Have you ever wondered why Christianity today seems weak and feeble compared to the early church? Is it because what the Bible asks of Christ’s followers is unrealistic? Is it because people and society have changed? Is it because times have changed and God’s Word and standards need to be updated? Or is it because Christians and churches have changed?
Over the years Christianity, that powerful force that swept across the nations and changed lives and governments, has become the victim of man’s editing. Churches are having difficulty attracting the lost because their teaching and preaching does not agree with their practices and policies.
Before you read any further, let me assure you that this book is not intended to condemn, criticize, or chastise any person or group of people. It is merely an attempt to awaken readers to some of the flaws which have been allowed to creep into churches and Christianity in general.
As you read, you may feel some of the statements contained in this book do not apply to your particular church – and they may not. However, if you will read with an open mind, I believe you will agree that the statements do apply to churches in America as a whole and if the majority of churches fit the descriptions given, is it not necessary for the minority to speak up and endeavor to change the message that far too many people are receiving?
Far too many of the pulpits which once boldly proclaimed “thus saith the Lord” and “even the vilest sinner can be forgiven” are now being used to express men’s opinions, address political and social issues, and teach limited and conditional forgiveness.
In early America, pastors saw themselves as undershepherds of God who were responsible for the well being of the flock He entrusted to their watch care. Today there are far too many who see themselves as CEO’s responsible for the management of the “business” of the church. A growing number of pastors spend more time filling out paperwork and reports for their superiors, and attending seminars and conferences, than they do preparing their sermons and reaching out to a lost and hurting world.
Many Christians are starting to realize that the greatest danger to Christianity today, the reason churches are losing the ability to attract sinners and change lives, is not other religions or even apathy. It is something else. It is something within the church. Although the church has always proclaimed that sinners can be saved and have their sins forgiven, it has not always practiced such. Today there is a growing tendency within the church to proclaim forgiveness for all sins, yet practice unforgiveness for some, and only limited or conditional forgiveness for others.
Harry and Randy were known for their terrible attacks upon anyone who crossed them. Randy became a Christian and his life changed. Harry’s life continued to be filled with violence.
Don and Scott were both Christians, both were married, and both had an extra-marital affair. Scott continued to have affairs while Don did not.
George and Nathaniel both claimed to be Christian, yet they both relied upon their own abilities to handle any situation they faced until Nathaniel had an encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Jeff and Josh were best friends. Neither of them could control their temper until Jeff became a Christian.
Lynn and Ann learned at an early age that lies were an easy way out of difficult situations. Years later Ann was able to stop lying whereas Lynn continued to do so.
John and Lou were both ministers. Denominational leaders learned of a sin in each of their past lives before they had become a pastor.
What should be the consequences for each of these people? Should the consequence be the same for the same sin? Who should decide what the consequence should be? How long should any punishment last?
Questions like these have plagued the Christian community for years and these are the questions this book will examine.
In order to examine this problem, it will be helpful to understand what I call the four states of mankind.
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