SermonStudio

Purpose statement: Has the trend in our religion or faith today deteriorated to the point where our churches are in danger of becoming simply a good time social-club experience?

Since the '60s there seems to have been revitalization in religious interest and participation, but it also seems to be in a specific direction or following a definite pattern. Religious growth is found in new congregations springing up on the suburban edges of communities (and rarely found in inner cities or elsewhere in larger cities) and housed in buildings that look like schools. Often a sign out front is the only clue to the nature of the building as they generally shy away from obvious religious symbols and traditional church architecture, including the modern church architecture. The theology of the church, which will usually be conservative, is "good time" theology. It is intended to make the members happy, satisfied, and justified, in contrast to a "full gospel" theology, which does not just inspire and lift up, but also challenges and disturbs. Remember the prophets, the religious leaders of the Bible, and even Jesus seriously offended people. When we go to church we should expect to be inspired, comforted, and supported. However, we should also expect to have times when we don't like what we hear. If I understand what Jesus was really saying about possessions and wealth, among many other challenging ideas, I should be very uncomfortable. In contrast, the modern trend seems to be a one-dimensional message.

a. What: Today's church experience is all about feeling good about yourself. "I'm okay, you're okay. God loves you and you are a good person. Your sins are forgiven, so just forget them. We won't talk about nasty issues that make you feel uncomfortable such as: capital punishment, racism, separation of church and state, and similar issues. We're saved; we will give others a chance to have our salvation if they will come to our church; if not, it's a shame. Those liberal churches are sending people to hell." Hiding behind this theology is an attitude suggesting that the unsaved deserve their unfortunate conditions. "The poor, the criminal, the unlikable, the liberal, and the unconventional created their own misery. Who knows, God may have predestined them to be lost. Who are we to second-guess God? If it were intended they should be saved, they would come to our church. We would make some of them welcome." These are the vibrations emanating from these churches, which are even beginning to influence the direction of the mainline churches.

b. Why: The pastor wants to be popular (and consequently needs to have a great personality), and must avoid all controversy and unpleasant topics. The secret is to appease the members so as not to lose any; we must maintain church growth. It helps when church members can feel they are in a very select or elite group knowing there are plenty of persons who are left out, and who deserve to be. We want to be assured that our many possessions are not sinful despite what Jesus may have said concerning materialism. As long as we go to church and take our loyalty oath to Jesus, proclaiming him a good guy, everything will be all right.

c. So: The church today may be in danger of losing its purpose and sense of mission. We should heed the danger of materialism and greed. We must not be paternalistically self-righteous nor be looking for a pat on the back validation of our salvation. There may be more honesty in our faith if we find our self squirming over the difficult demands of the Christian lifestyle -- the authentic Christian way that resulted in the persecution of the first followers of Jesus.

For related scripture see Matthew 23:23-28.