Western Churches. Are they becoming Worldly?

[Aerials1978]

As I set out to find a new home church, I have become a bit hesitant. This is not because I dislike attending or because I don’t have the time. This has to do with recent churches that I have attended have become all about entertainment and a “Feel good” mentality.

“God loves you and we are going to do weeks long sermons on inspirational series that were created by men” is what I have seen and heard. People seem to happy with it. It’s a form of milk and people seem to want suckle more; but I ask, were is the bread?

I can’t remember the last time I was at Church and we really dove into God’s word. All that is given is a few short verse and the rest is fillers of how God wants to prosper you and wants to give you what your heart desires. Oh, by the way don’t forget to tithe your 10%.

Where is the preaching on giving yourself yourself the Lord and the spiritual warfare that comes with it? Where is the testing that comes with carrying your Cross preached? I don’t hear it. Has Western Churches become more about pleasing our 5 senses as opposed to the actual Gospel which is difficult at times to be a part of? Has the Churches become Worldly?

 

[Melach]

yes they are. i believe its because we are in end times

the falling away

 

[TheIndianGirl]

Where is the preaching on giving yourself yourself the Lord and the spiritual warfare that comes with it? Where is the testing that comes with carrying your Cross preached?

I have seen a mix, some churches do more and some less. I've seen that churches with more minorities (Korean, African American, Ethiopian) tend to be more fervent and sugar coat less. Personally I want a church that serves to heal people in a gentle way and teaches us more on how to be Christ-like, not fire and brimstone and focus on spiritual warfare. I know spiritual warfare happens and we need to be armed, but sometimes it can get too extreme. I have dolls and decorations from regular stores, my friend was convinced that any doll or figurine may have an evil spirit. She read about it somewhere. She doesn't have anything with eyes in her place. Anyway I ended up throwing away a few of my things, I had no concerns until she planted that seed in my head.

 

[49]

yes they are. i believe its because we are in end times

the falling away

Absolutely! You nailed it right there.

As I set out to find a new home church, I have become a bit hesitant. This is not because I dislike attending or because I don’t have the time. This has to do with recent churches that I have attended have become all about entertainment and a “Feel good” mentality.

“God loves you and we are going to do weeks long sermons on inspirational series that were created by men” is what I have seen and heard. People seem to happy with it. It’s a form of milk and people seem to want suckle more; but I ask, were is the bread?

I can’t remember the last time I was at Church and we really dove into God’s word. All that is given is a few short verse and the rest is fillers of how God wants to prosper you and wants to give you what your heart desires. Oh, by the way don’t forget to tithe your 10%.

Where is the preaching on giving yourself yourself the Lord and the spiritual warfare that comes with it? Where is the testing that comes with carrying your Cross preached? I don’t hear it. Has Western Churches become more about pleasing our 5 senses as opposed to the actual Gospel which is difficult at times to be a part of? Has the Churches become Worldly?

Itchy ears. Was just telling my son's mom the other day when she asked me what church attend. Told her have not found one that preaches/teaches God's Word, except for one that is just too far to attend regularly. People do not want to hear the Truth, and many 'pastors' do not want to offend. Political correctness at it's best. It's more about the numbers, get them in, fill the coffers. As you said, a brief mention of verses here and there, then all the feel good stuff. Then, give, give, give! Coffee and juice bars, concessions, couches and lounge chairs/tables....not church any more. Seems like the 'worship' gets more attention, and is the 'selling point' to entice people in.
Told her just did not feel like was being fed. Truly a shame. As Melach said, the falling away. Jesus is coming soon!!

 

[Aerials1978]

Absolutely! You nailed it right there.




Itchy ears. Was just telling my son's mom the other day when she asked me what church attend. Told her have not found one that preaches/teaches God's Word, except for one that is just too far to attend regularly. People do not want to hear the Truth, and many 'pastors' do not want to offend. Political correctness at it's best. It's more about the numbers, get them in, fill the coffers. As you said, a brief mention of verses here and there, then all the feel good stuff. Then, give, give, give! Coffee and juice bars, concessions, couches and lounge chairs/tables....not church any more. Seems like the 'worship' gets more attention, and is the 'selling point' to entice people in.
Told her just did not feel like was being fed. Truly a shame. As Melach said, the falling away. Jesus is coming soon!!

I cannot say all church’s are like this, but where I live( A major metro area) the church’s are big, flashy, come one, come all and be entertained. Hopefully the Lord will lead me to one where I can found fellowship.

 

[Aerials1978]

I have seen a mix, some churches do more and some less. I've seen that churches with more minorities (Korean, African American, Ethiopian) tend to be more fervent and sugar coat less. Personally I want a church that serves to heal people in a gentle way and teaches us more on how to be Christ-like, not fire and brimstone and focus on spiritual warfare. I know spiritual warfare happens and we need to be armed, but sometimes it can get too extreme. I have dolls and decorations from regular stores, my friend was convinced that any doll or figurine may have an evil spirit. She read about it somewhere. She doesn't have anything with eyes in her place. Anyway I ended up throwing away a few of my things, I had no concerns until she planted that seed in my head.

I agree. There needs to be a balance. Can’t always be hyper-grace and can’t always be doom and gloom. What I really need is fellowship with individuals whom are of the true Body. I pray the Lord will lead me to them.

 

[Lightskin]

Leftists activists are behind the pulpit pushing their political agendas that are often contrary to Scripture rather than sharing God’s love and grace. Liberal seminaries are promoting this and we’re witnessing the fallout.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

As I set out to find a new home church, I have become a bit hesitant. This is not because I dislike attending or because I don’t have the time. This has to do with recent churches that I have attended have become all about entertainment and a “Feel good” mentality.

“God loves you and we are going to do weeks long sermons on inspirational series that were created by men” is what I have seen and heard. People seem to happy with it. It’s a form of milk and people seem to want suckle more; but I ask, were is the bread?

I can’t remember the last time I was at Church and we really dove into God’s word. All that is given is a few short verse and the rest is fillers of how God wants to prosper you and wants to give you what your heart desires. Oh, by the way don’t forget to tithe your 10%.

Where is the preaching on giving yourself yourself the Lord and the spiritual warfare that comes with it? Where is the testing that comes with carrying your Cross preached? I don’t hear it. Has Western Churches become more about pleasing our 5 senses as opposed to the actual Gospel which is difficult at times to be a part of? Has the Churches become Worldly?

Of course they are. It will either take another Awakening or reformation to switch direction. Greed, power, and sex has corrupted many churches.

This is why you see a popular rise to nondenominational churches.

 

[Aerials1978]

Leftists activists are behind the pulpit pushing their political agendas that are often contrary to Scripture rather than sharing God’s love and grace. Liberal seminaries are promoting this and we’re witnessing the fallout.

I believe it’s part of the “Great Falling Away”. Abundance of amenities, Humanism, Complacency, Neo-Paganism, have completely engulf our culture. People don’t want to hear that by our very nature we are enemies of God. They to believe that God is a cosmic Genie looking to dish out wishes on a whim. What’s scary and sad is this was foretold thousands of years ago and people still ignored it.

 

[Adstar]

As I set out to find a new home church, I have become a bit hesitant. This is not because I dislike attending or because I don’t have the time. This has to do with recent churches that I have attended have become all about entertainment and a “Feel good” mentality.

“God loves you and we are going to do weeks long sermons on inspirational series that were created by men” is what I have seen and heard. People seem to happy with it. It’s a form of milk and people seem to want suckle more; but I ask, were is the bread?

I can’t remember the last time I was at Church and we really dove into God’s word. All that is given is a few short verse and the rest is fillers of how God wants to prosper you and wants to give you what your heart desires. Oh, by the way don’t forget to tithe your 10%.

Where is the preaching on giving yourself yourself the Lord and the spiritual warfare that comes with it? Where is the testing that comes with carrying your Cross preached? I don’t hear it. Has Western Churches become more about pleasing our 5 senses as opposed to the actual Gospel which is difficult at times to be a part of? Has the Churches become Worldly?

There is nothing stopping us from grabbing our Bible and getting into the Word for ourselves..

Want to hear the best Preacher?.. Read the Bible.

 

[TooFastTurtle]

They are, it is best to avoid babel buildings, the bigger it is the worse it is often times. It is about numbers after all, more people in attendance equals more money.

Check the salaries of big time Pastors, it is hundreds of thousands, sometimes over a million. And it is not just the famous mega churches with Pastors that are over paid, it is guys like John MacArthur and other conservative Pastors as well . And when we look at the connections it makes sense.

 

[John146]

Has the Churches become Worldly?

Of course they are. We’re in the Laodicean Church era led by false versions of God’s word and hirelings preaching feel good messages. Very few preach doctrine, few preach against sin, few preach on living a holy life. Worship is rock music in the dark with a light show and fog machines.

 

[Aerials1978]

They are, it is best to avoid babel buildings, the bigger it is the worse it is often times. It is about numbers after all, more people in attendance equals more money.

Check the salaries of big time Pastors, it is hundreds of thousands, sometimes over a million. And it is not just the famous mega churches with Pastors that are over paid, it is guys like John MacArthur and other conservative Pastors as well . And when we look at the connections it makes sense.

Differently money comes into play. I cannot say this applies to all, but there is certain percentage. As to that, all Mega-Churches operate as a Business Entity and thus need a substantial clientele in order to generate revenue. Sadly there are too many, but this is nothing new. Nothing new under the Sun.

 

[49]

Worship is rock music in the dark with a light show and fog machines.

Sadly, this is true. As posted earlier, the worship is the selling point to get folk in it seems (the concessions run a close second). Most cases, it lasts longer than the sermon. When people talk about the churches they attend, more is discussed about the worship and extracurricular than the pastor, how/what is preached, what they believe, etc. Even sadder, never hear mention of Jesus, God whatsoever in these conversations.

Itchy ears; political correctness; the great falling away....

 

[Aerials1978]

Worship is rock music in the dark with a light show and fog machines.

Sadly, this is true. As posted earlier, the worship is the selling point to get folk in it seems (the concessions run a close second). Most cases, it lasts longer than the sermon. When people talk about the churches they attend, more is discussed about the worship and extracurricular than the pastor, how/what is preached, what they believe, etc. Even sadder, never hear mention of Jesus, God whatsoever in these conversations.

Itchy ears; political correctness; the great falling away....

A lot are trying to appeal to a younger generation that grew up in a secular society. Stimulation sells.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Has Western Churches become more about pleasing our 5 senses as opposed to the actual Gospel which is difficult at times to be a part of? Has the Churches become Worldly?

Christendom has been moving into greater and greater apostasy since the 19th century. So there are more and more churches who have lost their way. Then we have the Mega Churches whose primary goal is to draw in the crowds by whatever means possible.

All the more reason for some Christians to get back to the New Testament pattern of gathering together:

ACTS 2

THE TRUE GOSPEL AND EXHORTATION ESSENTIAL AND BASIC
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

BELIEVERS BAPTIZED IMMEDIATELY
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:...

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL AND THE SPIRIT EVIDENT IN GROWTH
...and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

STEADFAST CONTINUANCE IN THE ESSENTIALS
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [no entertainment]

FEAR AND REVERENCE FOR GOD EVIDENT
43 And fear came upon every soul:...

MIRACLES EVIDENT [the New Birth is supernatural]
and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

UNITY OF SPIRIT AND GENUINE FELLOWSHIP EVIDENT
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

THE WELFARE OF OTHER BELIEVERS EVIDENT
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

DAILY WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP EVIDENT
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

SOULS SAVED DAILY BY THE POWER OF GOD
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

 

[wattie]

I've seen a bit of a trap where a pastor gives a mission report to sponsoring churches. Because they are paying part or all the pastors pay.. then the church winds up reporting on how many saved.. service attendance.. etc..

So the church may have programs for this and that to pull in people.. so they can keep the sponsorship.

That's not doing things for Jesus

 

[Jo2016]

No thing better than old ritual church like orthodox and Catholic you i feel safe by its hymns

 

[Locoponydirtman]

As I set out to find a new home church, I have become a bit hesitant. This is not because I dislike attending or because I don’t have the time. This has to do with recent churches that I have attended have become all about entertainment and a “Feel good” mentality.

“God loves you and we are going to do weeks long sermons on inspirational series that were created by men” is what I have seen and heard. People seem to happy with it. It’s a form of milk and people seem to want suckle more; but I ask, were is the bread?

I can’t remember the last time I was at Church and we really dove into God’s word. All that is given is a few short verse and the rest is fillers of how God wants to prosper you and wants to give you what your heart desires. Oh, by the way don’t forget to tithe your 10%.

Where is the preaching on giving yourself yourself the Lord and the spiritual warfare that comes with it? Where is the testing that comes with carrying your Cross preached? I don’t hear it. Has Western Churches become more about pleasing our 5 senses as opposed to the actual Gospel which is difficult at times to be a part of? Has the Churches become Worldly?

Stop trying non-denominational churches, find an old traditional church. Non denominational churches tend to be trendy and pop culture. You won't find that in a Lutheran or Presbyterian Church, even an old school Baptist Church.

 

[breno785au]

I listened to a podcast once where the weekly gathering consisted of round tables in a hall where people sat, talked to each other about life, what God was doing, their struggles, prayed for each other, laughed and cried with each other, ate food and drink together.
I see now that this is what congregating in meant to be about, that is real communion. Not this sit in a pew, be a consumer, wish someone a good week and go home - completely ruined me for the traditional model of 'church'