CHURCHES’ GREATEST CRITICS MAY BE THEIR OWN FOLLOWERS


But the truth is, a follower does not necessarily a believer in Christ make. From the Christian Post:

Criticism from people outside of Christianity toward the Church doesn’t surprise many. But when negative viewpoints are being expressed by believers, it raises a red flag for churches across the country.
(Online source)

If they actually are “believers.” However, the following quote clearly illustrates the huge problems inherent within the man-centered American Christian Church mortally wounded by the Church Growth Movement. Below you’ll see the faulty view of true Christianity, which so many of these “unchurched” people—who later become “churched” through the Cross-less preaching of Purpose Driven postevangelicalism exemplified by Rick Warren and/or the reimagined social gospel of the Emergent Church presented by Rob Bell end up developing:

“The churches that do not demonstrate these biblical qualities and rather become insincere and judgmental lose this generation,” Rainer, a young Baptist pastor, commented. “They return to the culture that claims churches are not living up to their calling.”

However, the actual “calling” of the Church is to build up the regenerate and to preach the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, what people are criticizing in Rainer’s research are likely faithful Bible-Driven Churches, because the Bible tells us the preaching of the Cross is foolishness to unbelievers. And Rainer is wrong when he apparently attempts to appease unbelievers: “And, for the most part, the culture is correct.”

No; the truth is, unregenrate men and women do not seek God on their own and they cannot know Him apart from the quickening of the Holy Spirit. We don’t need to change church for culture; rather, we need to pray that God’s power will once again accompany those who refuse to compromise the message of our glorious and majestic, great and mighty Christ.

O Lord I pray, please strengthen and empower those of us who will continue to boldly preach Christ and Him crucified! No matter what; to the end…

And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus. (Acts 4:29-30, NASB)

See also:

RICK WARREN: THE NEW CHARLES FINNEY

ROB BELL SAYS GOD HAS ALREADY MADE PEACE WITH ALL MEN

MAN-CENTERED GOSPEL VS. GOD-CENTERED GOSPEL