Spirit, Christianity is reduced to religion." - Richard Bonnke
With so many Americans struggling with unemployment and unable to provide the basic necessities for their families, the church's responsibility has increased. If you've ever gone through something and saw your life take a downward spiral, then you know what I'm talking about. The reality is that only Jesus can fix what's broken.
A great example of how the Church should be is found in Acts 14:
Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synogogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas.
But the Apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldy about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.
I like the fact that Paul and Barnabas chose to stay and boldly preach about the grace of God.
Whether you live in America or in another country, if you find yourself in a church that isn't boldly speaking the Word of God and it's truths, pray that the Lord will direct your steps to a new church. One that isn't afraid to boldly claim all the truths in God's Word, A Word that God Himself would want you to hear.
If you live in an area with no access to a Bible, click on: www.biblegateway.org for more of God's encouraging Word.
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