In the Old Testament, when God left his temple because of the persistent sins of the people, the Temple lost its significance. In the New Testament, one of the last days prophecies states that dangerous conditions will result in church institutions not having spiritual power. Then they would resort to a form, or an imitation, of godliness. The prophecy also says those that are wise should withdraw from them! It’s been a combination of “Little Leaven” and “Big Errors”. This is a summary of how churches have turned away from the gospel of Christ:
1. Failure to make it known that no one can have salvation without having the Holy Spirit, and his work in their life.
2. Failure to teach that a Christian’s life must be free from all sin. (This is one indication that a person has the Holy Spirit)
3. Not emphasizing that a person MUST be “dead” to self, by a crucifixion of their old inner life, before they can receive salvation.
4. Wrongfully seeking after peace and prosperity as an objective of faith.
5. Attending church for the wrong reasons: for the music and other artistic performances; the preachers charismatic show; they accept me the way I am; social outlet; free handouts; kids love it; and fashion show.
6. Allowing music and other performances to become more important than teaching the word of God.
NOTE: Jesus and the first church did not have any music, but they had the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not need any musical accompaniment, or any other thing, to do his work. Many in church organizations do not know that a response to music is not the same as responding to the Holy Spirit; even if the music has a “Christian” label on it.
7. Not emphasizing that everyone is being taught so they can share God’s word also, to the best of their ability.
NOTE: After all, if school students followed the approach of most church members, they would all remain in kindergarten. We need a deeper understanding of God’s word to defeat Satan in this ungodly world!
8. The pursuit of wealth, for lavish buildings and personal gain, have become a central issue in church operation.
In the Day of Judgment, please do not be found guilty of being an Accessory to the wrongdoing of others. Remember, if you are a Christian, you belong to God, not your church or denomination.
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
-Acts 5:29