Product of the American Gospel
This is a depiction of what we'd see if we could directly observe the spiritual realm surrounding most American churches. It's the product of preaching false gospels, concealing the reality of hell, comforting sin, entertainment, falsifying God's will for health, wealth, and prosperity, and otherwise failing to lead present generations to repentance.
I'm watching headline after headline, reading report after report of so-called pastors manipulating, sexually assaulting, and defrauding their congregations. There are even instances involving minors, substance abuse, and negligence. While these grotesque offenses may not represent the Body of Christ as a whole (indeed a majority probably won't get entangled in scandals), the high-profile cases of perversion and debauchery are silencing the authentic Christian message.
Jesus Christ is not an abuser. He is not a swindler. He is not a liar. He doesn't exploit His followers, put on a show to build an empire, or embezzle funds. Now, Judas Iscariot did steal from the treasury and betray the Lord for money, so perhaps some Christians are more like him than Jesus. The Savior was faithful to God's calling on His life and ministry. But as for the model American pastor, I'm starting to question the salvation of the uber-rich and self-reliant, who have no conviction of sin, and they're too proud to admit they have problems.
I won't link to it here, but look up the silly "pastor" who poured syrup on the Bible, trashed his church for a sermon illustration, and puts on a demonic Easter production every year. Check out the service where another "pastor" punted the Bible like a football. And then there's the latest sex crimes involving a "pastor" who allegedly violated multiple women even while building a 24-hour prayer ministry. On and on it goes. Platform pimps have made a mockery of Christianity by showcasing their own sin and stupidity.
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"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."
Gal. 6:7-10
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Rather than build on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-11), I see the American Church going the way of pagans. Christians are, in fact, worshiping idols. Not necessarily little statues on mantles, but idols of cultural morality, materialism, and trivial pursuits. Preachers are celebrities, churches play secular music and allow false prophets on stage. Some denominations are hosting drag shows and ordaining gender-confused people to serve in leadership roles.
This is an abomination.
When ministers present God as all love and no wrath; when they interpret salvation to mean a "get out of hell free" card; when church attendance becomes a prerequisite for acceptance; when the needs of the ministry are valued above desperate, hurting people - these bear false witness of who the Lord revealed Himself to be. Also, remember how Jesus overturned the tables in Matthew 21:12-13. He would respond the same way to 21st-century "money changers" who bank on the prosperity gospel and make guest appearances to promote books and swag.
Truly, all the shenanigans are because the typical Western Christian experience is pretty boring compared to the early church. Have you read the Book of Acts? First-century believers were powerful vessels of God who preached with conviction, healed the sick, and cast out unclean spirits under the anointing of the Holy Ghost. They made such a commotion during Apostle Paul's mission that they earned a reputation for turning the world upside down (Acts 17)! Today? We get to hear how precious and blessed we are, and all that's required is to repeat a "simple prayer" and give away 10% of our income.
MISSING IN ACTION
I wager the average Christian hasn't read the entire Bible cover-to-cover, only prays when the need is dire, has never successfully completed a fast, warms the pews maybe twice a month (or holidays), and leaves in the same spiritual condition they walked in with. This is the product of a religious system functioning without the presence of God. Those sincerely seeking the Lord may do better to encounter Christ before stepping foot into a church. Of course, we need some level of accountability in our walk, and we're commanded to gather with believers (Heb. 10:23-25). Nevertheless, the doctrines of the American Church are producing a rapid decline in faith, effectiveness, and influence.
A secular poll found that from 2009 to 2019, the percentage of Americans who identified as Christian dropped from 78% to 65%; in the same decade, those who considered themselves "religiously unaffiliated" increased from 17% to 26%; and those who claimed to be "atheist" went from 2% to 4%. While there are numerous factors contributing to these failing statistics, a significant cause is the Church's withdrawal from upholding biblical morality in the public sphere. Many believers are uneducated on cultural issues, they're too fearful to discuss faith in the workplace, they've ceased contending for the souls of loved ones, and evangelism typically means (repeatedly) inviting someone to Sunday service.
If you're not living in a nice Christian bubble, then you know the world is dying. You see every manmade system (including religion) crumbling. Humans are literally losing their minds. Violence, murder, and suicide are on the rise. In light of all this, and those who are perishing, it is sin to withhold truth from those who need it (Ja. 4:17). Staying inside the four walls and catering to the flesh is not our assignment (Matt. 28:19-20). If we continue on our current path, it will lead to the death of the American Church. Pray for a move of God and let it begin in you.
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