In my observance of the church, I have witnessed what can be called effeminate preaching.
Unfamiliar with the word?
Webster’s Dictionary describes effeminate as melting into weakness.
Vincent’s Word Studies describes it as luxurious and dainty
Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible has this to say of being effeminate: it denotes those who give themselves up to a soft, luxurious, and indolent way of living; who make self-indulgence the grand object of life; who can endure no hardship, and practice no self-denial in the cause of duty and of God.
Effeminate Preaching is a message given that is too soft or too sensitive. This is done so as not to offend anyone or make them feel uncomfortable and hurt their self-esteem. Why would pastors do this? They know their people. They know what they like. They know what they hate and they know just what they will eat. So why the frothy sermons? Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: effeminate preaching, false gospel, modern church, seeker sensitive, self indulgent, shepherds
In my observance of the church, much has changed since the early 80’s when I was born again. When I surrendered my heart to the Lord, I was sternly warned to consider what I was doing because it was a life-long decision that shouldn’t be entered into lightly. It used to be called a covenant. Covenant – What happened to that word?
With the introduction of the seeker-friendly and emergent churches, certain basic truths have become all but obsolete. Here are a few things I’ve noticed MIA from the modern, yet oh-so-relevant church. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: be holy, bear fruit, covenant, dying to self, emergent, idols, not of this world, seeker friendly, sin
An old woman of 90, from Valdres in Norway had a vision from God in 1968. In it, she spoke of the state of the church before the coming of the Lord. Here is an excerpt:
“A lukewarmness without parallel will take hold of the Christians, a falling away from true, living Christianity. Christians will not be open for penetrating preaching. They will not, like in earlier times, want to hear of sin and grace, law and gospel, repentance and restoration. There will come a substitute instead: prosperity (happiness) Christianity. The important thing will be to have success, to be something; to have material things, things that God never promised us in this way. Churches and prayer houses will be emptier and emptier. Instead of the preaching we have been used to for generations – like, to take your cross up and follow Jesus, – entertainment, art and culture will invade the churches where there should have been gatherings for repentance and revival. This will increase markedly just before the return of Jesus.”
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Tags: american church, compromise, repentance, take up your cross
“For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20
When I look across the Church in America today, I am grieved to the core of my being. I no longer see a church that hungers and thirsts after righteousness. I see a church that hungers and thirsts after wealth and worldly success. I no longer see a church that strives for holiness. I see a church that is self-absorbed and wicked. I no longer see a church that is careful to obey God’s commands, but I see a church that loves the praises of men more than the praises of God. I see a church that has lulled itself to sleep to the tune of seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. Instead of measuring their standard of holiness by the Word of God, it is measured by those around them. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: american church, God's commands, holiness, pharisee, self absorbed, self righteous
“Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…” Hebrews 2:1-3
When you think about the word “neglect”, what pictures come to mind? I immediately imagine a mother who fails to provide for her child the basics of life: food, clothing, shelter or love. In our country, a person could be imprisoned for neglecting their child…they could even have their child taken away from them. The general populous would shake their head and concur they deserved to loose their child because they neglected them. That would be justice at work.
The process of neglect is usually slow. It’s not something that can be determined immediately. For example, if we neglect our garden, weeds will eventually grow; if we neglect our homes, they will eventually fall into disrepair; if we neglect our bodies, health problems will eventually arise. In short, unless things are maintained, they will begin to fall apart. That is what Science terms “The Second Law of Thermodynamics”: Every system, left to its own devices, always tends to move from order to disorder (simply put, it will come to ruin).
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Tags: judgment, neglect salvation, repentance, salvation, spiritual neglect
Kay Arthur was quoted as saying, “If you don’t plan to live the Christian life totally committed to knowing your God and to walking in obedience to Him, then don’t begin; for this is what Christianity is all about. It is a change of citizenship, a change of governments, a change of allegiance. If you have no intention of letting Christ rule your life, then forget Christianity; It’s not for you.”
Is reformation needed again?
Oh, that we would seek the Lord’s counsel and search out His thoughts. To fall upon our faces and humble our barren souls before the One who holds our very lives. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: false gospel, holiness, itching ears, reformation, sleeping giant
