I've noticed that some local churches in my area are eerily yet biblically unaware that their practices and traditions are rooted in their cultural idolatry, rather than genuine Christian worship born out of supernatural regeneration by God’s Grace. Despite their organized structures, their communities lack the transformative fruit of righteousness that comes from following Christ. This reminds me of the church in Luke 4, where the congregation appeared to be godly but rejected Jesus' gospel message and sought to harm him when he confronted the sin of self righteousness rooted in their ethnic idolatry. Furthermore, I'm concerned that many Christians and pastors lack biblical discernment, as they over prioritize their own lives and families protection over the well-being of their fellow believers. They fail to recognize and address false conversions and leadership within the church leaving wolves to feel the most comfortable in their flock. This stems from a lack of deep love and knowledge of Jesus, leading to churches being united in their cultural and ethnic identities, nationalities, and idolatrous practices - a phenomenon that has historically persisted in this country.
“having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.” 2 Timothy 3:5-9 ESV
“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ESV “These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.” 2 Peter 2:17-20
A cowboy church is not referencing football 🤣 It's a rural church, those in the farming industry, etc. I don't attend one, but I have and the most important thing is teaching the entire counsel of God. Period. Denominations are worse...
So you don’t see that calling a church a 'cowboy church' an effort to establish a denomination? Would a 'cowgirl church' label be acceptable to you, or would it raise concerns about exclusivity or cultural emphasis?
