Is it too late?

[Magenta]

awesomely said. though there are many things we can notice in the world at many times and and this can be good too. all of these things should be applied to ourselves also (not just to others).

things like this bring to mind the verse, "the way is narrow and few.. "

there are those not really walking in The Way at all in Christianity (or the Christian title) , and then there are those that are somewhat and if in power or famous or writing songs they are walking however much they are or not, i don't know. then there are the more serious followers and even more serious then them, and so on..

the Bible (spirit) tells us, "come out from among them and be ye separate". there is is so much actually to come out from, and over time we learn and discover and realize all these different things to leave behind though in the beginning we can realize these things also.

i think this is what this subject/thread speaks to -- that is to say that it is speaking of a way all true-r followers of the Nar - row - ing Way will need to come out of/ discover about/ see on the road to Christ (at the beginning, middle, and/or ending of the narrowing, narrowing Way of Christ).

That is very true that not all church-goers are Christian, and it is probably a good thing that this is being made more evident with those who do not truly believe leaving, since historically, people went to church as a matter of protecting their very lives, feeling forced to not out of belief but out of fear of repercussions if they did not attend as was expected of them. Also, some of these mega churches readily admit that they are not necessarily for born again Christians, being geared to seekers (called "seeker friendly"). I wish I had/could find the link to a video that I posted a few years ago with this admission from the leader of a well-known mega church.

 

[Lanolin]

what you only just noticing NOW? This was happening 20 years ago.

Its like those dead malls. Someone was greedy.

in fact, it was happening way back in Jesus time. You know that temple that was like the centrepiece of Jersualem? It was like the biggest mega mall of the day. The 'carpark' and 'shops' were bigger than the actual temple area.

God didnt want to stay in such an abomination to His name, the Israelites had sold Him out.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Those of us who speak up will be labeled old fashioned or legalists.

Sure, those who speak up will be marginalized and trivialized in some way, this goes without saying.

The early Christians in Rome were criticized for being "anti-social" because the refused to participate in the paganism and Roman emperor worship. Nothing's new under the sun. Those willing to speak up or not go along today face similar criticism.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Here's a video clip of another conference darling, Francis Chan. Watch out, if you criticize Rick Warren you might end up dead.

 

[glen55]

what you only just noticing NOW? This was happening 20 years ago.

Its like those dead malls. Someone was greedy.

in fact, it was happening way back in Jesus time. You know that temple that was like the centrepiece of Jersualem? It was like the biggest mega mall of the day. The 'carpark' and 'shops' were bigger than the actual temple area.

God didnt want to stay in such an abomination to His name, the Israelites had sold Him out.

God stayed, look in the mirror and see Jesus a son of man before he woke up in you. everythink of Gods kingdom is in not the shadow of creation, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

 

[CherieR]

Even if it is just a greeting it's not proper:

"Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works."-2 John 9-11

According to God's word, not my word, greeting a person who teaches false doctrine, and doesn't repent, is the same as taking part right along with them!



I'll start with a song by Lauren Daigle, "You Say." A megahit by anyone's standard. I happen to really like this song; however, does it promote the gospel of Christ? The song doesn't really say anything false but what it doesn't say is remarkable:

And I believe (I)​

Oh, I believe (I)​

What You say of me (I)​

I believe​

She believes, well and good; we should believe. But nowhere do her lyrics say anything about believing in Him! Jesus told us what to believe in John 8:24:

"Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

This song has just enough truth to "pass" but not enough to really help anyone looking for truth. This is typical of all the popular ccm hits.

In 2012, the David Crowder Band released "Give Us Rest," a concepts album based on the Catholic church's Mass for the Dead. In this video clip, Crowder (Mr. "Red Letters") explains the album. Notice his references to "the church" and "all the way back to the beginning of the church." Is he equating the beginning of the "church" with the Catholic church? It sure sounds like it to me.

Since this time, Crowder has appeared at numerous conferences with other people who enthusiastically embrace the Catholic church. Rather than taking part with them, shouldn't he be calling them out? Remember 2 John 11: ". . .for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works."

Matt Maher is a ccm artist who is a practicing Catholic. I'm not that familiar with him but apparently he's quite popular.

Then there's Jesus Culture. This band was formed by Bethel Church in Redding, California, led by Bill Johnson. Johnson is a memeber of the New Apostolic Reformation which is associated with Rodney Howard-Brown (the Holy Ghost bartender), the Toronto Blessing, the Lakeland Revival and the Kansas City Prophets. Bethel is known for it's "manifestions" of the Holy Spirit in the form of a glory cloud in the sanctuary; gold dust falling from the ceiling or magically appearing on people's hands; and feathers falling from the ceiling (this is apparently a reference to God having "eagle's wings"). This is the church and the theology that produced Jesus Culture. Bethel Music is Bethel Church's record lablel and is responsible for some of the most popular ccm.

I could go on and on but there's not enough hours in the day.

Generally in regards to Christian music, I consider what are the lyrics to the song. I don’t mind listening to Christian music from someone who is Catholic or LDS or a secular artist. If I like the lyrics and how the song sounds, then I don’t mind who it is singing. I don’t mind listening to secular music if it encourages me or I really enjoy the song. I have listened to Bethel and Jesus Culture before. If I’m not mistaken Bethel is a part of Hillsong music? I have enjoyed some of their songs though I wouldn’t say they’re my favorite music artists. Some of my favorite Christian music artists are Blanca, Fernando Ortega, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Card and Casting Crowns.

 

[CherieR]

A personal favorite song of mine is from David Phelps Gentle Savior. It is a beautiful prayer.

 

[Evmur]

Yes, megachurches grow larger and larger; Christian conferences abound and grow more prolific every year; ecumenicism is on the rise; contemporary Christian music is bigger ($$$) and more popular now than ever. But is it for the good?

People like Rick Warren praise the pope (from "papa," Holy Father ), saying of Catholics in a tweet: "If you love Jesus, we may serve on different teams, but we're in the same league of receiving His grace and forgiveness"; Louie Giglio of Passion Church and his wife meeting and kissing the Pope. This is but the tip of the iceberg.

Church is nothing but big business. No one is accountable for sin. If someone is good for business they're in, regardless of whether they teach heresy or not. Formerly conservative preachers like John MacArthur have apparently swallowed the Kool-Aid.

Have we already gone over the cliff? If so, what should true and faithful believers do? You can't rebuke. People like Rick Warren are above rebuke. You can't rebuke the contemporary Christian music industry or their artists, they don't care, all they want is $$$ and more of it. If you try to warn people they'll tell you you're crazy.

I believe the time has come for worldly christianity (lower case intentional) to be exposed for what it is. Much of what's going on is deliberately designed to cater to the younger generation. A whole generation is growing up thinking this is what Christianity is.

I didn't spend a lot of time on this post so it may not be that eloquent; it's a heartfelt plea that hopefully the Lord will use for some good.

There are plenty of good fellowships out there and plenty of faithful ministers, even some good ones on TV ... Jesus had megachurch

 

[CherieR]

@ResidentAlien here is a song I thought you may like...

 

[soberxp]

Yes, megachurches grow larger and larger; Christian conferences abound and grow more prolific every year; ecumenicism is on the rise; contemporary Christian music is bigger ($$$) and more popular now than ever. But is it for the good?

People like Rick Warren praise the pope (from "papa," Holy Father ), saying of Catholics in a tweet: "If you love Jesus, we may serve on different teams, but we're in the same league of receiving His grace and forgiveness"; Louie Giglio of Passion Church and his wife meeting and kissing the Pope. This is but the tip of the iceberg.

Church is nothing but big business. No one is accountable for sin. If someone is good for business they're in, regardless of whether they teach heresy or not. Formerly conservative preachers like John MacArthur have apparently swallowed the Kool-Aid.

Have we already gone over the cliff? If so, what should true and faithful believers do? You can't rebuke. People like Rick Warren are above rebuke. You can't rebuke the contemporary Christian music industry or their artists, they don't care, all they want is $$$ and more of it. If you try to warn people they'll tell you you're crazy.

I believe the time has come for worldly christianity (lower case intentional) to be exposed for what it is. Much of what's going on is deliberately designed to cater to the younger generation. A whole generation is growing up thinking this is what Christianity is.

I didn't spend a lot of time on this post so it may not be that eloquent; it's a heartfelt plea that hopefully the Lord will use for some good.

We can't blame them， at least, let Lord blame them .
These things you're talking about will only lead to a breakdown of the church，
Of course, the church has some problems, so please point out face to face and peace to peace.
We can't blame them， at least, let Lord blame them .

 

[Aidan1]

You describe worldly things from a worldly perspective. The "real" church is the Body of Christ.

Thats correct! Maby ResidentAlien meant what I also observe, christianity and even what we would call conservative/fundamental (Jesus as fundament) churches become open for worldly influence and values.
We have in germany a famous charismatic catholic who is a good speaker. Many konservative believers follow him. The things he teaches are right, but he teaches also the RRC doctrine. One RCC bishop calls him the bridgehead to the evangelicans ( conservative Christians)
The Motto is: Jesus units- doctrine separates.
Normaly this is correct. But not on cost of the truth!
This name is ecumenism!
I would say its not to late, but the sign of the time.

 

[JaumeJ]

Thats correct! Maby ResidentAlien meant what I also observe, christianity and even what we would call conservative/fundamental (Jesus as fundament) churches become open for worldly influence and values.
We have in germany a famous charismatic catholic who is a good speaker. Many konservative believers follow him. The things he teaches are right, but he teaches also the RRC doctrine. One RCC bishop calls him the bridgehead to the evangelicans ( conservative Christians)
The Motto is: Jesus units- doctrine separates.
Normaly this is correct. But not on cost of the truth!
This name is ecumenism!
I would say its not to late, but the sign of the time.

Perhaps your line of undersstanding is more according to what our Jesus Yeshua taught and teaches us.

We whho believe Him are living stones of the Temple.

He is the Head and the Corner stonee rejected of mankind and ascended to heaven.

He declared to His Apostles when they commented on the bauty of the Temple, there shall not be one stone left upon the other before He returns.

This agrees with the teaching also in Daniel how those of understanding will be scattered.

It is all in the Book, and the Book has our Lord inside revealed only by the Holy Spirit, otherwise it is dead.

 

[Cygnus]

Well, I've been affected..

My wife has just divorced me, and I've struggled with thinking o wanted the divorce to. My faith in Christ .. the Word saying don't divorce her ... so she did the divorcing, but my emotions saying.. I dont want to be with her anyway.

Yeah so now.. trying to get back to Christs Word. I see all the trouble going and feel muted because I fail in similar things.

My own church is kinda bible Baptist ..with a handful of us.. so there is no hiding. I wish yo be faithful in the future so my testimony is restored

Take heart, I can tell you from personal experience the Sun does rise in the morning. Seek, Ask, and Knock!! Remember Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. You are No different than any of the rest of us, don't feel muted, rise above!

 

[ResidentAlien]

If I’m not mistaken Bethel is a part of Hillsong music?

Hillsong's a product of Hillsong church based in Austailia. There are three of four different groups with "Hillsong" in their name but they all come from Hillsong church. Hillsong church is led by Brian Houston—another outstanding example. In 1999 he wrote a book entitled You Need More Money. I'm sure we can take "You" out of the title and replace it with "I" and we'll be closer to the mark.

In a 2014 sermon Houston said: "Do you know—take it all the way back into the Old Testament—and the Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God. Allah, to a Muslim; to us, Abba Father, God." Allah, the one of whom it's balsphemous to say he has a son? Is this the Allah he's talking about? He tried to walk it back in the wake of the outrage that followed.

Houston's good friends with all the other big name prosperity (false) teachers. This is where we get Hillsong.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Houston's good friends with all the other big name prosperity (false) teachers. This is where we get Hillsong.

From several other reports Hillsong has seriously corrupted Christian music. And all Prosperity Gospel preachers are in fact false teachers. The Gospel never was about material prosperity.

 

[CherieR]

Hillsong's a product of Hillsong church based in Austailia. There are three of four different groups with "Hillsong" in their name but they all come from Hillsong church. Hillsong church is led by Brian Houston—another outstanding example. In 1999 he wrote a book entitled You Need More Money. I'm sure we can take "You" out of the title and replace it with "I" and we'll be closer to the mark.

In a 2014 sermon Houston said: "Do you know—take it all the way back into the Old Testament—and the Muslim and you, we actually serve the same God. Allah, to a Muslim; to us, Abba Father, God." Allah, the one of whom it's balsphemous to say he has a son? Is this the Allah he's talking about? He tried to walk it back in the wake of the outrage that followed.

Houston's good friends with all the other big name prosperity (false) teachers. This is where we get Hillsong.

I haven’t listened to Brian Houston much at all. I used to watch pastors on tv more often. I have someone online I like to listen to whose theology sounds very sound. He does some apologetics as well.

 

[Nehemiah6]

wattie, are you and I the only ones who have noticed what's going on? Has everyone else swallowed the Kool-Aid? Is the apostacy upon us?

No everyone has not swallowed the Kool-Aid. The apostasy which has taken hold of Christendom has a long history. Apart from the apostasy of the Catholic Church from around 400 AD, the mainline denominations departed from Gospel truth and Bible truth a long time ago (early 20th century).

Then the fundamentalists who came out of those denominations began to be compromised by succeeding generations, so that there are now very few who hold strictly to the Word of God. But Paul had prophesied about this apostasy while he was writing his epistles. Christ had already warned us that in the last days there would be false prophets, false teachers, and false brethren. All of this is leading up to the Resurrection/Rapture and the revelation of the Antichrist.

 

[ResidentAlien]

No everyone has not swallowed the Kool-Aid. The apostasy which has taken hold of Christendom has a long history. Apart from the apostasy of the Catholic Church from around 400 AD, the mainline denominations departed from Gospel truth and Bible truth a long time ago (early 20th century).

Then the fundamentalists who came out of those denominations began to be compromised by succeeding generations, so that there are now very few who hold strictly to the Word of God. But Paul had prophesied about this apostasy while he was writing his epistles. Christ had already warned us that in the last days there would be false prophets, false teachers, and false brethren. All of this is leading up to the Resurrection/Rapture and the revelation of the Antichrist.

God speed Nehemiah6. That's one good thing about all this I guess. It points to the soon return of the Lord.

 

[ResidentAlien]

@ResidentAlien here is a song I thought you may like...

That's a pretty good video. Better than a lot I've seen. At least it's based on a scripture verse.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Jesus had megachurch

What do you mean?