Dr. Lewis W. Gregory
Some examples: “Almost half of practicing Christian Millennials say Evangelism is wrong…. A number of factors … including the decline of religion in America, a spreading apathy toward spiritual matters and a growing cultural suspicion of people of faith.” (Barna Group 2/5/19) “ON AVERAGE, CHRISTIANS GIVE 2.5% OF THEIR INCOME TO CHURCHES. During the Great Depression, they gave 3.3%.” (Nonprofit Source, 2018)
Personally, I have observed an increasing lack of emphasis on the Lord Jesus Christ in the preaching, teaching, writing and singing. When you remove the Head of the church, you cut off the Life of the church. No Christ, no Christianity! It takes Christ to make a Christian. Without Christ all that remains is a religious organization. There are many other examples, these are just the most recent. But suffice it to say that the church as we know it is no more.
The Bible is clear, we reap what we sow. No discipleship, no disciples! No wonder they call it “the great omission.” Churches have left out the great commission. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Tragically much of what remains today is but a form of godliness, an imitation of the real thing. The participants go through the motions of religious activities, learn moral codes of conduct and gain biblical information with no life changing transformation. And lacking the true substance of CHRIST Himself the so called “church” is merely a religious institution with no eternal value.
But not so for the true church – the body of Christ – comprised of all those believers in-dwelt by the living Lord Jesus Christ. These disciples of Christ are the true Church. And the true church, which is the temple of the living God, is alive and well! Hallelujah!!!
“But in vain do they worship me, teaching doctrines and commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20
“For the preaching of the cross . . . is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
“But you shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6
Discipleship Resource – https://www.sourceministries.net/go/resources/the-new-you/
Copyright©2019 Dr. Lewis Gregory
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Thu, Feb 7, 2019
Christian Living, Cross, Discipleship, Leadership, Ministers, Prayer, Revival, Spiritual Awakening, Spiritual Growth, TEACHING, Written Articles