Characteristics of many modern churches: Part 1

Abundant Grace Church

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In these last days, many modern American churches have become a weak representation of the Almighty God serving flesh and sin rather than God.  Let us examine the modern American church according to the Bible. 

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:1-2). 

The Holy Spirit says that in the last days, some Christians will depart the faith because of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. This reflects the same sin that tempted Adam and Eve to be in charge of their own lives and not submit to God.

Here are some of the characteristics of the modern American church that do not align with the Word of God:

Number 1 is a vision of creating comfortable churches with no conviction. John 8:1-11 displays that being around Jesus Christ convicts sinners, but there is a choice to be forgiven and to sin no more OR to stay in sin. This choice is up to the hearer.

John 16:7-13 reflects the Holy Spirit is assigned to convict in areas a person is wrong.  The Holy Spirit cannot reveal all things at one time due to being too much to process. This applies to revelations including sin/wrong. The word reprove is defined as to convince, convict, expose, and rebuke. To convict a person evidence must be presented. Many modern American churches do not present evidence to convict of sin creating a lack of spiritual growth. Without biblical evidence, the hearers will not see the errors of their lives and make the proper changes to live holier for God. 

2 Timothy 4:1-4 reveals a biblical pastor is to be used by the Holy Spirit to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with the Word of God.  When the pastor of a church fails to fulfill this calling he is being a useless gift from Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12) that is supposed to be helping perfect the saints by making mature Christians.

Characteristic number 2 is a lack of biblical doctrine or biblical truths in their entirety.  Psalm 119:105-106 says the Word of God is a lamp that should illuminate the path for Christians to walk. Churches should give the Word of God in doctrine and truth for people to see the evil and sinful things around them.

Just as it is light, the Bible and doctrine also give the instructions of a life pleasing to God.  Without seeing the whole picture, a person could be misled by those that cherry-pick scripture to allow their favorite sins. 

2 Timothy 3:1-17 says in the last days, people will fall into this list of sinful attitudes. Biblical pastors should be an example to the congregation of the Word of God lived out. Without biblical doctrine how can anyone live holy and upright before God? 

2 Timothy 4:1-4 explains that pastors are commissioned to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with doctrine. This doctrine is the act of teaching and instruction.  Doctrine is the Bible itself but also the teaching of it by the pastor to the people.

James 1:13-22 states that the church should be a place that confronts sin and lust, not be conformed by sin and lust. A biblical church is a place to find the Word of God that can save souls.

Even the Bible itself discusses that although the Word has the ability to save souls, not everyone will choose to allow it access within their lives to do so. 

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