The Church is shrinking daily. The numbers are now so low that it will disappear in about the next ten years if this “disappearance rate” continues.
What has been the source of this issue? After the first century the Church started to change right up to today. Things like sacrifices we reintroduced into the Church and slowly but surely religion increased and the Holy Spirit disappeared for a long time. Even today claims are made by many that they have the Holy Spirit in their lives but this cannot be seen at all.
Some, not all, of the problem sources are detailed as follows:
1. THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS THE KING HAS LARGELY DISAPPEARED.
Decisions are taken based on systems and structures within the Church and the King of Kings is ignored.
2. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS NO LONGER IN THE CHURCH.
3. PRAYER HAS TO A LARGE EXTENT DISSAPPEARED. NO PRAYER. NO CHURCH?
4. DEEDS HAVE INCREASED.
But not lead by the Holy Spirit.
5. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
In the Gospels in the new testament, the Church is mentioned only twice.The Kingdom of God is mentioned one hundred and twenty six times. What is the Gospel? It is God’s new government based on love not laws. Have you heard this before?
6. INCREASED ACTIVITY BETWEEN CHURCH AND STATE.
The Church identity is nearly gone.
7. CHURCH IS NOW THE TRUTH.
Many different views are present and Jesus, The Truth, is ignored.
8. COMMERCIALISATION.
Some examples are Christmas and Easter. Worship songs and music are subjected to copyrights. And a lot more!
9. THE GREAT COMMISSION IS LARGELY IGNORED.
Keep contact with your brothers and sisters in your own Church. Then maybe tell some other people as well, how important is the Church.
10. DELIVERANCE.
The setting free of captives is also ignored.The Gospels all read together reflect the Great Commission which includes captives being set free by The King of Kings.
Children’s needs are almost totally ignored!
11. HEALING:
Again ignored to a large extent.
12. HOLINESS.
Not spoken about or taught.
13. OBEDIENCE.
Has been thrown away.
14. COMING TO CHURCH ON SUNDAYS IS NOT DISCIPLESHIP.
15. NO FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN DENOMINATIONS.
“I am better than you”.
16. RULES MUST BE REPLACED BY
LOVE.
17. JESUS MOVED US FROM DARKNESS INTO THE LIGHT.
Not acknowledged by most members of the Church.
18. WAR IN THE UNSEEN WORLD MOSTLY IGNORED.
19. REPENTANCE IS GONE.
20. FASTING IS GONE.
21. LIFE SKILLS GONE.
22. NO EXPECTATIONS FROM OUR KING.
23. WORSHIP “SERVICES”.
In the first century there were no worship “services” . Why? The interpretation of the original Greek words were incorrect . Please refer to Dr.Wadsworth, in America. Sunday gatherings according to Paul were held to “build up ”
(1 Corinthians 14:26.) There were no sermons.
24. MORE DOCTRINES ARE SOURCED FROM SONGS OF SO CALLED PRAISE.
Not from the Word of The Most High God.
25.THE FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS AND WIDOWS.
What is the Church’s involvement with orphans and widows? These are two groups of people that God has a special place for in His Heart. Most of the time non Church ministries such as non profit organisations care for them. Not the Church.
26. ACCOUNTABILITY IS GONE.
27. GENERATIONAL SEPARATION.
The elderly are set aside and have separate “Services”.This is but one example of generational separation . How can God be elevated by only one generation on it’s own? Like it or not. Start with the elderly and then move upward. His Majestic Power must be passed on from generation to generation. (Psalm 78)
28. NOT ONE MAN NOR ONE WOMAN CAN DOMINATE OR CONTROL ANY CHURCH.
ELDERS are referred in Scripture. They are the ones who have different Spiritual Gifts in order that they might serve the gathering as described in the New Testament.
There is not one person who controls the Church in Scripture. See :
1 Timothy 3 : 1-7, Acts 20:17, Hebrews 13 vs 17.”Pastor System” not in the Bible.
29. FIRST CENTURY CHURCH.
Look at 1 CORINTHIANS Chapters 11 to 14 as well as Acts 2:42-47.
These gatherings were held in homes. Not in huge buildings as done today. Read what King Jesus said about the Temple in Matthew 24.1-2. Gone! And the third Temple is on the way? No. We are the third temple. God lives in us. A great deal can still be said about the Church today eg about rebirth etc. but___.
30. WORSHIP IS ABOUT ME, NOT THE GOD MOST HIGH.
Once again so much can be said about this subject. But not right now. Worship is not singing but it is everything we do now and will do forever more.
31. WHO CAN “FIX” THE CHURCH?
Only the Head of The Church,
His name is Jesus. The King of Kings. But have you read the Word? Have you been reborn?
WE MUST HUMBLY OURSELVES BEFORE HIS THRONE AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS. THEN ASK HIM TO FIX THAT WHICH WE ALL MESSED UP IN HIS HOLY CHURCH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS WILL.
GOD BLESS YOU.