Print ArticleGenerally the Christian church today is but a caricature of the Early Church described in the Book of Acts. Surely what we see is the “falling away” spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2. There are exceptions – and thank God for that.
Pastors optimistically speak of revival, but like the proverbial cheque in the mail it doesn’t arrive. Why? The instructions from Jesus - heal the sick, cast out demons, preach the gospel to every person (normal for the early believers) - are not on the agenda. They have been replaced by church “programs” which have little or no effect on the world outside the building.
The Men’s Breakfast of bacon, eggs and guest speaker has replaced the Prayer Morning. The Women’s Coffee Afternoon has replaced giving out tracts in the mall. Is it a church or a social club? Bible studies still exist, but often the content is decided in advance by the pastor, rather than the Holy Spirit on commencement.
Generally, church members have become bogged in a feel-good swamp of comfort and ease. The air conditioning must be just right in summer; in winter the heaters must be turned on and doors closed to eliminate draughtiness.
Sermons? In Acts we read that Stephen preached words that “cut them to the quick” and he was stoned by an angry crowd. Today’s preaching is often watered down to an offend-no-one, non-challenging message. The solid, uncompromising Bible words of sin, repentance, holiness, righteousness are missing in today’s fluffy, cotton-wool preaching. It produces a timid congregation.
Some churches are full of young people, but is it God who draws them, or the rock music with Christian lyrics that reminds them of the worldly music they grew up on? What is the intent on drawing them in? To disciple them, or is it because one day they’ll marry, have children and keep filling the church’s coffers? Only God knows the answer to that. Pastors, search your heart.
So how can the church today return to Holy Spirit power and move out of that falling away category?
Members need to know about and operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There must be an abandonment of human tradition and trendiness. The people must be taught the scriptures on divine healing – then they can practise it. There should be an examination of every church program – is it a copy of what other churches are doing, or is the program in line with what God said to do?
Being the biggest church in town with the most people ought not to be the goal. It should be faithfulness to what God says. There has to be a return to Bible basics – communal and intercessory prayer, and good Bible teaching, not omitting persecution and trials which are coming to the western world. With the aforesaid changes in place the crowds will be attracted because they will hear of what God is doing.
The Early Church had the fire of the Holy Spirit – and a fire needs no advertising!
Pastors optimistically speak of revival, but like the proverbial cheque in the mail it doesn’t arrive. Why? The instructions from Jesus - heal the sick, cast out demons, preach the gospel to every person (normal for the early believers) - are not on the agenda. They have been replaced by church “programs” which have little or no effect on the world outside the building.
The Men’s Breakfast of bacon, eggs and guest speaker has replaced the Prayer Morning. The Women’s Coffee Afternoon has replaced giving out tracts in the mall. Is it a church or a social club? Bible studies still exist, but often the content is decided in advance by the pastor, rather than the Holy Spirit on commencement.
Generally, church members have become bogged in a feel-good swamp of comfort and ease. The air conditioning must be just right in summer; in winter the heaters must be turned on and doors closed to eliminate draughtiness.
Sermons? In Acts we read that Stephen preached words that “cut them to the quick” and he was stoned by an angry crowd. Today’s preaching is often watered down to an offend-no-one, non-challenging message. The solid, uncompromising Bible words of sin, repentance, holiness, righteousness are missing in today’s fluffy, cotton-wool preaching. It produces a timid congregation.
Some churches are full of young people, but is it God who draws them, or the rock music with Christian lyrics that reminds them of the worldly music they grew up on? What is the intent on drawing them in? To disciple them, or is it because one day they’ll marry, have children and keep filling the church’s coffers? Only God knows the answer to that. Pastors, search your heart.
So how can the church today return to Holy Spirit power and move out of that falling away category?
Members need to know about and operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There must be an abandonment of human tradition and trendiness. The people must be taught the scriptures on divine healing – then they can practise it. There should be an examination of every church program – is it a copy of what other churches are doing, or is the program in line with what God said to do?
Being the biggest church in town with the most people ought not to be the goal. It should be faithfulness to what God says. There has to be a return to Bible basics – communal and intercessory prayer, and good Bible teaching, not omitting persecution and trials which are coming to the western world. With the aforesaid changes in place the crowds will be attracted because they will hear of what God is doing.
The Early Church had the fire of the Holy Spirit – and a fire needs no advertising!
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