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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How to "win the world" ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Mommapbs | 92795 | ||
I have noticed that many churches across America have (to me anyway) no semblence of a house of worship. I'm told that they are intentionally designed this way so that "unchurched" people will not feel threatened when they walk in. We have music that blasts as loud as rock concerts, drums, guitars, lights and sound sytems to rival any concert hall, comfortable seats, ample parking, and even food courts(!) It's all in the packaging, so I'm told . . . our job is to get 'em in the door, make 'em feel welcome and "at home" so that they can "hear the Gospel" and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Is this meeting the needs of the world or "conforming" to the world? Is this necessary to reach the world with the Gospel? |
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2 | How to "win the world" ? | Bible general Archive 2 | New Creature | 92815 | ||
Dear Mommapbs: You may find the following article interesting. The American Church Calling a church by its proper name has gone out of style. In its place are Christian Centers, Family Worship Centers, Assemblies and Fellowships. Some churches, including old historic ones, have changed their name to one of these "seeker sensitive" names. Sadly, the church is taking lessons from the marketplace. Repackage, rename, "new and improved", are all ideas that the church has adopted enthusiastically. Even those congregations that have kept the name church have prefaced it with other feel-good words: Community Church or Family Church. One would think that communities or families were suddenly welcome in church! What a novel idea! A new expression has also started showing up on church signs and banners: Worship Celebrations. One would suppose that they are talking about their morning service, particularly the singing part of it. First, it may surprise some of the participants of these celebrations that music is not found in the definition of worship. Worship means respect and reverence offered to God. Reverence - now there's something hard to find in a church service! There need not be one note of music for true worship. True worship for the Christian is an everyday occurrence. While we can certainly appreciate and be thankful for what Christ has done for us, one has to wonder what most American churches have to celebrate. The American Church has frittered away its opportunities and left America and its culture to the devil. The ugliness of an increasingly pagan society is all around us, even in rural communities. Celebrate? Better yet, Repent! One large local church, in what used to be a holiness denomination, has this in their yellow pages ad: Upbeat, Exciting Music Uplifting, Friendly Atmosphere Connected - A Show for Generation X Upbeat, Exciting Music - A direct appeal to the flesh. Translations: No stuffy hymns of the church written by men and women of God, some who paid a very high price, even their lives, to serve Christ. Uplifting, Friendly Atmosphere - We will feed your self-esteem. Isn't it hard to point out to someone that they are a sinner in such a place? This could permanently damage their self-esteem! Connected - A Show for Generation X - At least they finally called it what it is - a show. Many church have come exactly that - a show. How will we entertain them next? Oh Lord, deliver us from the frivolity of our American churches! The above article can be found at: http://www.onemethodist.com/ In His service New Creature |
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3 | How to "win the world" ? | Bible general Archive 2 | Mommapbs | 92817 | ||
Thanks for the article - yes, this is just how it is. I am so saddened by our corporate desire to emulate the things of the world, using the familiar trappings of modern society as a "hook" - as if the Holy Spirit needs "help." Perhaps when they start selling popcorn others will realize where they really are. mommapbs |
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4 | How to "win the world" ? | Bible general Archive 2 | New Creature | 92821 | ||
Dear mommapbs; You mention selling popcorn. I read an article about a certain church that bought an old movie theatre, and conduct their services at that facility, and yes they prided themselves in the fact that they have popcorn. What is worse is the Casino church out in Las Vegas that uses slot machines and gambling. I am not making this up. The name of this church is Covenant Casino Church. To read more about this go to: http://larknews.com/may_2003/ In His service New Creature |
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