In our consideration of what The Visible Church has to answer for, few of its failures are more destructive than the current contemporary, seeker-sensitive, emergent worship forms.
It is the sin of Cain: The stubborn refusal to worship God the way He prescribes.
This is not a comparison of the music I like vs. the music you like. Nor is it where you worship or what name you give your church. This is about honoring God.
Christians worship God. The unsaved (seekers) do not and cannot
Christians worship God in spirit. Indulging fleshly desire or sensual gratification is not worship of God. It is the worship of self.
Christians worship God in truth. It is God Who determines what worship is.
Contemporary worship-forms are drawn from the culture and from personal desire, not from anything biblical. Efforts to sanctify your idea of worship, from the scriptures, simply exposes your lack of biblical knowledge.
It is not God Who desires the worship of unsaved souls.
It is not God Who likes the sound of raucus or sensual music forms
It is not God Who encourages worshippers to give vent to emotional expressions that result in swooning or thrashing on the floor or "mosh-pits" at concerts.
It is not God Who equates the singing of songs with worship.
It is not God Who ignores the heart-attitude, illustrated by the disrespectful fashion choices of those who claim to be worshiping God in the beauty of holiness.
The list is long. But the point is the same: If God is the One being worshiped, it's His goals, standards and expectations that are important, not our's.
Try showing up in a court of law, dressed for Church. But don't be surprised at the scolding you get or the penalty imposed, simply because you demonstrated disrespect for the Court. The least you can expect is to be sent home to change.
Cain had no respect for God. He expressed his disrespect by choosing a worship form that pleased him.
That's the Way of Cain!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Consumer Alert!
The visible Church in America rarely corresponds to The True Church of The Lord Jesus Christ! For those who are thinking this is an outrageous assertion, I challenge you to think about it, biblically.
How many churches require that members have a credible testimony of salvation?
How many have based their Doctrinal Stance on The Bible?
How many preach The Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ, the way the Apostles did?
How many operate on the Free-Will offerings of God's people?
How many have leadership qualified by the standards recorded in Scripture?
How many preach/teach the doctrine described in the New Testament Epistles?
Using this measure, biblical churches are few and far between. Which brings me to the second of the Ten Things The Visible Church Has To Answer For: Opening the door to biblically offensive patterns and policies.
It is offensive to God:
That a group of non-believers could call themselves a Christian Church and have everyone else accept their claim.
To have women in spiritual leadership roles. Women have a vital spiritual role in The Church, but may not hold spiritual leadership offices: elder, bishop, pastor-teacher, deacon.
For those who represent Him to be be supportive of infancticide and/or sodomy.
For churches to draw on the Levitical Law in structuring their organization. Whether it is a priesthood, tithing, or simply imposing rules and regulations that define spirituality.
To sell things or offer gambling opportunities, including Lottery Tickets, in order to support the ministries of His Church. It is an indictment against God that implies He cannot or will not take care of His own.
To develop Seeker-Sensitive Programs and Polices. Such an approach assumes The Gospel is impotent.
To bring worldly musical forms and worldly, selfish worship forms into The Church. It's the same as inviting Allah to a Pig-Pickin' and expecting him to be pleased.
That pastors see themselves as anything other than servants of God and those the congregations they represent. Those who don't understand need to read I Peter 5:1-4 and consider that it is the congregation that "called" you. The one which "hires you" can also "fire you." And there's where the authority lies.
There are many more, but the point is made. If you take exception, let me know. Use the "comment" feature and make your point. But....bring your Bible not your opinion.
How many churches require that members have a credible testimony of salvation?
How many have based their Doctrinal Stance on The Bible?
How many preach The Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ, the way the Apostles did?
How many operate on the Free-Will offerings of God's people?
How many have leadership qualified by the standards recorded in Scripture?
How many preach/teach the doctrine described in the New Testament Epistles?
Using this measure, biblical churches are few and far between. Which brings me to the second of the Ten Things The Visible Church Has To Answer For: Opening the door to biblically offensive patterns and policies.
It is offensive to God:
That a group of non-believers could call themselves a Christian Church and have everyone else accept their claim.
To have women in spiritual leadership roles. Women have a vital spiritual role in The Church, but may not hold spiritual leadership offices: elder, bishop, pastor-teacher, deacon.
For those who represent Him to be be supportive of infancticide and/or sodomy.
For churches to draw on the Levitical Law in structuring their organization. Whether it is a priesthood, tithing, or simply imposing rules and regulations that define spirituality.
To sell things or offer gambling opportunities, including Lottery Tickets, in order to support the ministries of His Church. It is an indictment against God that implies He cannot or will not take care of His own.
To develop Seeker-Sensitive Programs and Polices. Such an approach assumes The Gospel is impotent.
To bring worldly musical forms and worldly, selfish worship forms into The Church. It's the same as inviting Allah to a Pig-Pickin' and expecting him to be pleased.
That pastors see themselves as anything other than servants of God and those the congregations they represent. Those who don't understand need to read I Peter 5:1-4 and consider that it is the congregation that "called" you. The one which "hires you" can also "fire you." And there's where the authority lies.
There are many more, but the point is made. If you take exception, let me know. Use the "comment" feature and make your point. But....bring your Bible not your opinion.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Final Authority?
When it comes to Christian belief, what constitutes The Final Authority? If you answer: The Bible, you would be out of step with mainstream Christian philosophy.
Mainstream Protestant Churches are characterized, today, as "Liberal." This is not a form of biblical belief. It is a competing belief system. This belief is rooted in feelings and social justice, not biblical principle.
For example: Liberal churches support women in pastoral roles, abortion as a woman's right to choose, homosexuality as the way God made them, socialist public policy and pacifism. Each of these are dealt with in Scripture which concludes the exact opposite of what Liberal religious philosophy teaches.
Evangelical Churches have begun sacrificing biblical authority in search of more people to fill their pews and bank accounts. The Seeker-Sensitive Movement, The Contemporary Church Movement, The Emergent Church Movement are all efforts to make people feel more comfortable and/or close to God.
The only real problem is that none of these ideas are supported by a Bible that clearly sees "Church" as made up The Redeemed of the Lord, not seekers. Corporate worship [which is spiritual not physical], prayer, instruction, training and mutual accountability are the Bible-ideas for what is called "church."
The Charismatic Church began with the desire for assurance of God's presence and power in their lives. The Arminian is never quite sure, since his salvation is the product of his "decision." A decision he could just as casually forsake, since he has Free Will.
Speaking in tongues fit their Bill. The only problem is that the gibberish they spout is not supported by a Bible which defines tongues as known languages, for evangelistic purposes. Not to mention that it occurs when and if the Holy Spirit chooses to express Himself through you, that way. It's not really a "Gift."
But it makes people feel close to God, at best, and superior to others, at it's worst. The subtext is "I'm speaking in tongues, which demonstrates God's power on my life, so you need to pay attention to what I'm saying and doing!"
The Word-Faith Movement is an extension of the Charismatic Idea. It is made up of charismatics who are not satisfied to wait on the Lord for a divine expression. They have further maligned the Bible by teaching that Christians are "gods." Their words, therefore, have creative power. Of course with every creative word spoken, the Bible is further maligned and minimized.
In their effort to get wealth they teach what's being called the Health-Wealth Gospel. This is nothing more than a Side Show gimmick or a Medicine Show. The world sees right through it. They see these folks as shysters and charlatans, or worse. The Church? The Church isn't so sure, not wanting to judge people. It makes one wonder which group has the greater spiritual understanding.
Now we're seeing new heresies and new expressions of so-called Christianity. Open Theology, Occultism, Mysticism and Eastern Religious techniques. A Church in the Raleigh area actually has a "Prayer Maze" on their property with a Shinto Gate. We are calling Eastern Meditation, biblical. And listening for God's "individual word" by which our life will be specifically guided, without reference to Scripture.
Generally, Christians seem confused about what's going on. On the one hand we want to maintain our biblical stance. But, on the other hand, these churches are growing while our's is shrinking and aging.
I would submit to you that this expression of Church has a lot to answer for!
Mainstream Protestant Churches are characterized, today, as "Liberal." This is not a form of biblical belief. It is a competing belief system. This belief is rooted in feelings and social justice, not biblical principle.
For example: Liberal churches support women in pastoral roles, abortion as a woman's right to choose, homosexuality as the way God made them, socialist public policy and pacifism. Each of these are dealt with in Scripture which concludes the exact opposite of what Liberal religious philosophy teaches.
Evangelical Churches have begun sacrificing biblical authority in search of more people to fill their pews and bank accounts. The Seeker-Sensitive Movement, The Contemporary Church Movement, The Emergent Church Movement are all efforts to make people feel more comfortable and/or close to God.
The only real problem is that none of these ideas are supported by a Bible that clearly sees "Church" as made up The Redeemed of the Lord, not seekers. Corporate worship [which is spiritual not physical], prayer, instruction, training and mutual accountability are the Bible-ideas for what is called "church."
The Charismatic Church began with the desire for assurance of God's presence and power in their lives. The Arminian is never quite sure, since his salvation is the product of his "decision." A decision he could just as casually forsake, since he has Free Will.
Speaking in tongues fit their Bill. The only problem is that the gibberish they spout is not supported by a Bible which defines tongues as known languages, for evangelistic purposes. Not to mention that it occurs when and if the Holy Spirit chooses to express Himself through you, that way. It's not really a "Gift."
But it makes people feel close to God, at best, and superior to others, at it's worst. The subtext is "I'm speaking in tongues, which demonstrates God's power on my life, so you need to pay attention to what I'm saying and doing!"
The Word-Faith Movement is an extension of the Charismatic Idea. It is made up of charismatics who are not satisfied to wait on the Lord for a divine expression. They have further maligned the Bible by teaching that Christians are "gods." Their words, therefore, have creative power. Of course with every creative word spoken, the Bible is further maligned and minimized.
In their effort to get wealth they teach what's being called the Health-Wealth Gospel. This is nothing more than a Side Show gimmick or a Medicine Show. The world sees right through it. They see these folks as shysters and charlatans, or worse. The Church? The Church isn't so sure, not wanting to judge people. It makes one wonder which group has the greater spiritual understanding.
Now we're seeing new heresies and new expressions of so-called Christianity. Open Theology, Occultism, Mysticism and Eastern Religious techniques. A Church in the Raleigh area actually has a "Prayer Maze" on their property with a Shinto Gate. We are calling Eastern Meditation, biblical. And listening for God's "individual word" by which our life will be specifically guided, without reference to Scripture.
Generally, Christians seem confused about what's going on. On the one hand we want to maintain our biblical stance. But, on the other hand, these churches are growing while our's is shrinking and aging.
I would submit to you that this expression of Church has a lot to answer for!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Church Has A Lot To Answer For
There's a lot of talk about what this person or that political party has to answer for. We're talking "Judgment" here. And the judgment in view is that of God.
But what about the organized Church. The one that claims to be the "Ordained of God?" Is she going to escape retribution? Not on your life!
I'm not talking about those cult-like sub-groups. I'm talking about Mainstream "Church." The one that everyone can see and many people enjoy.
Let me spell it out for you. This is the Church that has:
Abandoned The Bible as the final authority in all things pertaining to faith and practice.
Opened the doors to a variety of biblically offensive patterns and policies
Normalized the sin of Cain, by creating all sorts of alternative "worship" forms.
Embraced Satan's Lie by teaching as fact that believers become "little gods."
Accepted The False Relgion of Babel, with it's mysticism and required religious behaviors.
Incorporated occultic practices such as exorcism or 'Deliverance' techniques, speaking in gibberish and calling it an angelic language: the language of God, channeling spirits of demons who communicate messages supposedly from God and clairvoyance in knowing the physical or financial condition of people they've never met.
Turned a deaf ear and blind eye to the Canaanite practice of offering their infant children to be sacrificed on the altar of a false god for wealth or pleasure. Abortion on demand, as a woman's "Right"
Making merchandise of mens' souls with a Health-Wealth Medicine Show, complete with hucksters and shills, peddling useless products at outrageous prices and calling it The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Exalting biblical ignorance by calling it spirituality or the Spirit-filled life.
All the while marginalizing the clear truth of God's Word. A truth we do not want to hear because of its unyielding exaltation of God....over self.
Do you recognize YOUR church? In subsequent blogs I will attempt to flesh out what is meant by these statements, one statement at a time.
But what about the organized Church. The one that claims to be the "Ordained of God?" Is she going to escape retribution? Not on your life!
I'm not talking about those cult-like sub-groups. I'm talking about Mainstream "Church." The one that everyone can see and many people enjoy.
Let me spell it out for you. This is the Church that has:
Abandoned The Bible as the final authority in all things pertaining to faith and practice.
Opened the doors to a variety of biblically offensive patterns and policies
Normalized the sin of Cain, by creating all sorts of alternative "worship" forms.
Embraced Satan's Lie by teaching as fact that believers become "little gods."
Accepted The False Relgion of Babel, with it's mysticism and required religious behaviors.
Incorporated occultic practices such as exorcism or 'Deliverance' techniques, speaking in gibberish and calling it an angelic language: the language of God, channeling spirits of demons who communicate messages supposedly from God and clairvoyance in knowing the physical or financial condition of people they've never met.
Turned a deaf ear and blind eye to the Canaanite practice of offering their infant children to be sacrificed on the altar of a false god for wealth or pleasure. Abortion on demand, as a woman's "Right"
Making merchandise of mens' souls with a Health-Wealth Medicine Show, complete with hucksters and shills, peddling useless products at outrageous prices and calling it The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Exalting biblical ignorance by calling it spirituality or the Spirit-filled life.
All the while marginalizing the clear truth of God's Word. A truth we do not want to hear because of its unyielding exaltation of God....over self.
Do you recognize YOUR church? In subsequent blogs I will attempt to flesh out what is meant by these statements, one statement at a time.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Know You Cannot
A man once said, "A man's got to know his limitations!"
Those who are in control of our Federal and State Governments would do well to take his advice. Those who ascribe to the Liberal political philosophy amount to about 20% of the U.S. population, yet they have managed to take control of our education system, our media and more importantly our governmental policies.
They are convinced that, even though what they propose has never worked, it will work for them because they are sincere, their heart is in the right place and they are smarter than any generation to come before.
What they do not know is what they cannot do....
In 1916, a minister and outspoken advocate for liberty, William J. H. Boetcker, published a pamphlet he entitled: "The Ten Cannots"
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character & courage by removing man's initiative and independence.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they are unwilling to do for themselves.
A Century later, too many Americans are utterly ignorant of these principles...to their peril.
Those who are in control of our Federal and State Governments would do well to take his advice. Those who ascribe to the Liberal political philosophy amount to about 20% of the U.S. population, yet they have managed to take control of our education system, our media and more importantly our governmental policies.
They are convinced that, even though what they propose has never worked, it will work for them because they are sincere, their heart is in the right place and they are smarter than any generation to come before.
What they do not know is what they cannot do....
In 1916, a minister and outspoken advocate for liberty, William J. H. Boetcker, published a pamphlet he entitled: "The Ten Cannots"
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character & courage by removing man's initiative and independence.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they are unwilling to do for themselves.
A Century later, too many Americans are utterly ignorant of these principles...to their peril.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Calvinistic Restraint Or Evangelical License?
David Brooks writes a column for the New York Times. Apparently he has written, blaming Christians for America's economic woes -- at least in part. His argument is that our traditional "Calvinistic Restraint" was sacrificed in favor of social activism. The "Country's cultural monitors were busy with other things," he says.
Like what? Like arguing against homosexual unions, abortion-on-demand and the issues surrounding Church and State.
Chuck Colson takes issue with this observation, claiming Christians do not separate chastity from thrift. They understand man's basic nature and the purpose for which God created us. Therefore Christians, specifically the Evangelical Right, did not isolate these virtues and therefore contribute to our economic mess.
Oh? Evangelicals are thrifty? They are chaste? Moral examples? Has Colson read the newspaper or watched TV, lately. Does he not know any Evangelicals? Divorce? Sexual sins? Misuse of money? And these are just the preachers!
It wasn't 'Calvinistic Restraint' that brought "The Social Gospel," or "The Charismatic Movement," or "The Seeker Sensitive Movement," or "The Contemporary" or "Emergent Church Movements." All of which are the products of self-indulgence and theological ignorance.
These came from Christians who's favorite Bible verse is Matthew 7:1, not John 3:16. Their emphasis is on Free Will, not God's Sovereignty.
I think Brooks is right and Colson has been living a sheltered life!
Like what? Like arguing against homosexual unions, abortion-on-demand and the issues surrounding Church and State.
Chuck Colson takes issue with this observation, claiming Christians do not separate chastity from thrift. They understand man's basic nature and the purpose for which God created us. Therefore Christians, specifically the Evangelical Right, did not isolate these virtues and therefore contribute to our economic mess.
Oh? Evangelicals are thrifty? They are chaste? Moral examples? Has Colson read the newspaper or watched TV, lately. Does he not know any Evangelicals? Divorce? Sexual sins? Misuse of money? And these are just the preachers!
It wasn't 'Calvinistic Restraint' that brought "The Social Gospel," or "The Charismatic Movement," or "The Seeker Sensitive Movement," or "The Contemporary" or "Emergent Church Movements." All of which are the products of self-indulgence and theological ignorance.
These came from Christians who's favorite Bible verse is Matthew 7:1, not John 3:16. Their emphasis is on Free Will, not God's Sovereignty.
I think Brooks is right and Colson has been living a sheltered life!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
It's Just Not Fair!
I had to spend some time at the DMV, recently. I have found arriving 30 minutes before it opens to be the best use of my time. I stood by the front door, reading and watching the social dynamic of those who were there and others who were arriving.
I tried to encourage a few who were standing on the opposite side of the door from where the majority of us were, to come over to our side and preserve their place in the pecking order. They were not interested.
Later another man tried the same thing only to be insulted and berated by a woman who thought it was none of his business where she stood.
When the door opened one of the men who was standing on the other side of the door, and arrived AFTER me, managed to get in front of me as we entered. I politely excused myself and moved in front of him.
I was Number 3. I got my ticket and sat down to wait. It was then I noticed my ticket number was 4. Someone ahead of me had taken two tickets.
I watched. And ticket number 3 was a young woman who arrived at the last minute and stood on the other side of the door talking to one of the young men who were ahead of me.
Aha! Someone cheated! A distinct violation of the Social Contract.
What does this say about the human heart? More importantly, what does it say about our society? There was a time when people didn't do such things. I was in line first!
The Bible teaches us that God has revealed Himself to every human heart (Rom. 1:20). That revelation brings with it the idea of fairness. Young children understand when things are not fair, without ever being taught.
I've watched children waiting for School Buses set their lunch box or back pack down in front of where the Bus will stop and then go play. When the Bus arrives they run back to their "spot," preserving their place in line.
In classrooms, children will choose a seat and then go hang up their coat. Coming back to find someone in their seat they will protest: "But I was here first!"
It's the nature of human beings to be aware of what's fair....and what's not! And what I experienced was NOT.
I confronted the young man with his "sin." It turned out he was from a different country. Perhaps he just didn't know the rules. His smile indicated something else. He didn't care! The Bible says he is "without excuse."
Just another indication of selfishness and personal pride. It's also an indication of how our society is being coarsened as the days grow short before the coming of Christ.
I tried to encourage a few who were standing on the opposite side of the door from where the majority of us were, to come over to our side and preserve their place in the pecking order. They were not interested.
Later another man tried the same thing only to be insulted and berated by a woman who thought it was none of his business where she stood.
When the door opened one of the men who was standing on the other side of the door, and arrived AFTER me, managed to get in front of me as we entered. I politely excused myself and moved in front of him.
I was Number 3. I got my ticket and sat down to wait. It was then I noticed my ticket number was 4. Someone ahead of me had taken two tickets.
I watched. And ticket number 3 was a young woman who arrived at the last minute and stood on the other side of the door talking to one of the young men who were ahead of me.
Aha! Someone cheated! A distinct violation of the Social Contract.
What does this say about the human heart? More importantly, what does it say about our society? There was a time when people didn't do such things. I was in line first!
The Bible teaches us that God has revealed Himself to every human heart (Rom. 1:20). That revelation brings with it the idea of fairness. Young children understand when things are not fair, without ever being taught.
I've watched children waiting for School Buses set their lunch box or back pack down in front of where the Bus will stop and then go play. When the Bus arrives they run back to their "spot," preserving their place in line.
In classrooms, children will choose a seat and then go hang up their coat. Coming back to find someone in their seat they will protest: "But I was here first!"
It's the nature of human beings to be aware of what's fair....and what's not! And what I experienced was NOT.
I confronted the young man with his "sin." It turned out he was from a different country. Perhaps he just didn't know the rules. His smile indicated something else. He didn't care! The Bible says he is "without excuse."
Just another indication of selfishness and personal pride. It's also an indication of how our society is being coarsened as the days grow short before the coming of Christ.
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