The Fall of Evangelism: Rise of Relativism

[GreenNnice]

Pentecostalism is exactly what was done at Pentecost and I LIVE and BREATHE my life in the same way that those on the Day Of Pentecost did do , sans the tongues speaking. I've never done that , but I have FAITH that when and if and where and how and why God wants to do that, He will, and, I will open

A church that can understand that FAITH runs the human mind, faith in Him, WILL gain Him. Otherwise..... Now, that's not to say there are not many denominations with a faith in Him that transcends Scripture, that goes into the very being of our lives and ways that God interacts, even so, sometimes, GASP, having us grow long hair when Paul says that's taboo, even when God says that taking His name in vain is wrong, for, on the streets, how else can you reach some IF you don't 'rattle' there cages !!! You HAVE to, ultimately, let the Lord work through you, and, how He works is for an infinitely GREATER mind than the one you got, which is not His, but, take heart, console in the fact, Paul tells us, we have 'the mind of Christ.'

Evangelism, yes, rache, YOU GOT IT !!! That is where it's at, unless "Go into all the world and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit" is not true.


And, somtimes, as said in my earlier post in this thread, that 'world' God wants you to go into is much closer than you think, it's right even, sometimes, YOUR CHURCH, that needs encouragement. I don't know how you go about doing that kind of 'faith' work IF you are not in a church that is growing and doing things for the poor, needy, of your town and other towns and other countries but He does Pray to Him, you will know exactly where you are to go, what you are to do, why you are to do it, when you are to do it, and, how you are to do it . I like the Scripture verse that let's us know that things don't go our way, they go His way, we are but vessels, that are to be 'pure' and are to KNOW that we CAN be used for 'silver' and 'gold' purposes, ah, yes, just as that snowman guy sings in start of 'Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer,' that sweetly CAN be our work for Him. He says it, NOT me, so, don't just turn up your nose, that just means you're snubbing someone who made you, cares for you, and, WANTS you to cast all your cares on Him, even others' cares that are part of your life, like your church body

Has YOUR church helped you in the past, have they? Have you been down in the dumps and your pastor or a parishioner came to you and helped you through that time ??? Have they? Surely, someone has and so to appreciate them in a way of helping that church you attend, which may be in trouble financially, or, spiritually--due to some problem like 1 Corinthians 5 speaks of with adultery.

IF all we do is complain about things, and, look from things from the outside in , we will never figure things out, as God intends, working from the inside out, throu8gh FAITH , that which He measured to you for you to use, for you to work

 

[ChosenbyHim]

It has become apparent the majority of churches -- at least within my local community -- use little of their resources to evangelize locally. Protestantism has seen a rapid decline of 5% in church attendance per decade, since the 1950's, and of the approximately 75% of Americans claiming to be Christian, many don't have the slightest knowledge of anything contained in the Bible and even fewer attend church. Many people I have personally come across claiming to be Christian, generally have relativistic views regarding life and God. Sadly, many of these "so-called" Christians falsely believe Jesus is not the only way to eternal salvation; indeed, many are accepting of other religions (e.g., Islam, Wicca, Satanism, etc.).


While many pastors (including my own) are aware of the serious nature of the problems attributing to the fall of the church, few of them even care to evangelize within their own communities. My church's annual budget is upwards of $250,000, and of that close to a quarter of a million dollars, only $2,000 -$5,000 is spent on evangelism. However, a substantial portion of the church budget is spent on decorations for holiday events, which usually only attract church members to begin with, as my church is weary of outsiders.


I am going to anger many people by posting this, but for the life of me, I can't stay silent about this issue any longer. I feel the decline in church attendance is not attributed to secular society, but, instead, is attributed to the church itself.

Am I like the Pharisees for feeling this way? Does anyone else have similar stories to share?

Another factor that influenced the fall of evangelism was the birth of New Evangelicalism.

Harold Ockenga who is said to have coined the term "New Evangelical" in 1948, helped to start this soft and heretical movement that repudiated and rejected the Biblical Doctrine of separation. And what this movement did was replace Biblical Separation with Dialogue. Hence, the Ecumenical movement soon came along and now instead of warning and preaching against error and false religions like Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, and other false and heretical religions, pastors and bishops and Evangelicals began to have dialogue with Roman Catholics and Mormons.

Then what soon followed was ecumenical evangelism where evangelicals worked hand in hand with Catholics which Billy Graham was known for doing even back in the 1950s, and yet he is still praised and highly esteemed today in the evangelical world.

And I think you are correct Nicene with your view point in that the churches are responsible for the weak influence and decline in evangelism that we see today. Many of the churches that used to stand for the word of God have become modern and liberal. Look at the worldly compromise with Ecumenical pastors like Rick Warren with his "judge not" philosophy and his unbiblical and liberal approach to church and ministry. Just take a look at his formula for a "Purpose Driven church." I posted this list of Rick Warren's in the thread I started on the Emergent church just a week ago. But I will also share it in this thread, because more Christians need to be made aware of the satanic forces that are working tirelessly to change and modify Biblical Christianity.

Here are the steps in Rick Warren's Purpose Driven church format to modify and change a Biblical and traditional church into a modern, ecumenical and liberal one:


• Change in music to a contemporary rock style.

• Removal of hymn books; eliminating the choir.

• Replacement of organ and piano with heavy metal instruments.

• Repetitive singing of praise lyrics.

• Dressing down to casual and informal attire.

• Eliminating of business meetings, church committees, council of elders, board of deacons, etc.

• The pastor, or a new leader with a few assistants, usually four, takes charge of all church business.

• A repetitive 40-day Purpose Driven Church study program stressing psychological relationships with each other, the community, or the world, begins.

• Funded budgeted programs are abandoned, or ignored, with ambiguous financial reports made.

• Sunday morning, evening, and/or Wednesday prayer meetings are changed to other times; some may even be eliminated.

• Sunday School teachers are moved to different classes, or replaced by new teachers more sympathetic with the changes being implemented.

• The name "Sunday School" is dropped and classes are given new names.

• Crosses and other traditional Christian symbols may be moved from both the inside and outside of the church buildings. The pulpit may also be removed.

• In accordance with Dr. Warren’s instructions, new version Bibles are used; or only verses flashed on a screen are referenced during regular services.

• Purpose Driven Church films, purchased from Saddleback, precede or are used during regular services.

• The decor, including the carpets, may be changed to eliminate any resemblance to the former church.

• The word "church" is often taken from the name of the church, and the church may be called a "campus". Denominational names may also be removed.


And that just shows you right there what most modern churches have turned into today. That's why when you walk into a big church building, you can expect to be entertained rather than hearing the truth preached.


And now a days, the emerging church with its ultra liberal and worldly compromise has helped further to bring in a new kind of Christianity where there are no rules to follow, no holy living, no separation, and no fear of God.
I don't know if you have heard of the book "The Shack" which William Young wrote, but in that book, Young tampers with and distorts Bible Doctrine and creates a god in his own image. The god of the shack is cool and non-judgmental, and he even listens to rock music. Furthermore, the god of "The Shack" is a god that doesn't require repentance and that does not judge sin or send unbelievers to Hell. The god of the shack is simply the god of the emerging church.


Look at the spiritual dangers that are in this book which by the way was in the Top Ten on the New Your Times best sellers list for 2 years. And also has been endorsed by Pat Robertson's 700 club and in Rick Warren's magazine, "The Purpose Driven Connection," The Shack is praised as a “notable best-selling Christian” book (p. 24).


Look at these following quotes from The Shack and see how dangerous they are spiritually and also notice how they are contrary to the Scriptures:


“Don’t go because you feel obligated. That won’t get you any points around here. Go because it’s what you want to do” (The Shack, p. 89).


“I don’t need to punish people for sin. Sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It’s not my purpose to punish it…” (The Shack, p. 120).


“Our final destiny is not the picture of Heaven that you have stuck in your head–you know, the image of pearly gates and streets of gold” (The Shack, p. 177).


“Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. … I have no desire to make them Christian” (The Shack, p. 182).


And there you have it, that is the god which William Young has created in his novel. Also the Godhead in The Shack is described as a young Asian woman by the name of 'Sarayu' (presumed to be the Holy Spirit), an oriental carpenter who loves to have a good time (presumed to be Jesus) and an older black woman whose name is 'Elousia' (presumed to be God the Father).

Again, this is a god which William has created in his own image. And keep in mind, this book has sold 11 million copies. And the reason it is so popular is because the lost world does not like the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible is an awesomely Holy God and is a God to be feared and reverenced. The God of the Bible judges sin, requires repentance, and also requires separation.


The Bible prophesied that the time of apostasy would come:



4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:1-4 (KJV)


And we are living in that time right now. And just as the Bible prophesied, many have turned away from hearing the preaching of the word of God and have been turned unto fables.
Fables like The Shack and other dangerous and heretical books that distort Bible Doctrine.


So now due to the Emergent church, the New Evangelical movement and the Ecumenical movement, instead of evangelizing the lost and preaching to them that they need to get saved to flee from the wrath to come, a lot of today's so called evangelicals are having dialogue with the Catholic and Mormon church and other false religious systems. And they are too busy working with them in trying to "make the world a better place to live in."


We are definitely living at the end of the Church Age where the falling away and apostasy is great. And our only hope is for us to continue to read, study, and to take heed to the word of God as we stay rooted in it. And to keep in good fellowship with our Heavenly father as we yield to the Holy Ghost's leading in our lives and as we continue to look for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Mammachickadee]

Is it just me, or does it seem as if this thread is not attracting a lot of male cc members?

Luke 19:40

Luke 19:40

No comment. Let's just say that women keep the world and the church running (so to speak since obviously God does) and behind every good man is a good woman telling him how to hold his fork and what ever else he's doing wrong.

 

[Mammachickadee]

Another factor that influenced the fall of evangelism was the birth of New Evangelicalism.

Harold Ockenga who is said to have coined the term "New Evangelical" in 1948, helped to start this soft and heretical movement that repudiated and rejected the Biblical Doctrine of separation. And what this movement did was replace Biblical Separation with Dialogue. Hence, the Ecumenical movement soon came along and now instead of warning and preaching against error and false religions like Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, and other false and heretical religions, pastors and bishops and Evangelicals began to have dialogue with Roman Catholics and Mormons.

Then what soon followed was ecumenical evangelism where evangelicals worked hand in hand with Catholics which Billy Graham was known for doing even back in the 1950s, and yet he is still praised and highly esteemed today in the evangelical world.

And I think you are correct Nicene with your view point in that the churches are responsible for the weak influence and decline in evangelism that we see today. Many of the churches that used to stand for the word of God have become modern and liberal. Look at the worldly compromise with Ecumenical pastors like Rick Warren with his "judge not" philosophy and his unbiblical and liberal approach to church and ministry. Just take a look at his formula for a "Purpose Driven church." I posted this list of Rick Warren's in the thread I started on the Emergent church just a week ago. But I will also share it in this thread, because more Christians need to be made aware of the satanic forces that are working tirelessly to change and modify Biblical Christianity.

Here are the steps in Rick Warren's Purpose Driven church format to modify and change a Biblical and traditional church into a modern, ecumenical and liberal one:


• Change in music to a contemporary rock style.

• Removal of hymn books; eliminating the choir.

• Replacement of organ and piano with heavy metal instruments.

• Repetitive singing of praise lyrics.

• Dressing down to casual and informal attire.

• Eliminating of business meetings, church committees, council of elders, board of deacons, etc.

• The pastor, or a new leader with a few assistants, usually four, takes charge of all church business.

• A repetitive 40-day Purpose Driven Church study program stressing psychological relationships with each other, the community, or the world, begins.

• Funded budgeted programs are abandoned, or ignored, with ambiguous financial reports made.

• Sunday morning, evening, and/or Wednesday prayer meetings are changed to other times; some may even be eliminated.

• Sunday School teachers are moved to different classes, or replaced by new teachers more sympathetic with the changes being implemented.

• The name "Sunday School" is dropped and classes are given new names.

• Crosses and other traditional Christian symbols may be moved from both the inside and outside of the church buildings. The pulpit may also be removed.

• In accordance with Dr. Warren’s instructions, new version Bibles are used; or only verses flashed on a screen are referenced during regular services.

• Purpose Driven Church films, purchased from Saddleback, precede or are used during regular services.

• The decor, including the carpets, may be changed to eliminate any resemblance to the former church.

• The word "church" is often taken from the name of the church, and the church may be called a "campus". Denominational names may also be removed.


And that just shows you right there what most modern churches have turned into today. That's why when you walk into a big church building, you can expect to be entertained rather than hearing the truth preached.


And now a days, the emerging church with its ultra liberal and worldly compromise has helped further to bring in a new kind of Christianity where there are no rules to follow, no holy living, no separation, and no fear of God.
I don't know if you have heard of the book "The Shack" which William Young wrote, but in that book, Young tampers with and distorts Bible Doctrine and creates a god in his own image. The god of the shack is cool and non-judgmental, and he even listens to rock music. Furthermore, the god of "The Shack" is a god that doesn't require repentance and that does not judge sin or send unbelievers to Hell. The god of the shack is simply the god of the emerging church.


Look at the spiritual dangers that are in this book which by the way was in the Top Ten on the New Your Times best sellers list for 2 years. And also has been endorsed by Pat Robertson's 700 club and in Rick Warren's magazine, "The Purpose Driven Connection," The Shack is praised as a “notable best-selling Christian” book (p. 24).


Look at these following quotes from The Shack and see how dangerous they are spiritually and also notice how they are contrary to the Scriptures:


“Don’t go because you feel obligated. That won’t get you any points around here. Go because it’s what you want to do” (The Shack, p. 89).


“I don’t need to punish people for sin. Sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It’s not my purpose to punish it…” (The Shack, p. 120).


“Our final destiny is not the picture of Heaven that you have stuck in your head–you know, the image of pearly gates and streets of gold” (The Shack, p. 177).


“Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions. … I have no desire to make them Christian” (The Shack, p. 182).


And there you have it, that is the god which William Young has created in his novel. Also the Godhead in The Shack is described as a young Asian woman by the name of 'Sarayu' (presumed to be the Holy Spirit), an oriental carpenter who loves to have a good time (presumed to be Jesus) and an older black woman whose name is 'Elousia' (presumed to be God the Father).

Again, this is a god which William has created in his own image. And keep in mind, this book has sold 11 million copies. And the reason it is so popular is because the lost world does not like the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible is an awesomely Holy God and is a God to be feared and reverenced. The God of the Bible judges sin, requires repentance, and also requires separation.


The Bible prophesied that the time of apostasy would come:



4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. - 2 Timothy 4:1-4 (KJV)


And we are living in that time right now. And just as the Bible prophesied, many have turned away from hearing the preaching of the word of God and have been turned unto fables.
Fables like The Shack and other dangerous and heretical books that distort Bible Doctrine.


So now due to the Emergent church, the New Evangelical movement and the Ecumenical movement, instead of evangelizing the lost and preaching to them that they need to get saved to flee from the wrath to come, a lot of today's so called evangelicals are having dialogue with the Catholic and Mormon church and other false religious systems. And they are too busy working with them in trying to "make the world a better place to live in."


We are definitely living at the end of the Church Age where the falling away and apostasy is great. And our only hope is for us to continue to read, study, and to take heed to the word of God as we stay rooted in it. And to keep in good fellowship with our Heavenly father as we yield to the Holy Ghost's leading in our lives and as we continue to look for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Certain contemporary music groups leading church music actually inspire people to praise God. So often the view of God through church music is distracted by the lady in the back row of the choir who sours the high B, or the lady who sings a song from the Wilds with so many distracting bad habits that it sounds like she ran a marathon beforehand or swallowed a cat. I'm being cruel, I know... but it's true. As long as their's a balance of defibrillator and worship in the music it serves its purpose. David himself brought worship to God by dancing to drums so aggressively that his wife said he shamed her for practically showing his want-nots.
I do not agree with the urgency some contemporary churches feel to market themselves at the cost of glorifying God through truth and light to the world.