If you notice someone at church stops coming please assume they need help and need your care and interest in them. Call them. Stop by. Don't scold them. Care for them. They may be dealing with something they don't know how to discuss or admit. They need you to show Christ's love. In my young life my husband was cheating on me with another Christian married woman. We stopped going to church. I had no idea how to handle any of it. I couldn't ask for help because I wanted to protect him. I didn't know how to do both. But in our absence, nobody cared. Nobody came. Nobody loved me or us. Don't be like the people in that Church.
Truth! Happens way too often when someone stops going…the church just keeps on trying to grow new members with gimmicks to fill their seats. Sad thing for sure.
I am so sorry to hear this. When I was little our pastor would stop by and visit, and other members would stop by. We have invited fellow Christians to our home. Sadly I cannot tell you when was the last time someone offered us into their home, or to join them for a meal.
@@bambiwest1391 Thank you. Since the 90s (maybe earlier) even the culture in the church has become more and more independant and isolated. The idea that you're 'bothering' someone if you drop by or even call. That people are too busy and it's really hard to coordinate a visit or dinner or etc. People in general seem so busy 'living' with all of their activities that little importance and priority is put on relationships outside of those under your own roof. If someone sees another going through something difficult it seems the default for most people is something along the lines of 'I don't want to bother them or intrude. I'm here if they need me' - and then they leave the person, who's already in a weak state, to have the boldness and take the risk to approach them to seek help or support. It's totally backwards. I think most of us think this is normal. It's not.
@@maryjogreen1706 Thank you. And yes, people whose marriages aren't doing well often stop going to church. It's too hard a place to go and pretend and often its indifference or condemnation that greet you rather than love and compassion and guidance.
If you attend a Bible preaching church you are blessed!!! I will speak because I refuse to be muzzled! That said, I will not cause dissension in the church, I will just leave. My husband and I attended the same church 12 years, but I noticed the messages were tidbits of the Bible. I’ve even heard the pastor say on a few occasions that he used the same sermon out of business or many occasions it was just music and alter calls for us to come pray. I greeted for years, got to know brothers and sisters but had a life change and stopped greeting. When our church visited a church that was within the same denomination our church changed its scenery. They covered the cross with drywall. (Said ppl complained it let in too much light), put in a huge screen, got a new sound system and lights, turned the lights down low so we couldn’t see others and what did we have? The hillsong/bethel feel! The music literally shook my stomach! No im not an old foogie, I love music but too many times it was all charged up music to stir the emotions and no message!!! Anything to bring in the numbers. We’ve now been out of church 4 months, the pastor has reached out but of all my brothers and sisters I thought I was close to, only one has texted. We are part of a bride, not a building. Our siblings are all over the world, many in countries where it’s a death sentence to be a Christian; they have no building to attend, yet they are part of the bride. My husband and I will go back to a church, but we are hungry for the Word and not 40 min of worship and 20 min of Word taken from a couple verses of the Bible. Yes, I self feed, I’m in the faith but America’s pastors (shepherds) are not feeding, protecting, nor warning the bride of false doctrine & how to maneuver these end times, it’s all about music, feel good emotional driven services and numbers !!! Let’s build the church bigger, bigger buildings so we can impact our community while the community decays. Until we find a church, I’ll stay in the Word, but I will not stay where it is dark and all about emotions.
Even in a church that does go deep and puts out quite a scriptural spread...we MUST self-feed! Once a week on Sunday is NEVER enough! But I hear ya! I, too love to worship...and I DO worship with my feelings. But my feelings are steeped in truth. I'm born-again. I'm a NEW Creation in Christ. I'm forgiven! That's something to rejoice about! But the music mut be Biblical and Christ-centered. Pastors don't learn much theology anymore; it's all about finances. Still, we gotta hang in there. Pray that God will connect you up with a needy, hungry soul also desperate to KNOW God. And you're available when God calls you to serve.
Check Oakridge out! Even if for online until you find a good church family. We're intentional about avoiding Elevation/Hillsong/Bethel type music and our pastor preaches his own messages from long passages of Scripture and supporting verses of the Bible, being careful to let the text interpret itself.
Sadly your above statement is the TRUTH. Too many weak pastors NOT writing/preparing sermons.Preaching Gospel Lite to all that have itchy ears. Makes me sad !
If a pastor never offends you, you probably need a church. The best sermons I have ever heard always upset me at some point in the sermon. I am saved by Jesus Christ. There are still many things in my life that need changing. When the pastor speaks on these things it hurts. BUT I NEED TO HEAR THEM AND THE PASTOR NEEDS TO SAY THEM.
I went on line to see what Churches in my area had to say about their Churches. Wanted to know what they believe, what I got is only the reviews saying how much fun they have, how they have a basketball court, that the coffee was good, the music was nice ect. No where was anything info about their doctrine and beliefs. Just come see us and have a good time.
sometimes a small "Bible church" with 50 members and NO website is one to visit. People will automatically know you're "new" and the WORD is likely more important to them and plays a prominent role over and above basketball courts, the latest audio/video technology etc. Sadly, the smaller groups are struggling and fading b/c younger members are looking for something other than the simple proclamation of God.
Gotta differ. Not gonna murmur and complain but when the place i go dishonors christ i can be a hypocrite especially to my children ( they know better) . We point out error and pray fervently for our pastor and members and show him respect . Good churches are few and far in-between
We ARE to have discernment and to stand up for the truth when we feel it's being compromised. Nothing wrong with writing a letter or talking to the pastor in private.. maybe there was a mis-understanding...OR maybe it's time to leave.
If I could just find a church where the people really believe. They ignore you,they have their own life. They compromise with the world, homosexuality, lies from the government .. it’s hard to find one with bible believers that care. No teaching on sin and repentance and involved in each other’s lives to help you be accountable. It’s only love and love accepts everybody no matter what you’re doing. I would love to find a church of believers.
Scripture says this would happen in the end times. The fact is, ALL churches from the times of the apostles experienced exactly what you describe. It's nothing new---but you're experiencing it for the first time, perhaps. And more and more churches going that direction doesn't help, either. Pray and ask God to help you connect with those who are struggling and need someone like you to help them. Attend a Bible study and really listen to the questions or comments people make. It will give you an indication of where their passion is. Try a home group. Better yet, START a home group and BE that believer who leads by example!
I don't think that people can really appreciate how difficult it is to find a Bible believing church like the one that the original poster described. I lived in the "Bible Belt" and could not find a solid church.
It isn’t easy these days to find a church that focuses on God and His Word. Start by listening to sermons of nearby churches. If they teach with depth and unapologetically cover hard topics (including biblical church discipline), go and get to know the pastor and congregation. Continue to study, pray, obey and worship Him daily no matter what.
Churches should be reviewed and be held accountable!! The church is not your organization but the people that make up the body of Christ. Complain more.... our churches have failed to be the salt of the world!!
well....by "complain" he's talking about those who don't like the way they run the nursery, they don't like long prayers from the pulpit. They think the service is too long, or their vanilla latte wasn't prepared just right. The seats were not comfortable etc. But you are RIGHT...God calls us to speak up when scripture is being compromised. I tried the Martin Luther approach twice now in my Christian life, and both times got me tossed out on my ear! (otherwise known as the left foot of fellowship)
You're part of that church. Can everyone complain about you? That's the point: you are the church and the church is you. We're shooting ourselves in the foot by complaining. Instead, we ought to talk to those who are in charge and see if there's something we can do to help make it better.
@@sidwhiting665 naive rhetoric the point of being nonsensical. GEE....WE are the church. Yeah...nice saying....even true in a VERY GENERAL sense. In a real-world sense, churches - especially large churches - are institutions WITH pastors, staff, administration, a board of directors, elders.... often a denomination body and/or other affiliations - AND religious and political ideologies/tendencies. Criticizing any of these with specific reasoned criticism is not only a good thing, it should be a duty to other Christians.
I’ve shared why I left a false church to other people but those I didn’t like? I tried to hold my tongue. Going to an Arminian type church and me being a Calvinist was okay. They preached the true gospel so I didn’t have a reason to leave. No heresy, they preached against my reformed faith a few times but I brushed it off for unity sake. I loved those believers there❤️ We moved and now I’m in a reformed Baptist church and loving it! It’s pretrib and I’m not but that’s not a good enough reason to leave. The preaching is God glorifying and glorious. God is good all the time 🙏
@@Tony-p1i5s if they don't reply you can always look up what is reformed theology, I liked RC sprouls explanation but thats just me, there are others who can explain it as well. pastor MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Dough Wilson, but.. do be ware, lots of arguing in comment sections..
@@vkaygee it's not as huge as you think it is...when compared to Mormans and 'some' catholic teachings, woke social gospel churches and Joel Olsteen. For 13 years, I was part of a 4 Square church. Wonderful caring people...most spoke in tongues (I don't), but that's ok! They believed in holiness, grace, prayer, healing. There were a few places where I disagreed and questioned. But the pastor gave members a lot of leeway, and knew those who had a heart for the Lord. He was very kind. No one was ostracized. Any member was given opportunity to lead a bible Study, contribute to worship, share a testimony, or teach b/c they wanted to build up believers and recognized spiritual gifts. Pastors, elders and members cared deeply for one another demonstrated in acts of service and prayed fervently for our nat'l and local government leaders. They had a long-running prison ministry outreach. Not perfect...no group is. The days coming won't be pleasant ones, and we'd better learn to love on another even if we don't see eye to eye on secondary issues.
@@valeriefromoregon that’s not true I attend a small church and we thank the Lord for our Pastor and our Elders be careful making assumptions about churches you don’t know
So the answer is obvious: don't go to a church where you cannot reach the leadership: mega or otherwise. There are hundreds of churches. Gotta be 1 or 2 that are doctrinally sound AND personally accessible. My local church has about 1000 in attendance on any given Sunday (3 services). I go out to eat with the head pastor a couple of times a year, and I stand out by the door between services with him to greet people and chat with him when folks aren't nearby. He and the rest of the staff are all very accessible throughout the week and even on Sunday mornings.
@@sidwhiting665 The church had 1,800 people when we became members. Please don’t come off like that when you don’t know the details. I’m working it out in my mind but it isn’t a matter of just walking out after 25 yrs.
I went to a church and after the service I went downstairs for Bible study. It was a woman pastor that was gonna use a book written by Joyce Meyer! I said as I stood up,"This is supposed to be Bible study and you a woman pastor expect me to read a book written by a thief and a charleton fake Christian? I will not!" And I walked out n never have or will go back. So, what do you think about that??
I don't have an issue with female pastors, because I don't interpret those verses the same way others might. I certainly would have an issue with a Bible study featuring a book other than the Bible! That's not a Bible study; that's a book club.
Good for you. People "stone" me for speaking out about these false evangelists. They don't want to listen. So far the AFM church we moved has kept it biblical, but I also leave places where these people's books and music is used.
Hmmm.... a few things need clarification. First, did you know what kind of church this was and what their doctrinal tenants were before going? Second, when you went downstairs for the Bible study, did you first look to see what the topic was and who was giving the class? Or were you a faithful attendee of this church for years and saw they were having Bible Study on Galatians, but when you went downstairs they pulled a switcheroo on you? My GUESS is the first two things didn't happen. From your statements "I went to a church" it sounds like you just randomly showed up one day without doing any research about it, and then were shocked to find it wasn't aligning with Christian doctrine. Okay, that's nothing you want to attend for sure and I get the leaving and never going back part, but just going inside and then lecturing them on being who they are and always have been seems shallow and disingenuous. Sort of like if I went to a person's house who invited me over for steak dinner and they served me steak, but I -- as a vegan -- decided to "call them out" for their evil ways of animal cruelty. That's on me. I knew what they were serving... I went anyway.... then I acted like a poor guest in someone else' house. The Bible is clear: "Speak the truth (yes, you did that) in love (that's the part I'm missing in your story)." Perhaps you could clarify the circumstances so we understand the context better.
Yes, that's the thing. People are people, for good or ill, but what matters is the Message, which is too often corrupted and self serving to appease modern zeitgeist.
There is a trend, especially among a segment of Christians, to shop for churches like they are shopping for a new car. Is it any surprise the people have created services to profit off of this?
One assumption here is that there is available to everyone, a local Bible believing and teaching, Christ honouring Church. Quite often, that's not the case, and non fellowship is a necessary choice.
Is that what Christ did? He only wants fellowship with us if we are "perfect"? Why don't you lay your excuses aside and try to shine some light on those who are lost.
My dad was a pastor. After he passed I discovered how off his theology was, and mine as well. Discovered men like MacArthur, Rosebrough, Peters etc and leaned the true gospel and discernment. Haven't had a church for years. I've tried several, but now I know too much. One was announcing what time the bus was leaving for the Beth Moore conference. Another (Lutheran) has a female pastrix and rainbows, another is WOF NAR and 7 Mountains, another is a sign and wonder seeking bunch, the next pastor was preaching from his Rod Parsley bible. Sigh.. I've been spoiled, no joke, with the ability to access the a group of godly men who preach the truth. It's very hard to look for less
@@tedrowell659 thanks for sharing. Yes, it's not about a 'perfect' church, no such thing, but we must not compromise on the non negotiables just to say we are in fellowship. Getting harder it seems
I agree, there are no perfect preachers nor churches.....but! Bible churches are not expected by God to be perfect, but He does expect a church to be Biblically sound. Respectfully, this is certainly a good elementary primer, but it lacks practical application. One absolutely must vet a church for its leadership and organizational structure, beliefs, mission statement, bylaws, goals, ministries, function, and most importantly, lest we forget, the satiety of its preaching and Bible study. Most, not all, Bible churches look good from 30,000 feet, but often are found lacking key Biblical essentials when vetted at the ground level. Because we live in the days of great apostasy, we must pray for discernment and guidance. 🙏✝️
yes. But it doesn't help when all churches on-line belief statements are all the same...boiled down to one or two sentences. Churches even back in the 60'sand 70's had much more substantial and complex belief statements. Since the 90's --in order to attract more people (to "grow" a church)--they've been advised not to make such statements overly complex and specific b/c most believers didn't understand all that theology. Just keep it simple. But it's really not adequate.
I was tempted to find one of review sites. I never heard of them. You are the first person that has revealed them to me. However, I'm afraid to look for the sake of my soul. I agree that we have become a consumer society and that has fallen over to the church. That said, I have seen some that God said to my soul He was not part of it.
I always look at their "We believe" statements. For example.. We believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit eternally existing together as one as the one and only true God. Salvation by belief in Christ alone, through faith alone. The Bible is the inerrant word of God, written by man under the direction of the Holy Spirit. The two ordinances committed to the church: Communion and Baptism.
@@rowdyrx6109 I'm familiar with Calvary Chapel, sadly the ones in my area celebrate Ishtar, Halloween and Saturnalia. It's like Chuck Missler used to say - in the end times the real church will have to go underground and meet in homes like the new testament christians because all the official churches will be compromised.
That just recently happened to me. I've been at the church 10 years. Thought the guys were 'mature enough' to enter into conversation, b/c they know me and I thought they would know my heart. NOPE! So, had to leave. (sad)
I agree to this to a point. Why do pastors say, "don't judge my Church", but take full liberty to judge others, and encourage others to "judge with righteous judgment ".
Depends on what you mean by them judging. If you mean calling homosexuality, tragenderism, and abortion sins (which I guarantee is what you meant) they are in the right to say that and you are in the wrong.
Honestly, I believe the answer to the objection brought up here is simply this. There is a great difference between wise discernment and a critical spirit. No local assembly will please every member in all things, but if the sheep are being fed, it is the right place to be. Much if not most of the non-stop negativity found in local assemblies are from a self-centered, mindset that assumes their opinions must be heard about everything. The voiced criticism discourages the troops and creates unnecessary frustrations. In most cases, the complaints are over frivolous nonsense that will not matter in eternity and in light of what the Lord Jesus Christ did for us. The most joyous Christians I know are those who serve others and who stopped keeping tabs on every perceived offense (real or imagined) from others in that assembly. A wise old Pastor once told me that our churches do not need 100% friendliness. We need some irritating people so our Lord can teach us how to have grace with others! 😂😂 That has helped me over the years. God bless you all. I enjoy these thought-provoking posts at Wretched!
I have discovered Amuricans are spoiled brats when it comes to having a good church available. I live in an area of Sweden where the state church is more of a social platform and other churches are of the pentecostal & NAR variety, none of which teach sound biblical, Christ-centered doctrine. And a lot of those have a "pastrix" for the lead pastor. The closest "good" church to me is about 300 miles (420km) away. I would love to attend and become a member of a good church. And I am not qualified to start one of my own. Still, I pray the L ORD would send a pastor to this area. There are believers here, we just need to find each other thru the work of the Spirit...
You live in Sweden, too? There is indeed a lack of churches here that are doctrine-saturated. I don't want to go on a Sunday when they invite a female preacher.
I live in SE Asia and have the choice of less than a dozen services in English in a city of over 2 million people. Choice can be a good thing, but it can also lead to people missing the point of attending a church in the first place.
Why do you think that us Americans are spoiled brats when it comes to having a good church available? We are experiencing the same problems that you are in finding biblically sound churches.
The BUILDING is not the House, yes, but the COMMUNITY meeting there makes it so. And we are instructed to fellowship with others because we need it, to be gently guided and supported, or gently admonished when we start to wander from The Road.
@philmason7860 Paul did not qoute from a poem. It is a directive directly from God that we are instructed to follow for our own good. All scripture is God-breathed.
@philmason7860 May I please share something? I used to think the way you do, and did the same, not attending any church. It didn't work. I was only born-again in December 2019 when I finally reached out to a wonderful church-community. I attended regularly after that, and my walk with Jesus finally became a personal relationship. Unfortunately we had to relocate to another town, but I am happy with the church we found here. The joy of being able to sing to the Lord with other believers is absolutely wonderful.
I was looking for a church that wasn't 'seeker sensivitve' recently. First, I looked for churches in my area. Then, I went to their websites and read their "What we stand for" and, if they had them, Church Constitutions. Then, I checked to see if they had any sermons online to check out and see how they matched their websites. I found one that did, and went and checked them out. I've been there 3 weeks now and am considering becoming a member. I've been talking with the lead Pastor and a few Elders. A little bit of work goes a long way.
Since my comments get deleted I will respond to yours. If you have found a church where the pastor and elders actually give time to you that's a blessing in itself. I'm down to the last church in my east Texas area and the pastor is always too busy. The church only has 30 members. If a pastor is too busy for "The Body of Christ " he is unworthy of the Pastoral position.
@@MikeMatkin-of9iy This is a small church as well. About 30-40 people. I've talked to them mainly before or after service. My initial contact with the Pastor was via email. I also asked him about their membership pledge and Constitution over multiple emails and he responded to each.I guess it depends on what's going on with the other members as to how much time he has. I can't say. Another church I used to attend, well, none had time for me. Taht's ok as far as I'm concerned as most times I had other good friends at that church who did have some time.
The problem there are many, many churches that are just going through motions, not really exegeting scripture, this is not Complaining, this is rebuking a church structure that is more concerned with the self of its leaders than the Cross, Christ and Bible. I'm sorry, Yes there could just be grumbling, but it sounds to me some churches can't handle being shown to be wrong on their understanding of scripture. Is this curable? Sure, but it requires leadership to accept with humility that they are too focused on what they think is right, rather than what the bible says is right, too focused on presuppositions and idolatry of man's traditions' taught in seminaries rather than allowing the bible to breathe the life it can breathe when properly shared. Because frankly, if you don't have that it doesn't matter how friendly people are, your church will be dead very soon with ichabod written on it. Sorry Todd, but you talking about this shows me, we are finally being seen, and its you in the pastorate who need to self correct and repent. Notice your videos here pointing at youtubers, pointing at lay people, oh you should look at these people faithfully serving. Hello, McFly is this thing on? Your faithfullness is cold, dead in service to presuppositions which may not stand on biblical ground, and you now want to be elevated because you don't like what someone on YT says? That's hilarious. The problem is many of you in 'service' in churches, have been lead to a pattern of very weak, and insufficient Christianity. Sermons like that just pit those inside against those outside, it is reactionary rhetoric, and frankly, shows how far off the doctrines IN the churches have gotten. If you preach the word faithfully a lot of this stuff is not going to happen, but this is the attitude we've seen growing in the last ten years. If you don't like it get out they say, so when people leave, and tell others what they saw, NOW they want their cake and eat it to, as if Church is some kind of secret social club. Nope the bible is freely available for anyone to acquire, read, and yes, view on YT as many churches stream there now. Todd, I'm sorry, normally I feel like I have common Ground with you, but the people are taking action because leadership is not only weak, it is not walking in faith with scripture in a large number of congregations. You say we are not called to be church Critics, but Todd, the church, the true church is the universal church. The local church is a manifestation of it locally, and if it goes the wrong way its lampstand can and will be removed by God. I look forward to more of this bad preaching and leadership being exposed now that we are talking more as a Universal church, because its the only way to truly reform many of these churches (some of which call themselves reformed, but may not have a clue what the reformation was about) (Also I don't disagree with you on church contributors, but when you have people refusing to include people who keep saying they are willing to help with things, when you have 'ministry fairs' take names, and then don't call people, hello, you don't get that excuse if your church is that disorganized and dysfunctional) Also I think you put to many different ideas in this video. I do think church attendance is important, I've struggled at it since My first wife passed away, and why? because after she died, I felt abandoned by the church. Then when I do finally overcome my weakness and make it, hardly two words said to me, its like the in group has already cast you out. I'm not the only one who has witnessed this stuff, and if I were backslidden in serious sin, then some of your points I think would hit the mark, but its wrong to assume that's the only possible thing going on here. Covid, lockdowns, did a lot to break up the unit in churches, but I don't feel that many churches are really working to rebuild that unity, they instead are dividing, arguing with other, just like the Corinthians were. I appreciate the concern have, but I also feel that a church that does nothing to reach out and try to reconcile those they think are wayward, has failed in its duties as local church. In this day and age with email, and telephone, you don't even have to go by someone's house to check on them, yet I can count on one hand the number of emails, and calls I got while my wife was ill, and after she died, Todd. It was no secret I was struggling, but I persisted because of God's grace alone, not because of Church support or encouragement. Others who have been rocked out of the rhythm of attendance are also waking up to realize, it feels like pastors are not only phoning it in, borrowing online outlines for sermons they've not researched or built themselves, but they seem to use cliff notes versions of the bible, whether its presuppositions of Gnostic Calvinism, Arminianism or something else, and the bible is hardly opened more than twice the whole service. Novices are leading small group study with little real training, and get upset when members of the group try to help repair those mistakes. I could keep writing, but there is a lot wrong in so many Churches Todd. When the church actually takes actions locally to fix its internal self, then maybe it can worry about what people say outside, but if its not operating rightly inside, it has hardly a leg to stand on.
You are correct!!! My husband and I attended the same church 12 years, but I noticed the messages were tidbits of the Bible. I’ve even heard the pastor say on a few occasions that he used the same sermon out of business or many occasions it was just music and alter calls for us to come pray. I greeted for years, got to know brothers and sisters but had a life change and stopped greeting. When our church visited a church that was within the same denomination our church changed its scenery. They covered the cross with drywall. (Said ppl complained it let in too much light), put in a huge screen, got a new sound system and lights, and what did we have all new hillsong/bethel feel! The music literally shoot my stomach! No im not an old foogie, I love music but too many times it was all charged up music to stir the emotions and no message!!! Anything to bring in the numbers. We’ve now been out of church 4 months, the pastor has reached out but of all my brothers and sisters I thought I was close to, only one has texted. We are part of a bride, not a building. Our siblings are all over the world, many in countries where it’s a death sentence to be a Christian; they have no building to attend, yet they are part of the bride. My husband and I will go back to a church, but we are hungry for the Word and not 40 min of worship and 20 min of Word taken from a couple verses of the Bible. Yes, I self feed, I’m in the faith but America’s churches are not feeding the bride, it’s all about music, feeling good emotional driven services and numbers !!!
The real problem... people think of a building when you say the words local church... the true church is the people, and it wouldn't matter where they met.
True in a sense, but since 99% of the time people in the USA are not meeting in weekly God-worshipping fellowship with our next door neighbors, the place where the people meet does become "the church", or the gathering place of God's people. I get what you're saying 100%, but I don't see how it is distinguishable in real life. If you're not going to a building (i.e. a "church"), then where are you going?
I agree with some but disagree with some. One of the new tactics churches are using is it is a privalege to be here. A privalege to serve. You should feel privaleged that we allow you to serve. We don't need you, you should feel privaleged that we allow you to be on the team. I worked at a Church a couple years back and the worship pastor stopped because they had been struggling with a song during morning practice and he ranted about not needing any of them. As someone on staff I knew he would be screwed if they walked off the stage because it was right after covid and worship teams had not gotten back to the pre-covid sizes. Fact of the matter it is arrogance to hear that in the first place. That is telling God's people we don't need you we will find some other of God's children to take your place. What???? Also remember that the large churches we have or even in some cases the smaller ones with dedicated buildings that they own, well that wasn't the New Testament Church. Really the New Testament Church was a house based Church. Led by the saved people in the communities. We started getting dedicated buildings when around 400 years after Christ we say the re-institution of the tithe by the Roman Catholic Church to pay for buildings to be built. See the tithe disappeared for nearly 400 years. You don't hear about that at your local church or from your televangelist. Tithing was for the Levites and in fact it was never money it was clothes, livestock, food, and living supplies as the Levites couldn't earn a wage. So if you push the tithe I guess show me your Levitites and your barn and storage rooms with the livestock and the supplies for them. The Roman Catholic Church instituted a lot of things that we see that the modern church has been all to willing to go along with without any Biblical backing.
I mostly agree. Makes me wonder...here in the West, how the church could help each other (and members) a LOT more if $$ wasn't going to support a building. Needs a new roof, needs fire and safety code upgrades, new septic system...yes, maybe there are tradesmen who are members who would help for free, but the church still has to purchase the parts. Meanwhile, the lower class, un-employed, sick, struggling, and elderly go needy b/c everyone assumes the Gov't benefits will help them. With big churches, the pastors and sometimes even the elders are too busy...who will counsel? Who will listen? Who will help? I think the house church is a good model (not that "mega church" is wrong, per se) but in a smaller group, everyone is known and cared for and needs are more easily made known so they can be met.
unfortunately, those aren't the type of reviews they're looking for. Nor are they the type of reviews heeded by someone who is curious about church...but not yet born-again. And a church can delete your "negative" review.
We are all the bride Of Christ. If we would all band together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, no matter whatever other doctrinal differences we have, we’d be dangerous to the evil in this world. Yet, you have John McArthur, who is on this video preaching against complaining, while being guilty of trashing other denominations and doctrines fairly regularly right here on the RU-vid, because of worship styles, etc. Churches are like shoes in a shoe store, some have tongues and some don’t. Let’s put all that aside and be Christs Body here on earth
If a pastor never offends you, you probably need a church. The best sermons I have ever heard always upset me at some point in the sermon. I am saved by Jesus Christ. There are still many things in my life that need changing. When the pastor speaks on these things it hurts. BUT I NEED TO HEAR THEM AND THE PASTOR NEEDS TO SAY THEM.
I mean, this doesn't make a lot of sense. How many times has John MacArthur voiced his approval/disapproval of other churches? He's famous for it. I don't have a problem with that, so long as the opinion is shared honestly, and in no way vindictive, personal, or engaging in gossip. It took me years to find my current church for lack of resources to quickly evaluate them. It would have been very beneficial to not have to attend for weeks before realizing... a) This church is too liberal and focused on social justice/political issues b) This church doesn't really focus much on sin, gospel, or expository preaching.
I think MacArthur was speaking of secondary non-salvational and non-doctrinal issues. Things like the sermon didn’t really move me today or I can’t stand the new worship leader…
I wonder if anyone else has trouble integrating into a local church. Seems like if you are married, you're in. There's plenty of room for you and you're not forgotten. If not, you're a ghost, constantly fighting for a 'place among the living'. It's discouraging to get involved only to find you're not actually welcome bc you don't fit in.
Yes, this certainly a big issue, and thanks for highlighting it. Our church has just recently started a singles focused study/ministry for this exact reason. The were so many single people on the fringe in our church and this has given them a safe forum to talk and discuss the challenges we are facing as singles in the body of Christ from a biblical perspective- and wouldn’t you know it, turns out they are just as loved, as important and accepted by the Lord as anyone else in the body of Christ. It has been such a blessing to be a part of.
No, never had that problem single or when in a relationship before being married. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been to small churches where it’s all hands on deck all the time.
“Jump in & do something?” Can you consider for a moment how very difficult it is for a 70/yo grandmother to be heard? My concerns are in response to changing the mission statement, the new goal of focusing on “college educated 30-something parents with small children” yes, they actually said that out loud, the dilution of the reverent approach to worship, the lack of offering praise opportunities to worshippers who need scriptural, musical hymns & anthems. These are the very things that you & J MacArthur point out. I am sad to see the changes that ignore an entire cohort of believers. I would never leave for trivial reasons. But after 10 years, these things hurt deeply. My husband is an elder. I cannot make waves. Blessings.
Thank you for this!!! I was talking to someone about the church we attend and she asked me why we left the one we were in last year at this time… I shouldn’t have shared little tidbits of why… I needed this!!!!
If you believe you have solid Biblical reasons for leaving a church, absolutely share them if someone asks... There is a difference between "gossip" and "reasoning together".
I like your channel and a lot of what you say is spot on, and fair criticism of churches that are heretical. Yet you say that we can’t comment on our local churches? You sure do a lot of commenting on other pastors…rightly so. If a local church is bogus, I’d say you have not only a right, but a duty to warn fellow believers not to go there.
Well, it is difficult to go to a church and no one speak to you. Or , I have to get them to speak or be ignored etc. Go ahead and call me whatever but for me without some level of greeting it's the same as watching from home. I really really hate the greeting part of service because it seems people have the idea "we already did that no need to speak again ".
Todd, what about disabled people like I am? I watch only ministers such as you, John MacArthur, Adrian Rogers, etc, and enough new to keep up on what is going on in this world. I listen only to wonderful gospel music while missing the ability to go to church. Please remember the disabled people who long to be part of the Church.....
Just stay close to Jesus He understands the desires and needs of His children and He knows where we are at on His prophecy timeline we are in the apostasy of the church in some places it near impossible to find a Bible believing doctrinally sound church even if you could go and this is getting worse everyday. I think these brother and pastors in America where there are sooo many churches think other places around the world are the same as there and they are not. God knows we who cannot attend or find a church yearn to be apart of a doctrinally sound loving church family He knows i pray He helps us to persevere until we are all together in heaven soon. God bless you 🙏✝️
Disability isn’t an excuse. Any halfway decent church has online access to their services and ministry for those stuck at home. You should still be in relationship with local believers. The church might have to come to you in a variety of ways but you should still belong to a local body.
@@kurt4528 Keep travelling with Jesus, Kurt. My daughter has bipolar 2 and I can see that things are improving for her as she grows older. Another bipolar 2 friend has found this to be true to him also. My daughter has been able to hold down a responsible job. It is difficult, I know and understand, but stick to your guns and your true friends. There will be trip-ups along the way but keep persevering with the help of your medical people and wise older people at church who have life experience. I apologise if I have mistaken you as a younger person. Good is good though the road can be difficult. I wish you the very best and pray that you grow into the man that God sees in you. Blessings!
If you cant find a scriptural church move! Christ is always first. We left an area because there wasn't even one that was a true church. Tried 8 for a few time. They were social gatherings or gossip clubs, etc!
Woe to any that puts stumbling blocks in the path of God children and makes them falter i believe you are verging on doing so in this video Todd. I have asked you before what of the people who cannot attend or who cannot find a Bible believing doctrinally sound church near where they and thier family live??? You still have not addressed us and in not addressing us you are neglecting part of the body of Christ, a suffering hurting yearning part because you are insinuating we don't love our God??? That we are not part of Christs body if we cannot attend a church..... I am glad i know my Lord Jesus Christ loves me and did not die in vain for me even though i cannot go to church i praise God i know He will never desert nore forsake me. I am His child and i eagerly await the day i will meet my true family in Christ in heaven my true brothers and sister in Christ whom i long to serve and be with but cannot in this flesh. Praying for these circumstances to be changed in peoples lives but if not i pray for Gods comfort and His gift of perseverance for the hearts of His children in this situation. God bless 🙏✝️💟
I know people who claim to be Christians but don't attend church at all. It makes you wonder how effective they can be if they aren't in a place where they are not accountable to and have no support from other believers. I've heard them talk about looking for a good online church but that isn't the same as fellowship with those you interact with on daily or weekly basis through a local church. It also doesn't help that for some of them, they are consumed by what they perceive as their mission and neglect going to church because of it.
churches can delete "negative" reviews. Plus, a non-believer or young in the faith person won't understand all that theological stuff. I think by "reviews" a church wants to see that they are "nice", have good "programs", good coffee etc. (good grief!)
REALLY disappointing not to mention hypocritical. Giving SPECIFIC and REASONED criticism of churches should not only be permissible - it's our duty to trust, other Christians, and GOD. THIS from a channel that spends countless hours criticizing - usually justifiably - other churches and pastors. Lost all respect for Wretched and Todd right here.
Was Paul wrong writing openly to the church at Galatia or to the Corinthians? Paul was doing the "jump in and do something about it" thing. When churches preach a false gospel (PRIDE, CRT, climate salvation, etc.) and do not "tolerate" anyone saying the gospel is "of first importance" something must be said.
The body of Christ is not a building or place they are a people. where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
You won't hafta worry about me writing any reviews. After 25+ years at the same church, I recently fired them and the pastor, and took my tithes elsewhere. The reason? Not once did anyone ever invite me to their home, even though we had the pastor & his family, associate pastor & his family, worship leader & his family, board members & their families, and still other families from that church at our house for dinner. Hospitality is not a gift - it's a command in Scripture. You should say that the new disturbing trend is "Churches that score ZERO in hospitality."
Our congregation is awaiting God's provision of a new shepherd. In the meantime, the worship leader and the youth minister are honing their preaching skills. I'm praying for exactly that, a shepherd who wants to get to know his flock and loves us enough to preach and teach from scripture primarily. Please pray for God to raise up more humble men who are willing and able to know and preach the word, not just trained in public speaking with cultural and moral ideals. We all need to be people with reverence for God and His word and love and respect for the Church.
A year ago my mom converted to roman Catholicism. Since then I have spent a lot of time comparing my protestant faith to that of a RC faith. My biggest take away thus far is that although both RC and prot. churches have different major issues, lately I feel prot churches have started to take the lead in their problems, and one of the core problems is many prot Christians not taking Christ's Church seriously. Not looking at the Church as a sacred right, given to us as adopted children of God, bought through Christ's blood. When Christ died for us, he not only paid the price for our sins, he also created His Church, where he stands as our high priest, mediating between us and God. We so love and honor Christ for our salvation (as we should), but we need to also recognize the other gift he bestowed on us, his precious bride, His Church. So many Christians are forgetting this, and taking it for granted.
Like the Waldensians that viewed praying in a barn as effective as a church (building). This and other reasons resulted in them being hunted and killed by the RCC. Can't take their power and tithe away without consequences.
The idea of membership comes from requiring people adhere to a profession of faith. There are also other considerations. We have a large percentage of severely disabled young adults who attend our church. We love them and are happy to have them in the congregation, but allowing them a vote on the budget or to decide on a myriad of other issues would be a disaster. These are people who can barely care for themselves and who are not in charge of their own finances, it would be unwise to let them steward the finances of the church. Also there is nothing in the Bible about voting at all. In the ancient church the elders made a decision and the congregation lived by it.
My beloved Pastor John MacArthur said, I quote ‘ if there’s a perfect church on earth, the minute you join it, it becomes imperfect’ , end quote.🤣🤣🤣 Hallelujah. Thank you so much brother Todd for your work of faith and labour of love to keep highlighting the biblical truths and ways a True Christian shall believe and live. Hallelujah.
If churches don't want people to rate their show/"service", then quit acting like an organization in which a group of professionals put on a show that people come watch 1-2x/week. Disclosure: Haven't watched the video yet.
James speaks on this. It is self serving favoritism. The part about money was an example, James spoke of favoritism and this clearly is about self serving vs other serving. On one hand, yes... we are not there to make friends and it be a social or country club. On the other hand, we are not to make friends and it be a social or country club. I'll substitute the less generalized form now. Not being greeted enough, spoken to enough, is not a reason to stop attending or claim it is not a church placing itself under the Holy Spirit. Selectively ignoring some especially while drowning others in fellowship, love, inviting over and helping out is unbiblical. Failing to stop favoritism and thinking, speaking, and behaving in worldly/fleshly ways is not biblical. If you are behaving in the same way as would be seen in a country or social club and your fellowship is self serving and limited to those you are comfortable with and it benefits your desires than that is directly violating what Christ modeled and commanded. Imagine a starving region and a family of the emaciated, exhausted, dehydrated people stumble into a church of overweight people throwing away luxurious treats and complaining about not enough cinnamon or such. They then ignore the starving family while they are so busy stuffing each others' faces and giving and receiving gifts of food. The starving family should be rebuked for envy and not being grateful, right? Well, technically they should get all their needs met by the Lord and learn humility, contentment, and gratitude while shunning envy. Would it end there? What did James say? One of the most common lies that is fully accepted today is to twist words and strawman an argument, request, or statement. Needs are not discussed as much as argued with shutdown statements, "so you are just not getting what you want" or any other manipulative lie taking the place of listening and applying the same care for the situation and other people as we would for ourselves. i.e. loving others as we love ourselves. I think calling someone 'racist' is phasing into other more trendy methods, but the mindset is common in the church more each day. Try actually listening and not arrogantly presuming or treating someone's everyday struggle as less important then 3 minutes of conversation you feel is awkward. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. It is much easier to contribute to the work of the Lord when those who are struggling within their own ministry are not ignored, treated with eye-rolling contempt, and their concerns twisted. Some people's primary ministry is their family that is a wreck. For those that can't comprehend this, try reaching out to others not in your ivory tower. (and please stop with the false equivalence excuses of, "we all sin", or "they too have problems" because God clearly teaches he gifts unequally and wants us to steward each of our lots). Try helping others that are just trying to survive and love their family well after it was metaphorically bombed. Not all have the same struggles, but all are expected with those different lots and equipping to love each other as members of the same body. Clearly apologize when you wrong someone, not stooping to weasel words and PR speech. More saving Grace, less saving face.
If one's church or idea of church doesn't match scripture truth then we must bow only to God's desires for us to conform ourselves to His idea of what church ( Ekklesia ) that honors and glorifies Himself not pleases us. Ekklesia is the Greek word for church in the New Testament. It means " Called Out Ones ". Individuals who are true children of Jehovah God have these marching orders to fullfill them being called out. " make disciples of all nations " - ( matheteusate ta ethne) we are never commanded from scripture to build buildings, budgets, organizations, institutions, or denominations! We are commanded and instructed to build disciples who will build still more disciples! Answering the prayer to the Lord of the harvest to raise up workers for the fields ripe unto harvest. ( Matthew 9:37-38 and fulfilling Ephesians 4:11-13. ) Now this would most likely get a negative review on one or more of these sites because this is not a traditional concept of how we view church today! So.... I agree with Todd in that! Our ways are never God's ways! Yet, neither is Todd's view of church Biblical or God honoring either! Tradition only serves man! We are simply disobedient to God in most every aspect of our actions as God's supposed ekklesia! We are not making disciples! We were never commanded to plant churches, build churches, build associations, build seminaries, ever-growing budgets & debt. That first century disciple simply obeyed Christ fully and preached, taught, and demonstrated the gospel and as they did this, they made still more disciples to join them the next time! This was the actions of the ekklesia as recorded in the book of Acts by the disciple Luke! Consequently that first century ekklesia took that gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole known world of their day inside of 70 years from the Day of Pentecost. History and the Book of Acts records them being obedient to Christ to accomplish this! In our day, some 2,000 years later, we now have over 5 billion people on our planet today whom have never heard even one redemptive word of Christ Jesus. With all of our organization, institution, tradition, resources, programs and denominations we have lost ground and continue to do so because we are disobedient! Christ Himself said this: " If you love Me, you will obey My commandments. " John 14:15. So the question begs..... Do We?
The "rumblings and complaining" was in reference to hardened people who struggled to adjust from life in slavery to free life in the wilderness. We are not as they were. We are rather softened to a life of convenience. And you, Mr Friel, are a sensationalist. That constant camera movement as you circle the room, cutting in and out, is just a sign that you cater to the times. It's only foul and annoying.
False teaching should absolutely be called out (and there's a process for that that comes before a review on Google), but if you're focused on the theatrics of it all, you're missing the point entirely.
People I know who are born again Christians have tried to serve, but they get tomatoes thrown at them and are persecuted by fellow Christians. They complain and talk about you behind your back. I can see why people get discouraged and stop serving. Why ? Because they have been hurt and don't have fellowship. Their are cliques in churches , so how do new members make friends? I just had a fellow Christian tell me that a pastor in Jacksonville Florida say the Bible does not say you must join a church and no instruction that calls for church membership. Some people try to serve but get overlooked. But we must continue on. It is hard to make friends at a local church especially when you are a new member. Plus now the older women are left out. It is all about the younger generation.
Tomatoes had my name on them! I've taken a few, and YES it' hard! But this is what happened to Jesus and to the prophets. It's Not YOU they are rejecting...but God IN-you! Don't falter! Believe me, there is someone desperate to find someone like you who can help them understand scripture better and learn how to walk with the Lord...Pray God will connect you up! At my church, the young fellas completely tossed out the "old guard" after our pastor retired due to failing health. The fellow who had been leading our adult bible study...who had wonderful knowledge, was replaced by the fellas who struggled to remember what they learned in Bible College 20 years ago. And if I contributed something a little deeper, or corrected one of them...all they did was glare at me. I was there to be a blessing, but they made me an enemy. I wasn't allowed to serve in any capacity according to my spiritual gifts b/c the guys were proud and looked down their nose at me. So, I left. It's the the 3rd time I have had to leave a church. The 1st was over psychology that had invaded the church. I wrote a letter to the pastor to voice "concerns" and was asked to leave. The 2nd time was after being asked by the retiring pastor to keep the Bible study going until a new pastor was brought in. Everyone was furious b/c they felt a woman should not lead a bible study. It was temporary and no one else wanted to. So, the pastor asked me. I felt honored. People who had known me for 2 years turned on me and began acting like little babies. So, I left. The new church is desperate for people to lead more Bible studies and home groups. They value the elderly! They want to pair up new believers and those struggling in life with the older saints for discipleship. They KNOW the older folks have walked with God longer, are students of scripture, and have life experience, and are able to help those who are young in the faith. HUGE difference. Some churches have an old timers group. At 60, I don't feel old one bit! But yeah, it can be hard to make friends. Hang in there!
Boy, this is a tough one for me. I haven’t attended a church in years. The churches I attended were lukewarm at best. Without going into much detail it seemed like we needed to earn our stripes before we would be accepted - and I am not referring to becoming a “member” of the church. In fact, one woman told me it took her and her husband about 4 years before they were “accepted”. I don’t want to attend a theatrical performance, I want sound doctrine and the gospel preached. I will gladly serve. I would like fellow congregants to want to get to know us. If we don’t bother to get to know each other, especially in smaller churches, then teaching and preaching can be acquired by listening to sermons/teachers elsewhere. So let me ask anyone who reads this and is currently attending church: What does it take and what does your local church want newcomers to do? It was my understanding that the Lord wants us to gather together and be there for one and another. Am I wrong? I will continue to pray and ask the Lord to guide me, and change my heart if that is the problem.
I have found the same issues that you have written about. It is not easy to just jump in and serve. Oftentimes, there is resistance to newcomers. I always hated the barrage of questions. It felt like there was an invisible checklist. When that happened, it didn't feel like there was a genuine effort to get to know us.
@@bambiwest1391 I agree! Unless people experience it personally, it is difficult for others to understand. Then, if you throw this issue on top of the difficulty with finding a church that is biblically sound, I have not been a member of a church in years and I miss it. But God is sovereign! And everything that I have been through in an attempt to find a church has been used for my good. There were doctrines and practices that I never heard about until I went into certain churches. For example, I never heard of Oneness Pentecostalism until I walked into a church unknowingly. It shocked and grieved my spirit so much. I couldn't understand how they were singing OUR Christians songs but were not talking about OUR God. God used this season to teach me about the false doctrines and practices that have infiltrated even true Christian churches. Also, the feeling of alienation that we have experienced in churches, God has made me aware to NOT do that to others. Everyone's life is not wrapped up in a neat, little box. Answering the questions that the typical Americans like to ask strangers is not always simple for some people. So, just make people feel welcomed and pray to God for discernment regarding them (not only regarding their sincerity but their needs). Don't be discouraged. Keep seeking God and looking for a church. Ask Him to open your eyes to the path that leads to the church that He has for you. 😊
To the John MacArthur clip at the beginning…Would you say that to Ezekiel in his day? Clap hands and stomp feet looks like the disruption in today’s a lethargic church pleading for them to wake up. Are we to be quiet and love the evil in pulpits, church boards, and elementary teachers? I know …Love one another. I agree. But the weakness of church leadership shows GOD may remove the lamp stand. GOD Please help us!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
All this is true IF the local church is focused on learning Gods word from scriptures and doing Gods word. However sadly as most comments have shown this is ether not present or is replaced with making people happy and feel good over being real followers of the Lord. It took me a long time to find a Church that taught and (at least from my perception) acted as close to scripture as one can be, however the elders rejected my membership cause they thought be cause I still sinned I was not saved or should what they thought were signs of salvation, dispite the fact I was able to explain scripture better then they could after (and my continuing) biblical studies. Very disappointing that these buildings with so call gatherings in the name of the Lord call themselves churches.
You, sir, are right! The message (that almighty God is the Truth, that that Holy Bible is the truth about that Truth, and that Jesus Christ is God The Son and the Saviour) is the foremost consideration! Any church, denomination, and pastor that is worth their salt will not depart from this! And the presence of Almighty God can just as much be in churches where there is no music or singing (which I prefer), as in those where the worship is highly expressive!
Todd is absolutely right. There's no place for negitive attitudes. Jesus Christ is our example. Follow Him. Stop complaining and being self righteous. 😊
@fourthplateau944 There's hundreds of fruitless churches. God honoring ones are hard to find. But they are there. If there's no fruit in the church and Christian walk is not taught, I would guess there are few Christians in that church. Look somewhere else.
@Realitytime2024 honestly thats where I'm at now. Everything I know about God is from my own studies, but head knowledge is hard to translate into acts for me. I've asked for more soteriology and hermeneutics but they just blow me off every time I ask. Thanks for the advice
What? Absolutely non-sense. Even Jesus had attitude towards false teachers, we are to expose them in love and respect. We are on our 7th church, why? Cognitive dissonance, the culture and habits within the body of Christ, worldly focus more than biblically focus and much more. We are to keep the body of Christ accountable. Paul said it very clearly, why do I have to judge the outside they are judged already, we are to judge those within… We are not criticizing the body of Christ but our brothers and sisters within our local congregation. Remember, Paul and the Corinthian church, although bad, they did not have Disney, Netflix, Only Fans and companies like Apple, we are to be more intentional and more careful to keep our brothers and sisters accountable to the Word.
"even teaching Ministries on the internet"...only if you are a shut in and/or have no other options. You are supposed to participate in a local body of believers.
Its not all easy sailing. Too many times ive witnessed members of lesser status fall through the cracks and eventually fall out of church or try to find one where they can fit in. Preachers now have a full time job and the preaching job is just a sideline. Early years being a preacher was a full time job. The members were looked after better. They would rather have the preacher visit rather than a deacon.
The whole point of going to church is? I like the way it is put in Revelation 22, but that is not the formulated experience these days. Why should I go listen to some dude pontificate about something he obviously knows very little about to edify himself and confuse everyone else? So difficult to find a group of people who actually want to devote themselves to knowing the truth about God without the pretense and burden imposed by the professional dogmatic traditionalisms.
What if you're a Biblical Sabbath individual and no congregation in reasonable closeness to you exists? The nearest Messianic congregation is 40-plus miles away.
Sorry Todd, I vehemently disagree. A "church" is simply four walls and a roof. A "church" is not above being reviewed like a restaurant, or theatre, or any other business, company, or institution. Modern churches are oftentimes all those aforementioned things. No church is beyond reproach. This is annoying me as this is actually DOYBLESPEAK. When you do a video on Bethel, or some other corporate or apostate church, isn't that akin to a review? It's simply done different it, here on RU-vid, is MONETIZED. So yes, you are speaking out of both sides of your mouth. To adhere to this video, then go and remove every video you've done exposing false churches and false pastors.
Me.. gets threatened with physical violence. Also me... Elders I am being abused. Elders... stop playing the victim. Yep, sounds absolutely loving to me.
Then the Church plays victim when people criticizes then or withholds offerings. I'd wager that your elders all live in bigger houses and have nice things than many others in your church. Jesus called people out for things like that
Even though teaching Ministries on the internet does qualify, when we are assembly together , we are the church not the building. Even though internet doesn't replace the local church assembling together must be in a true reform sound teaching Ministries.
I go to a church where the pastor is a businessman and runs the church likewise. He invests in property around the church and says the congregation should tithe to support these in vestments bough a nursing home a beautiful facility and wants to make it a home for battered women and unmarried pregnant women it’s good gut he doesn’t preach the word of God
Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
The sole purpose of us coming to church is to join our Christian brothers and sisters in Spirit to magnify the praise our God and Lord Jesus Christ deserves (not to get something out of church for ourselves. Church is not about ME and how church makes ME feel). It is easy to let doctrinal concern devolve into critical spirit that thinks it has found falsehood everywhere (just because things don't align with our way of thinking) and is unconcerned with the relational needs of the people around us. We as Christians are to guide others in biblical truth without unnecessary disputes (and no, calling out the sin of homosexuality, transgenderism, abortion, premarital sex, etc. is not judging, especially if you do so kindly and lovingly). If you see someone sinning, bring it to the attention of the individual between the two of you. If the individual refuses to repent, bring it to attention of an elder (pastor). If the pastor or the congregation doesn't do anything about this issue or tells you to mind your own business then simply leave this congregation and let God be the Judge.(Mat 18:15-20) But there is no need for slandering a congregation as it does nothing more than create more unnecessary drama.
Im guilty as charged ive been going through some stuff and people ive noticed treat me a little different in my self-righteous indignation i was getting angry i also noticed that the Lord was dealing with my pride so instead of criticism im going to see this through i hate it but i will not break fellowship because God is asking me to grow up and contribute to our church anyway its good advise and im going to see this through.
Some churches don’t even offer official memberships. But they’re solid Bible teaching churches. I am a part of one of those churches. And we keep an eye on each other like a family. We commit to serving and being there, But there is no formal membership, and I don’t feel that it dishonors Christ at all.
So I had another thought on this. You should probably retract some of your older content after this video. I mean if we go to our local church and should feel privilaged and not worry about the other stuff then I mean why should we care if we walk into a church like Hillsong and they have fire going everywhere and half naked mean dancing on the stage? Or why then should we care if they are kicking Bibles on Super Bowl Sunday? Right??? And so cleary now we can Trust pastors like Steven Furtick? Am I right?
It's difficult to contribute to a Church, because most have idols like crosses or images of what the church thinks Christ looks like. Which goes against the 1st commandment. We are not to have worship idols or images there should not be any kind of images or idols. Christ considers that a false gods
I do have a question if you read the Bible daily and pickup on things thats being preach is incorrect and point it out and no change is happening should you leave the church?
The only thing I judge is how much my church goes into the world and shines. All church does today is ask for free labor instead of accepting it as an offering. If no one is offering, it's because you doing produ e fruit. A fruitless church can only receive coerced assistance, just like charities and corporations.
The only problem is Ghandi was not saved. If he truly loved Jesus Christ he would have repented of his idolatry and trusted in the person and work of Jesus Christ
The 2 closest churches to my home are 1) A small Catholic church that no one ever even says hello back when I walk past and a UCC church that has digital info boards with stuff such as pro abortion, pro homosexuality, pro transgender, pro drag cross dressers, pro illegal immigration, pro socialism/communism. So how am I supposed to attend either of these or support them?
Being a person who has moved to a new area and is seeking a church for all the reasons you mentioned, I can say I almost always find the reviews unhelpful, dated, and bizarre in their focus. About the only time I find them helpful is when I see the comments that say “this preacher really preaches the word and I have learned and grown so much.” Unfortunately in my area I find that many of these reviews are pre-Covid and when I check out the church it’s either gone or the preacher is and about twelve people are left. I just don’t know what to do with that. I see that we have several Pentecostal churches who love to sing Hillsong and Bethel songs for most of the service whilst raising their hands, and many preachers who just continually spend their sermons telling us how to get saved which is important but then I see a congregation of true believers who are in their seventies and eighties and I feel like they are hungering for more. I hope and pray that we will find a church that has expository teaching and is true to scripture and full of true followers whom I already feel great love towards.
This spinning camera makes me dizzy. 2 stars. It seems like now it is preachers who don't like to be corrected. Why not? Do you think you are above correction? Reviews are simply church goers who are pointing out what is wrong with the church. Do you dishonor your position, act with pride, think you are above another? You deserve a bad review in that case. Do not think you are the only one who can accuse. Do you teach false doctrines? Christians have power, not some preacher who went to school to be ordained and yet knows nothing at all about Christ.
This video is kind of ironic. You don't like "negative reviews" of churches? Really?! Wretched spends most of its time complaining about, and finding fault with, every believer, pastor, evangelist, missionary, organization, youth group, and church of which it becomes aware. I acknowledge that many need guidance and correction, but this platform devotes a LOT of time to fault-finding and borderline backbiting. Even this video is another example of a critical posture toward the church. Maybe Wretched could do a video about self-awareness.
Yeah, I think that was the wrong verse quoted. I think is the verses that were meant: [1Jo 4:20-21 ESV] 20 If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
