Take a moment and read the verse below. After that, I’d like to hear your opinion about what you think is lacking from preachers/teachers/pulpits in our churches today.
“Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles that are false and misleading.” – Lamentations 2:14
Jeremiah was writing to people whose nation had been judged by God. He places much of the blame for the enacted judgment squarely on the shoulders of prophets (preachers) that refused to expose the sin of the people. Because preaching against sin was silent, there was no potential for repentance and therefore no possibility of God restoring the people. In the end, Jeremiah called the preachers who were silent when they should have been loud and clear “false and misleading”.
Your opinion matters to me: What sin or issues need to be more greatly addressed by current preachers/teachers/pulpits today?
In reply to Luis’s three arguments for condiseration,
a more in-depth, biblical analysis is provided here:
a) https://www.the-highway.com/worship5_Masters.html
b) https://www.freedomministries.org.uk/masters/idiom11a.shtml
https://www.freedomministries.org.uk/masters/idiom11b.shtml
https://www.freedomministries.org.uk/masters/idiom11c.shtml
https://www.freedomministries.org.uk/masters/idiom11d.shtml
c) https://www.the-highway.com/worship6_Masters.html
May the Lord bless us in the spirit of Acts 17:11,
and Pastor Lyle in the spirit of Ecclesiastes 3:1
In most churches these days there is no mention of sin whatsoever. Unless we are confronted with our sin, there will be no reason for repentance or reconciliation through Jesus dying on the cross for our sin. Most Sunday services are little more than a rock concert followed by a “motivational” speech to love more and become “engaged” with others. What we often fail to realize is that in order to truly love someone, we must confront them in their sin and point them to Christ. As a church we are to be the called out, set-apart ones that shines the light of Christ into the sinfulness of the world around us, but that isn’t the case today, because we are blending in very well with the world around us.
God’s second commandment is “Love thy neighbor as thyself” – I think the greatest shortcoming we have as Christians comes from the inability to love ourselves. We allow ourselves to be abused and mistreated – we don;t even take care of ourselves. How can we love ourselves – how can we love our neighbor and how can we love God. ?
After reading all your responses I find it hard to add anything of substance to their opinions.
I guess that those who are compromising the message and omitting the cross are some of the worst, in my estimation. They seem to be preaching the ” name it and claim it” message, or “do what you want all week but do not miss going to church on Sunday and confess what happened all last week., then all will be o.k. with the Lord.. (We actually were told this in a former church) Needless to say we were not in that church very long. I know that this must sound superficial by comparing it to your other responders but this is my opinion..
Ann, i remember being instructed in the same manner about the issue of sinning under grace as much as you desire, only making sure that you confess it. I was unsaved when i heard that counsel and it really made me happy to know how flippant God was about sin. Of course, when I was saved and began to read Scripture i realized how ridiculous this was. I was saddened as time passed and i realized how prevalent this was. In my opinion, preachers/teachers/pastors who promote this type of thinking/message are the same types that Jeremiah was indicting in the verse i quoted at the beginning of this blog. Thanks for highlighting this for us.
The Way
It is not wise to separate salvation from Christ. It is His work from beginning to end, He being ‘the author and finisher of our faith’. Indeed, He is the Way to be saved and the Way to pcontinue being saved. I heard a compatriot of yours (pastor Henry Mahan) put it something like this: Once we’re saved from the condemnation of Sinai by looking to Calvary, we don’t then turn back to Sinai to earn salvation but keep our eyes on Calvary, by faith. In fact, although I was once saved, I am continually being saved by Christ’s intecessory work on my behalf, without which I would perish in an instant. I guess what I’m saying is that the ‘P’ part of TULIP needs to be preached more clearly and more regularly, to encourage and exhort believers to turn to Christ the whole WAY.
The Truth
Unlike other truths, which are the logical end-points of a process, truth for a Christian is the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ; deep enough for the wisest, most learned theologian to wade in, simple and accessible enough for a mere child to understand. The Truth is everything we are not, and so we must adjust and assess our lives, our books, our worship in accordance with Him. Pastors must encourage believers to separate from this ungodly, hellbound world, because they have been crucified with the Truth, Who died and rose again, liberating us from the tyranny of worldliness and sin. We need to abandon the culture of our times, not embrace it, trusting in the preached Word as the only way that people can and will be saved. For the church to embrace the slick methods, styles and ‘wisdom of words’ that Satan uses to seduce the world can only lead to false converts, ‘the cross of Christ’ being marginalized and ‘made of none effect’.
The Life
‘For to me live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ However, ‘if any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.’ Hence, it iIS possible to do things which are contrary to Christ, things which will ultimately perish and be stripped away from us in Fatherly judgement. Words, thoughts, deeds, attitudes, hobbies, life-styles, worship-styles and anything else which oppose the Way and Truth of God are ultimately a complete and utter waste of time. I shudder to think how much in my life will end up falling under this category. However, I along with the apostle Paul rejoice that ‘to die IS gain’, and so only by putting the Way, the Truth and the Life together can I avoid falling into despair and carnal fear. That said, there is an element in which all true believers must work out their ‘own salvation with fear and trembling’. Pastors need to rebuke and encourage more, just as the apostles of the New Testament did. Indeed, there is rarely one without the other.
Excellent, P. I agree wholeheartedly with all you wrote in principal. I am curious as I was with Tamala above about what specifically is meant by worldly worship styles. Both of you, among many others, are able to speak so concretely about that which is unspecified in Scripture. I feel that I need objective scripture to speak on behalf of God when declaring something displeasing to Him. The tenor of your comment concerning worship styles seems to fall into the category of, “Well, isn’t it obvious?” Since worship is defined by Christ as existing in the realm of spirit and truth, I’ve grown to be hesitant to dogmatically classify one style above another as worldly versus sacred; whereas truth is easily discerned, spirit seems to be more difficult. That’s a portion of my two pence on the subject.
I just saw this! =) Okay, what is the difference btwn a worldly worship style & a God honoring one (in my humble opinion & as the precious, loving Lord has convicted & shown me bc I was involved in it, too!)…
You mentioned Spirit. We must always focus on the fact that our spirit is to be controlled by & reflective of the Holy Spirit. Our music is to glorify & be all about Him, not us. So in order to find out what our music should be like, we must find out what HE is like. (“Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me…) The most amazing thing about that incredible verse… is that we CAN understand & know Him. WOW… that thought just blows me away!
~One that reflects the worshiper vs.one that reflects & focuses on a Holy God
~One that includes a sound which is typically identified w/ the world vs. with God
~One that involves sensual dress, drawing attention inappropriately vs. dress that draws attention to one’s face & the Lord
One that causes the body to want to dance & gyrate (naturally drawing attention to ourselves) and is “about us” vs. causing the spirit, soul, AND body to want to bow down in humility & lift & exalt Him bring attention to Him only & is not about “me”
Sensual dress violates the objective injunction against immodesty. When we talk about a type of music that is “typically identified with God” we must retain integrity and ask who defines this? Again,some will assume that quiet, melodious, stringed instruments parallel the nature of God. That is an assption or preference, not a biblically revealed truth. It is a conclusion heavily influenced by culture and generational norms. We should be careful to leave room for God to be pleased with worship styles that differ from our own. As for the dancing issue…I’ll steer clear of it in light of what happened to Michal after she judged David’s dancing in his worship 🙂
I would have to say the character of God defines it. We are to worship Him in Spirit & in Truth. Since worship is for Him, about Him, and to Him, His character defines it. We are to be transformed, light from darkness, salt not sugar, different in every way… all things become new. The music is also reflective in this change. (cuz all means all) Music does not have to be rocky to be triumphant. It does not have to be peaceful & calm either. Triumphant music involving trumpets and brass instruments is wonderful! But does not have to be worldly/rocky.
Anyone ever addicted to rock music, as I was, knows in our heart of hearts that the same music w/ new words is still the same music. Still evokes the same memories, the old lifestyle… not a focus on God, but on what I was when I listened to the world’s music at that time in my life.
Even rock musicians think it is funny that Christians use “their” music. What is the purpose?
I think I would agree with what you said about paying attention to the lyrics, since it is evident if a psalm/song/set of lyrics are not supported on scriptural grounds. For example, the words of John Newton or Isaac Watts have been found to be scripturally solid for many a century. That said, some of Watts’ later work has been held up to scrutiny and found wanting, and so we must be no respecter of persons when it comes to the words, since their whole purpose is to magnify God’s word.
I would go one step further, though, and suggest that certain music styles are also incompatible with godly, reverent worship.
First, the placing of any musical instruments, eg. guitar and drum-kit in the same place as the pulpit, is effectively a visual aid which shows that the preaching alone (1 Cor 1) is not being exclusively trusted in. We know that nothing but the word of God preached through the mouth of a faithful servant of Christ, will bring a soul by grace to salvation. Placing any other thing alongside this in worship, is surely detracting from this God-ordained, tried and tested method.
Second, the actual instruments themselves need to be scrutinised and evaluated in the light of God’s Word. For example, we know that certain instruments were allowed in Temple worship, and certain instruments were not. Psalm 150, for instance, conerns a civic holiday, and not temple worship per se.
In New Testament times, we are not bound legalistically to these instruments, but must search the Scriptures for principles pertaining to worship. Rhythmic drum-beats do not seem to be compatible with godly worship. Not only do they detract from the words which are supposed to be thoughtfully comprehended while sung (1 Cor 14:15), but they are inevitably associated with worldly anti-God entertainment… the world of ‘rock n roll’ with all its morally bankrupt, sexually permissive baggage.
The same has to be said for electric guitars, whose sole purpose is to fill vast arenas and captivate the mind. Ultimately, what the world loves we must be suspicious of, and often reject, as in 1 John 2:15-16. The Old Testament was essentially a schoolmaster, showing us the difference between ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’. The New Testament does not abolish these principles, but takes them to a new level, a level in which Christ is honoured and the Holy Spirit present in every believer. How much more vigilant we should be.
I suppose that I would need to disagree with your conclusions while respecting the well from which you draw them. It seems that your intent would be to preserve the integrity of musical worship and refuse the influence of a godless culture. I tend to lean more toward the thought that says we should take all aspects of music and any available instruments and use them in our communication of worship. Why let the world and the devil claim sole ownership of certain instruments? Take them and do the opposite of what they use them for!
Great discussion- thank you!
I see where you’re coming from, but would want to determine if and where the line should be drawn. For example, is it possible to take ‘death metal’ and use it for the glory of God? Surely not, since the this style of music is blatantly anti-God, both in terms of lyrical content and performative, instrumental style. The same has to said for so-called ‘gangsta rap’.
The real issue is whether or not ‘soft rock’ or ‘pop’ ought to be used in the worship of God, since these are the forms most in use by many churches of today. I would argue that they are just less extreme, more diluted forms of the above styles of music (‘death metal’ and ‘gangsta rap’), whose underlying agenda is to defy God and rebel against God ordained authority (family, government etc.) Thus, they are not fit for the worship of God.
The same can be said about great orchestral, classical performances, IF they obscure the glory and simplicity of Christ. There is a place for such performances, but not not in the worship of God. I’m a great lover of the music of J.S.Bach, but I wouldn’t want a 45 minute choral work by him to be included in a worship service, since I believe it would obscure the simple, soul saving word of God, and detract from the faithful preaching of Christ.
Simillarly, the dancing of David and the loud clashing of cymbals was not an example of how to conduct oneself in the reverent ‘temple’ worship of Old Testament Israel, but was part of the civic, social ceremonies of the theocratic nation state of Israel. Such a theocratic state no longer exists, since the body of Christ is a spiritually called out ‘royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people’ who have fallen out of love with the world, and hence are rejected by it, in one way or another.
Instead of embracing the culture of the world, I am sure that the apostle Paul would turn us away from it, ‘lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.’ Satan has many areas of attack, and if he can’t corrupt the front-line of fundamental doctrines (deity of Christ, infallibility of Scripture, salvation by grace) he will attack from the rear, at things we deem not to be quite as important.
The singing of psalms/hymns/songs should be an accompaniment to the central focus of a worship service; the earnest, faithful preaching of Christ. The music should be an accompaniment to this, whether it is a cappella, piano, organ, harp or guitar. The reason why I’m labouring this point is because I think it’s an area where Satan has made great gains of late.
Patrick, I would like to submit three arguments for your consideration in defense of the idea that music instruments and styles are in principle morally and theologicly neutral:
(a) If we agree that Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah14:11-12 refereed to Satan before his fall, we agree that Satan as Lucifer was an angel ‘in charge’ of worship” -in the musical sense (using a “tambourine”; a percussion instrument equivalent to a drum set). This would lead us to conclude that instruments were used for worship in heaven even before the fall.
(b) I have found more than 20 references -in the book of Psalms alone, to stringed, percussion, wind and voiced instrumentation used by David and the Levites in musical worship in the temple and elsewhere. These are of course the predecessors of electric guitars, basses, drums, keyboards and so on. Again, same types we use today in contemporary “soft rock”-like musical worship.
(c) There are compositions in old or classical style and instrumentation -much like the old hymns, that are far from edifying and instead, are full with ideas of self-actualization, naturalism, erotic conquest and worldly power.
I agree that it may be difficult to have meaningful worship that pleases God as we dance zamba at the bit of a drum moving our hips back and forth, dressed with two little pieces of of clothing, barely covering our bodies, BUT, I have seen many African tribes who have just been opened to the knowledge of the gospel and their expression of joy and gratitude looks pretty much as I described. I wonder if their dance is more pure and acceptable in God’s eyes than your or mine perfect intonation and of unison rendition of Amazing Grace in a dark suit.
Perhaps a better indicator of what musical worship should look like, is how the leader and authority of that local body feels led by the Holy Spirit as to what is and is not acceptable based on first Scriptures and then liberties withing Grace.
I just saw this! =) Okay, what is the difference btwn a worldly worship style & a God honoring one (in my humble opinion & as the precious, loving Lord has convicted & shown me bc I was involved in it, too!)… I will share what I have learned.
You mentioned Spirit. We must always focus on the fact that our spirit is to be controlled by & reflective of the Holy Spirit. Our music is to glorify & be all about Him, not us. To draw attention to Him completely & not ourselves at all. So in order to find out what our music should be like, we must find out what HE is like. (“Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me…) The most amazing thing about that incredible verse… is that we CAN understand & know Him. WOW… that thought just blows me away!
These are differences that I have found… basically… the character of the world vs. the character of God
~ One that reflects the worshiper (self focus) vs.one that reflects & focuses on a Holy God
(Ephesians 5:19 says that we are “Singing and making melody .. to the Lord”. / Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 / …and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7 )
~ One that includes a sound which is typically identified w/ the world vs. the new song we are given when we come to the Lord.
(“Sing unto him a new song”. Psalms 33:3,4 / “He hath put a new song in my mouth,even praise to our God.” Psalm 40:3 / James 4:4 “.. a friend of the world is the enemy of God” / II Corinthians 6:17 “Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing” – How are we separate… if the music is the same? / “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance “. I Peter 1:14.)
~ One that involves sensual dress, drawing attention inappropriately & causing a stumbling block vs. dress that draws attention to one’s face & the Lord
(Matthew 18:6 “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble/sin, it would be better for him to have a huge millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the deepest sea.)
~ One that causes the body to want to dance & gyrate (naturally drawing attention to ourselves & defrauding others) and is “about us” vs. causing the spirit, soul, AND body to want to bow down in humility & lift & exalt Him, bringing attention to Him only… our thrice Holy God
~ One that is characterized by chaos & lack of control vs. reflecting the order, joy, & peacefulness of our God
(I Cor 14… Let all things be done decently & in order. / I will give you peace and quietness. I Chronicles 16:11)
~ One that is characterized by a dominant drumming backbeat which physically can cause anxiety, depression, rage, or sensuality vs. one that brings calm or a joyful rallying to exalt Him
~ One that looks similar to a secular rock concert vs. being nothing like anything one would find in the world
(I John 2:15,16 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world ,the love of the Father is not in him.” / “They (the priests) have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed a difference between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 22:29)
Other Scriptures… Romans 12 Be not conformed to this world…. Amos 5:23 Take you away from me the noise of your songs; for I will not hear the melody of your viols. Ps 40 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in theLord. Luke 16:15 For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Psalm 144:9 I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. Psalm 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
Much time is spent defending allowing the world’s music to disseminate the Lord’s message. A great study is doing God’s work the world’s way. Eg… Uzzah & the Ark of the Covenant
Oops… look like part of my comment posted before I was done, earlier.
I guess, since I changed it all at some point, I would have to ask you to re-read from the beginning… sorry! =/
All in all, one conversation doesn’t usually change a mind/heart, but it can plant a seed. =) This took me years of studying & seeking God on this subject. I am not the person I was 30 or 20 or 10 years ago. Things I said I would NEVER do, I am now doing, Things I thought I would always think, God has, in His gentle, loving way, changed my mind about, too. One thing I know for sure, if we are in Him, we are always growing & changing & hopefully, reflecting Him more as we live & learn.
I know you will ponder all these things & as we all do, and you will find your answers in God’s Word.
DId you see this, Jeff? And Rachel at the bottom of this stream?
Generally speaking, preachers more and more are failing to teach the truth and, instead, are tickling the ears of their congregations. I think the great sin today is complacency, particularly among men. Christianity is a call to action (much as your series on James demonstrates). If I could say anything to all the preachers at once it would be, “Get ’em out of the pews!”
You mean to tell me that good theology has a gear other than neutral? Amazing news!
Yessir! Good theology and the word “neutral” have nothing in common.
Very interesting topic that I have been wrestling with recently. Perhaps today’s prophets (Pastors, teachers, small group leaders) tend to stay away from the ‘turn or burn” style so much that they -or we, become to “friendly” in our approach of speaking forth God’s truth.
Something I learned last week is not to criticize “those” who in my opinion are “too soft” in their approach, since some of they seem to be bringing people to God anyway. Rather, I need to focus on what God’ lesson for ME is as to how I teach the word of God faithfully and truthfully and not become one of those of whom Paul refers to while writing to Timothy: “…when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”. see https://thoughtswithaccent.wordpress.com/2011/07/15/what-are-the-evidences-of-a-sound-growing-church/
100 years ago there was no ability for people to choose a church that suited their own personal tastes. Lack of transportation, a narrower divide between denominations, and a basic commitment to biblical fundamentals made vast differences between churches much more rare. Now it seems we have 31 flavors within 5 miles of where we live. I’m weaning myself from “blasting” preachers that are soft on sin. I think they’re wrong but God has the ability to shut them down or stir them up. Peter’s counsel serves us well when he taught Us to shepherd the flock which God places under our own care (1 Pet. 5:2). That ought to keep us plenty busy. Hey, when r u gonna come visit us at Meadow?
Do you guys have services on Saturdays?
Lack of separation. We are no longer salt & light. We are no longer different. We look like the world, sound like the world, listen to the same music, act like the world… then how can we be light in darkness? All things aren’t become new. We excuse our sameness, calling it grace.
Only problem I see with this is the age old Romans 14/15 issue. Separation is almost always looked at as “separation FROM” and rarely “separation UNTO”. The issue of musical styles is an ongoing conundrum because the bible says nothing of what specific type of music pleases God. We would likely not feel comfortable with the music of King David’s worship or even the Apostle Paul It is my experience that most of those constantly proclaiming separation as their main message end up practicing isolation from the very world we are called to salinate and lighten.
I do not mean separating ourselves as in isolation. I mean being in the world without being of the world. I mean being different from the world. That is not being taught much anymore. We are to be so different that we are light in darkness. That is a big difference. One cannot get much more diverse than light & dark. Salt to a diseased wound… the preservation of rightness & genuine love, in a world of sin & hate. Loving each other more than we love our own flesh & desires… loving God w/ all we have & our neighbor as ourselves. Denying ourselves for the good, blessing, & benefit of others.
It is interesting that harp music is what delivered Saul. I believe we should be different in every way unto Christ. Unfortunately, today’s music is much more about what makes ME “feel” like I am worshiping than it is about what brings glory to Him. Worship has become more about me & less about God. Whenever anyone was in the presence of God in the Bible, they were either on their knees or on their faces, with a holy fear, reverence, & honor of our Lord. I believe the music of a believer should reflect God, more than a focus on reflecting “my style” of worship. But I do not just mean in music. That is just one way we have become so similar to the world, that often, if you cannot hear the words, you have no idea that the music is even called “Christian.” I mean, in many ways we are the same & have nothing to offer the world of Christ.
You asked what should be preached on more. These are things that are not taught much anymore. It’s much more “we are living under grace, now,” as tho any separation (and by separation, I mean difference… different from the world – ness) at all, is legalistic. Many just excuse worldly living (living just like all those around us who do not know Christ) as… well, I am under grace, now. I have heard this from many in the recent years, as they abandon their families for someone else bc “God would want them to be happy,” or indulge in worldliness to the detriment of their own souls & the souls of all those who surround them.
(And it really *feels* legalistic if one’s heart is not in it, in a spirit of doing all I can to reflect Him & forget about myself, or if one is not genuinely His. Denying myself, taking up my cross, & following/reflecting Him.)
That is something I have enjoyed about your messages. You are clearly focused on drawing those around you to Christ without backing down from hard issues. The truth in love. It is so easy to have one or the other, but not both.
“Christians” are so much like the world, nowadays, that we have nothing different to offer them. We are often just as full of turmoil in trials, as they are. So we cannot offer peace. We reject each other over offenses instead of making things right & shoot our wounded, so to speak, just like the unbelieving do. So we cannot offer love & restoration. We do not study the Word for ourselves much. We expect the pastor to do it & we get it from him, bc, after all, we are not pastors, so we don’t have to know all that stuff. =) So we cannot offer the world answers, or new Christians, discipleship.
We just seem to go along life’s road, just like everyone around us who does not intimately know the Creator of the universe… the Omnipotent One…, without a love for sinners that begs us to show them the difference that Christ can make. We must reflect Him. Find out what pleases Him – All things are become new – rather than just giving into our fleshly tendencies & desires & old nature… so that our difference brings others, draws others… our loving, peaceful spirit leads others to our Lord. That is what I meant. =)
And, honestly, I believe that the closer we become to the Lord, the more willing we are to deny ourselves our appetites in light of our increasing love for the Lord, fellow believers. & the unsaved. The more we want to be willing to give up what offends another or might be a stumbling stone to another out of our love for that one. And the more concerned we are about reflecting Him, than we are about reflecting our own selves.
Ok, i think i hear what you are saying. I would agree with all of what you wrote. For me to discern whether a song (in a church, in this context) is about Me or about god, i would utilize the lyrics rather than the music. I thought you were addressing different types of music as being able to be easily distinguished as godly/reverent/acceptable versus ungodly/carnal/rejected. Things become much more easy to discern regarding a song when we take an objective look at lyrics rather than a potentially subjective look at music.
Well written, Tamala. Thank you for edifying all of us with your input.
Christ-centeredness… ‘the Way, the Truth, the Life’, and what this means, ie. all three components are essential, and fit together to equip pilgrims everywhere and at all times.
Good word, Patrick. Give us a short amplification of what you wrote above and how we would be benefited if preachers took your counsel.
In a word…apathy. For a host of reasons, as varied as the people it infects, this condition will numb, paralyze, and ultimately render a church ineffective.
Biggest sin in the church, hands down. The nature of this sin makes it even harder the fruits of repentance because to be apathetic is equal to not responding to the challenge.
It is not what we think.The answer is quite simple.It is found in the Word of God.Isaiah8:20 “To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word,it is because they have no dawn’
Sam & Zack.
I agree completely. A preacher who offers God’s Word to the flock will inevitably preach on sin generally and, consequently, sins specifically.
The great lack of believing, corporate, prayer.
I’m finding that corporate prayer is one component of Christian living and church life that has all but vanished. I think the need for corporate prayer has been diminished as churches have programs, technology and marketing in their arsenal. I mean, who needs the power from the Holy Spirit when a church has all those things?