To the Godless American Church...

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mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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#81
When all is said and done, more is said than done. ;)
 

Galatians2-20

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2013
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#82
Why are you making it about America? As if we need folks from wherever you are to come and correct us? Correct yourself and do the work where you are to correct the people where you are, if God has given you that authority? Which I doubt?

Because, in case you have not watched the national news lately, our nation is on a steep decline morally & spiritually. Basically, there is a homosexual led liberal media who are are attempting to use race as means to attack the Church and most Christians choose to ignore it because they know that they are powerless to stop it.

The American Church either spends way too much time performing good works in the flesh that yeild very little lasting fruit, have become an activity center where people go to socialize or to be entertained, or they spend way too much time fussing with other Christians over pet doctrines that impact lives very little in the first place.

Ask yourself this: how many times in the past year has God used you to impact a life? How many souls do you see saved annaully through your church or personal ministry? How many people have found freedom from unforgivenness, anxiety, lust, anger, etc.? How many marriages have been mended and families restored? If that number is less than a handful then self evaluation is not only needed, it is necessary.

Why is it so hard for people to push personal, denominational, and doctrinal pride aside and simply ask God "What are my short comings and I can I become more like you Lord?"
 

Galatians2-20

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2013
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#83
Amen, Tennessee (Mitspa).

I am sure there is many things in the church that Jesus would say, I have many things against you and we better be working on that list, for "judgment must first begin with the house of God."

The OP is from America, we'll give him that, but is his own walk with God ready to be examined. If this a message of God may God reveal that it is. If it is not from God, It's just good for him that we not stone prophets like in the Old Testament



Passing Through, if you will read my posts, you will read where I acknowledge that the OP is just as much for me as it is everyone else. By no means am I attempting to sit on a high horse looking down on others. I am simply asking others to join me on bended knee and ask God "Lord, reveal to me those in things in my life that hinder me from doing your will and give me the strength to change those things so that You can work in me and through me to impact my circle of influence."
 

skipp

Senior Member
Mar 6, 2014
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#84
Because, in case you have not watched the national news lately, our nation is on a steep decline morally & spiritually. Basically, there is a homosexual led liberal media who are are attempting to use race as means to attack the Church and most Christians choose to ignore it because they know that they are powerless to stop it
Christ said that the road to life was narrow and that only a few would find it. Why are we so surprised then when a large number of people do not follow the Bible?
 

Galatians2-20

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2013
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#85
Christ said that the road to life was narrow and that only a few would find it. Why are we so surprised then when a large number of people do not follow the Bible?
Even though the Bible does say it will be that way, as the Church, we are still called to be salt and light to the world. That means actually venturing out of our comfort zone and ministering to others where they are. We can not operate in the personality and power of God if we look and act no different than the world. That is why so many Americans view the Church as just another man made religion, because most who profess to be Christian to not seek personal intimacy with God on a consistant basis in order for God to use them as He wills.
 
J

JesusistheChrist

Guest
#86
It isn't only the American church which is Godless...
 
Jul 27, 2011
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#87
sugar on veggies does not sound good. i was getting with people last summer, it was suppose to be church, but it was more of a joke. i took my KJV, when they seen it they said oh thats to complicated i can't understand KJV, NIV is the one. Thats hogwash, the Holy Spirit can help us see whats being said. Back in the early 80s, my uncle had a book called Britain in American prophesy, 30 something years later i am still seeing that book come to life, i started really noticing when tattoo's, piercings, different hair colors and styles, in the 80s. To get back to my point, those people didn't care for me, Father give me the grace to forgive them, i feel like i'm going to loose it,( lyrics from a song that brings tears to my eyes)
 

Galatians2-20

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2013
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#88
A lot of people here appear to misunderstand what I mean when I say "Godless". I am not saying that American chuches have not seen or experienced God in the past and / or can not do so in the future. What I am saying is that most professing Christians are content living their lives however they see fit and shouting out to God when they make a mess of things. Most are living far beneath the promises of God as revealed to us through scripture.

I will be the first to confess that this has been my experience. In the past, I was deeply involved in ministry and have personally witnessed thousands of lives impacted for Christ in a single year. That all changed when I returned home.

Since the move, I have been in search of a new Church to call home. I have been to numerous Churches that are nothing more activity centers and / or social clubs that have zero influence over their surrounding communities yet these Churches are not only only content, they have fooled themselves into believe that they are thriving. Any attempt to reach out to these Churches in order to serve them or work with them is met with hostility because they do not desire change. I found this to be very disheartening and I have since stopped reaching out to them. In fact, I stopped visiting Churches altogether.

God has been dealing my heart concerning these matters and appears to be leading me into evangelism. Some of the things that the Lord has dealt with me about on a personal & corperate level appear in that letter.
 
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Mitspa

Guest
#89
It isn't only the American church which is Godless...
Yea I think that's the thing that gets into my crawl a bit..the guy who started this thread is from the Phil ..I think?
The only honesty ministries over there I could find to help the poor, was ministries based in the States. Every ministry I tried to work with from there seemed to be trying to run a con game. I know this is not true in every situation and the point is that there is no country that is in a position to lecture the US in godliness, that I have seen?
 
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Mitspa

Guest
#90
Even though the Bible does say it will be that way, as the Church, we are still called to be salt and light to the world. That means actually venturing out of our comfort zone and ministering to others where they are. We can not operate in the personality and power of God if we look and act no different than the world. That is why so many Americans view the Church as just another man made religion, because most who profess to be Christian to not seek personal intimacy with God on a consistant basis in order for God to use them as He wills.
Where is this nation other than America, that you believe is different, or that is in a position to lecture others? If your talking as an Amercian, why come as if your representing another country? Yes we know ..things here are not as they should be...but that's the church in general and not just a "American" church issue.
 
J

JesusistheChrist

Guest
#91
Yea I think that's the thing that gets into my crawl a bit..the guy who started this thread is from the Phil ..I think?
The only honesty ministries over there I could find to help the poor, was ministries based in the States. Every ministry I tried to work with from there seemed to be trying to run a con game. I know this is not true in every situation and the point is that there is no country that is in a position to lecture the US in godliness, that I have seen?
The OP says that he is an American, so I'll leave it at that. I'm pretty sure that Tim Tebow's parents were missionaries to the Phillipines and that he helps run an orphanage over there, but don't quote me on that. In any case, the churches worldwide need to repent of many things and I'm wondering why the American church was singled out...especially since people from all different countries post on this forum.
 
Mar 4, 2013
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#92

Passing Through, if you will read my posts, you will read where I acknowledge that the OP is just as much for me as it is everyone else. By no means am I attempting to sit on a high horse looking down on others. I am simply asking others to join me on bended knee and ask God "Lord, reveal to me those in things in my life that hinder me from doing your will and give me the strength to change those things so that You can work in me and through me to impact my circle of influence."
The actions and reactions on this thread are much like any other thread that puts a mirror (glass) in front of all of us that are professing Christianity. Once the chastening hand of God is about to be exacted, God enlightens us of our real heart condition. When that is exposed, the adversary jumps in with tactics that repress the light of truth, and it seems like conviction causes us to bristle up with an attitude of demanding ourselves to consciously refuse to listen. We all have, to some degree, "itching ears" and even more we demand to hear good about ourselves when we are being nasty at the same time. Biblical history proves the same.

2 Chronicals 18:12-13 and 16-17
[SUP]12 [/SUP]And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of their's, and speak thou good.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?

It seems that our religions tend to kick thoughts of reality out of our minds when the scriptures are discussed, like somehow we are not included unless the Bible says what we want it to say. When we temporarily forget scripture, then we face the reality that is in the world because we are forced to cope with it. It's just like the persuasion called "separation of church and state." In the ranks of God's children it isn't any different from "separation of mind and truth." The "falling away" proves to be a conscious effort on our part.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." James 23-24

Seems evident that we just don't forget anymore, we actually fight against seeing who we really are in the sight of God, revealed to us by His Word. I see much more rejection of scripture and rejection of other Christians on this forum than what I've witnessed in any other place. There's better camaraderie in a bar than here. We can buy a beer for our neighbor with a smile, and he says thanks. On the other hand, tell a drunk that "happy hour" is over, and if he didn't like hearing what his real condition is he will start a fight with you. We can give our thoughts to our Christian neighbor, and if we don't agree, it's the same attitude of "I don't want it, go away and shut up" and the person that refutes the truth about themselves is no different in character than the drunkard. What a shame!

There is a difference between condemnation and discernment. The Bible (KJV) calls both as "judge" and "judgment." A loving Father chastens his children, and when children refuse to honor their father and mother the promise is taken away. God is our parent and we are his children! Contention is instigated in the family because of fighting. God is patient, but sooner or later He will step in and put a stop to this ridiculousness. Read my signature!

When we fight against others who are attempting to edify with the truth, we are actually fighting against God Himself!!
 

Utah

Banned
Dec 1, 2014
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#93
My first thought when I read your post was, "How rude!" My second thought was that American churches ARE a mess and "professing Christians" who refuse to see that are making the situation worse. Then I looked at the profile of the man who started this thread, and he is in North Carolina -last time I checked it was still part of the USA.

In a nutshell attitudes like yours are part of the reason American churches are in the state they are.
That's funny; you're condemning someone for having an attitude with an attitude of your own, so in a nutshell, you're part of the problem as well. And you don't need to tell me I have an attitude because I already know, but glory be to God, His grace is sufficient, and He's transforming my heart from tare to wheat, even as I write this.

That said, though the OP speaks some truth, I disagree with the broad-stroke totality of what he shares. The American church is not godless, but there is need for improvement. No doubt many hearts need transformed, but transformation must have love as its modus operandi, not condemnation from a sanctimonious perch.
 

Utah

Banned
Dec 1, 2014
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#94
I am an American, born & raised. I don't hate this country at all however, it's pretty obvious to see that our nation is being given over, by God, to a reprobate mind. Only God can keep this from happening. However, many Churches are too preoccupied with doing what they think God expects of them instead actually taking the time to walk hand in hand, step by step, day by day with the Lord in order to listen to and operate in the will of God. My letter as a call for the Church to humble themselves, evaluate their lives, and seek out the presence of God in order to live the Christian life as God intends.
A bigger problem with many American churches (at least in the Northeast) is that liberalism crept in and now has a strong foothold in place. There are godless, wolves in sheep's clothing in the pulpit, and their "gospel" is not Jesus Christ crucified, buried and Resurrected, but rather, they preach left-wing progressive politics. They're all about political agendas that openly oppose the Gospel.
 
Nov 26, 2011
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#95
Good point.

I feel that today's christianity is more "Biblical" than spiritual, I mean that people's do read the Scriptures, but they still do not know God, but because they read the scriptures, they allow they self to be pleas about them self.
The Bible is read through the lense of systematic theology and thus the truth is obscured.

The two main lies are...

1. Original Sin (Ye cannot obey God due to inability)

This teaches that the root cause of sin in an individuals life is a result of their "birth state." Thus a human being is perceived as "born evil." This necessitates an understanding that a sinner is a victim as opposed to a criminal because the "sinner being evil" is a VICTIM of circumstance (ie. born a sinner). With the "exercise of free agency" being removed from the equation it is impossible for the sinner to truly feel responsible for their behaviour and thus repentance has to be redefined into a mere CONFESSION OF SINFULNESS.

Original Sin or "born a sinner" denotes INABILITY. In other words a sinner is a sinner involuntarily, ie. "I am a sinner and I cannot help it." Thus the petition to God through the redefined repentance (confession of sinfulness) is a petition to a needed OFFSET TO INABILITY. Thus people are conditioned to WAIT ON GOD to effect a change in them whilst they wait in a disabled state.

There is no inability of man. Sin is a choice. Of course we can do nothing without God because God is the source of light we need to plug ourselves into God (hence Jesus would say, "without me you can do nothing.") All human beings have the full capacity to plug themselves into God and thus become empowered to walk in the light, this is done through repentance and faith.

Repentance (a change of mind necessitating a change in action) is wrought through "godly sorrow" which brings about a CRISIS OF CONVICTION in the heart. Faith is simply a "trusting in God" and the necessitated "yielding to God" due to the authentic trust. Thus the hearts of the truly repentance are in a yielded state to God whereby the Holy Spirit enters in and leads.


The second major lie is...

2. Abstract or Positional Salvation (Ye can sin and not surely die)

This lie twists salvation into being viewed as an abstraction as opposed to being a manifest state. This false view is usually supported by an appeal to "Substitution Models" of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Such substitution models are the atonement models of Satisfaction, Moral Government and Penal Substitution. All these models treat the death of Christ as effecting a counter balance to the forgiveness of sins.

Satisfaction - The death of Christ serves as a substitute for the defaced honour of God caused by sin. Jesus being the perfect sacrifice thus offsets the forgiveness of sin because God's honour is not undermined through the free exercise of mercy. Many on the Arminian side of the church promote this view.

Moral Government - The death of Christ serves as a substitute for the penalty of the crime of sin. If God were to freely forgive sin without a substitute being made then the importance of God's law would be undermined (ie. one could violate the law without penalty). Thus Jesus offered Himself in place of the penalty being instituted to demonstrate before the universe that God takes his law seriously. Famous preachers like Charles Finney upheld this view and it is pretty popular among many street preachers (ie. Jesse Morrell).

Penal Substitution - Jesus bore the literal guilt of the sinner, as a substitute, and was literally punished by God as a guilty sinner thus satisfying the wrath of God which was previously upon the sinner. Thus the sin of the sinner is "credited" to the "account" of Jesus. This view is generally expressed within the context of a "double accreditation" for not only is the sin of the sinner credited to Jesus but the righteousness of Jesus is then credited to the sinner. Thus God views the sinner through a LEGAL LENSE and pretends they are righteous. All Calvinists uphold this view and many Arminians also uphold it.


The above three substitutional views are lies rooted in the imaginations of men. Bible verses are ripped out of context and rhetoric is then used to support them.

These substitutional views all operate in a very subtle manner. What they do is destroy the notion that the Ministry of Reconciliation is premised upon INWARD TRANSFORMATION and replace it with an understanding that the Ministry of Reconciliation is premised upon Atonement. Thus one, under these lies, perceives they are saved because they "trust in a provision" (abstract) as opposed to being in an "abiding state" (ie. abide in me and I will abide in you/Spirit of life in Jesus Christ sets us free from law of sin and death).

The reason Jesus offered Himself to God, on behalf of the sinner, was to effect PERMANENT TRANSFORMATION whereby God could forgive past sins and such abounding mercy would never be a license to rebel again, because those forgiven would have no intention to offend again due to being totally transformed within (sin is purged once and for all). The cross is the means by which a sinner can approach God in an acceptable manner and receive mercy and a restoration back into favour with God.

Under a "substitional mindset" the sinner is TRUSTING IN A PROVISION as opposed to PARTAKING IN A PURGING PROCESS. Thus, even under views like Moral Government (where they teach the sin must stop because they uphold the ability of man - Original Sin is denied by those whom uphold Moral Government), an ongoing act of rebellion is permissible because the "one who rebels" can simply "trust in the provision" again and try to do better. THE ACTUAL PURGING OF WICKEDNESS IS COMPLETELY NEGATED. The root of sinning is generally overlooked and due to this "wordly sorrow" as opposed to "godly sorrow" is very subtly promoted. Please ask me questions if this does not make sense to you.


When Jesus walked on this planet He taught...

Luk 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luk 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

The cross is not a substitute but an EXAMPLE. Jesus did not die in our place, Jesus died on our behalf in order that we might follow Him and die also. It is through US DYING that a "setting free from sin" is wrought for the root of iniquity in the heart is purged through the death of our old man (in repentance) and the body of sin is destroyed (that compels a sinner to sin) that we NO LONGER SERVE SIN. This does not mean temptation ends, it means that the wicked heart which ensures enslavement to the service of evil has been utterly destroyed in the true Christian, in its place is a NEW HEART upon which the law of love has been written.

Satan does not want people to understand any of this and very few people will because it all implies a truly NARROW WAY where one must be DILIGENT to enter into. You are not going to be popular if you truly repent and exercise a true faith, especially amongst religious people.
 
M

Mitspa

Guest
#96
All that religious nonsense to deny what the bible clearly teaches..

Ro 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others
 
Nov 26, 2011
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#97
Here is the transforming dynamic wrought by the death of Christ explained very clearly in the Book of Hebrews.

Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Heb 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
 
M

Mitspa

Guest
#98
The "willful' Sin..it to turn from grace back to the law of Moses...to reject the Spirit of Grace

"The strength of sin, is the law"
"the law is not of faith"

The willful sin of unbelief
 
Nov 26, 2011
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#99
Those who believe they can sin and not surely die do not believe this statement...

Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

That statement only makes sense in a context of WILLFUL SIN HAVING STOPPED in those whom have been sanctified via the blood of Jesus Christ.

Theologians and their followers will dance all around that passage and twist it beyond belief when it plainly states...

"if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins"

The cleansing wrought through the blood of Christ is a REAL CLEANSING. Anyone who is REALLY CLEANSED who then defiles themselves again with willful sin (rebellion to God) is left without any sacrifice for their sins simply because the sacrifice of Jesus is purposed to CLEANSE and one whom is in rebellion is not clean. In such a case the sacrifice is made null and void. It is like exiting a mud pit and then taking a bath and then, once clean, jumping back in the mud again, the bath no longer remains, it is made null and void.

A sinner who repents and finds mercy who goes back into rebellion is again under condemnation. That individual is in a very dangerous position because they have to again find godly sorrow that works repentance unto salvation and such a thing is not easy. Why is it no easy? They have DESPISED A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. In other words, they sinned having seen and experienced the light and that is very much more serious than a sinner who has never been redeemed. This is why Peter would warn...

2Pe 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2Pe 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2Pe 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Such warnings in regards to willful sin MEAN NOTHING when one views salvation as an abstraction premised off a provision which one merely trusts in.

Satan has so deceived so many religious people who call themselves Christians that it is simply mind blowing.

The deceptions the Bible warns about are much more diablolical than many perceive unfortunately.
 
Nov 26, 2011
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The "willful' Sin..it to turn from grace back to the law of Moses...to reject the Spirit of Grace

"The strength of sin, is the law"
"the law is not of faith"

The willful sin of unbelief
You don't believe the Bible. The text does not say what you just said, even though you want it to mean what you just said. The text means exactly what it plainly says. You simply cannot accept it because it totally contradicts the theology you believe in.




Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Anyone who sins willfully (engages in evil on purpose) after having received a knowledge of the truth then there remains no more sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgement.

The text says NOT A WORD about returning to the Law of Moses.

The text also clearly refers to such a willful sinner as one who was SANCTIFIED BY THE BLOOD who then trod it underfoot. Not only that but the verses before Heb 10:26-29 describe the reconciliation dynamic by which we can be cleansed.

It is very clear what Heb 10:26-29 means to one who just reads it plainly.
 
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