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The post from grlofgod07 8/31/2007 10:57 PM goes right to the point of a failing body that represents Jesus Christ. The social club, so called churches, are no different then the pharisees, whom Jesus said are making and calling people to be children of the devil (John 8:38-45). It is people in the Church body whose comments are, "I would not attend ..." Jesus did not hurt peoples hearts, but the truth did. That is why they wanted to kill him.

As describe at the web site www.workersarefew.com, the so called churches, whom are houses of Satan, do not call people to eternal life, do not baptize people (like Jesus was), in their services, do not pray together, do not call sinners to repentance, and most of the time all you hear is flattery and sin is nothing more than a grin and a little laughter when brought up.

I do not like to read things such a this, because the devotion of the body is to bring the good news, thank you for your comments. I hope pastors repent.

Amen, Amen and AMEN!

I disagree with this author. I go to a "user-friendly" church and they most certainly do preach from the bible and they use skits, bands, and have a friendly, upbeat ministry. Kids wants to come to church (including teens) and they offer many, many small group choices (it is a large church) at every level so that people keep coming back. In fact, if it was not for this church, I would not go to church, nor would U care. I was brought up baptist in a "traditional" church setting and I visited my old church last week and knew why I did not go there anymore. If churches are pulling people in and getting them to start thinking about christianity - who care what they are doing to get them here?! I sure think that God would not! I don't know - my church has about 1,800 people the circulate through 3 services and I feel very at home and comfortable and ready to learn, praise, and worship my Lord and God each week because I know that the church is "real". I hope church's continue to do this.

I agree with the author of the article about the danger this kind of church represent,but I'm more concerned about the "mature" christians that are filling these churches now. Are they going there because they lacked sounded doctrine in their previous churches or is it because they are lazy and just want to seat down and relax?

I would never argue with John MacAuthur without making very sure of my stance. I agree with him here. I understand that Paul said "I have been all things to all men, so that some at least might have salvation," but I also see where he was stoned and imprisoned for his ministry. He evidently was not one to avoid confrontation. When we try to preach a "stealth" Gospel, (and avoid hurting the feelings of our sensitive post-modern crowd) we do damage to God's word. God is very plain about sin, salvation, and our part in His ministry.
As said by another, "We are responsible for delivering the news, not editing it."

GWB

After reading this article again, I don't think it's about forcing the gospel on anybody, beating them over the head, or even that there isn't time for more modern presentation of the gospel, but the dearth of the gospel, especially the parts about repentance and hell. Yes Paul used different messages for Greeks and Jews, but he never compromised the basics of salvation. Jesus used common examples that ordinary people understood, yet never watered down that he is "the way, the truth, and the life". People have to know they are sinners, to know they have to repent. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, and leads us to salvation, and it was the work of the Spirit through a gospel preaching pastor that made me aware of my sinful condition. Our part in leading sinners to salvation is well summed up in Matthew 28: 19,20. Dr. McArthur makes a great point in the next to last paragraph. When you let the world into the church, that's when liberal, non-Biblical ideas creep in and destroy.

This is a different time that we live in (the days are indeed evil). This article make me think about Paul who said he would become all things to reach all people. I would guess that meant he would asses his audience and approach them on their level.
I wonder when I consider the comments made here if Jesus discriminates between those who have accepted Him as Lord. Is a sinner saved by grace from a 100+ year old denomination more saved than one who met the Lord in a "New Trendy" church?
I guess what I am more concerned about is how new Believers are dicscipled.
Also it seems readers are putting the responsibility on the church to make sure attendies get conviction. I believe that is the job of the Holy Spirit.
What would happen in the Church universal if we supported one another and dirrected our negative energies toward the real enemy;the host of hell,the antichrist.

I agree wholeheartedly. I'm afraid the true message of the Gospel is getting lost in the scramble to make seekers feel comfortable with "church." The objective of a sermon is not to allow people to go home feeling good about themselves, but to (1) edify and instruct believers and (2) convict the unsaved. I feel the very first step in salvation is for the individual (sinner) to be convicted and convinced that he/she is a sinner. Otherwise, how would one even know that a Savior from sin is needed?

I must admit tht our church has gone a little toward the consumer mentality side of things. At this point, I can only pray (and encourage others to do the same) that God will lead and that the members of our local church will follow.

I can only assume the article is referring to this “Emerging Church” movement. But the skits, dancing, etc started within some of the well-established denominations years ago. Did using this approach compromise the Gospel? Absolutely not. Did it, does it, bring lost sinners into the Kingdom? Absolutely! I agree with the first comments that Jesus reached people through loving them, not beating them over the head. And He did use parables, stories, skits, if you will, to reach people. But He did also speak the truth about the consequences of living a sinful life. Would this be considered “user-friendly” by the legalistic church leadership of His day???

I think that there is a lot of truth in this article. I also feel that you cannot make this assumption in every case. You have to look at the fruit that falls from the tree. I do get very disgusted at the commercialism of the Gospel. Of course, I was not there when Jesus actually preached...but He never forced Salvation on anyone. He did approach people with love...and the reality of repenting. The thing that He did become very angry about was MONEY CHANGING in the temple. So much of what is the so-called 'church' today is big business, and it seems that people are getting more selfish and money driven, and seeking how to please themselves...instead of how to please God. We are all subject to this. Being aware of it is a start. And you know...listening to most christian music is a lot like listening to secular music. I have been involved with a couple of worship teams. I have been told that we have to put on a 'show.' It is NOT a show. May the Lord help us and forgive us all!!

Thanks for being true to God's Word!!!
God Bliss You
Mike P Christensen