I was researching churches in another city for a friend....and one church seemed to be the most popular in the area.....and I use that phraseology....most popular.....purposely. It took me a while in trying to navigate the website to find anything of substance.....and I'm not sure that I ever did.....for other than a few sermon titles which told me nothing....I have yet to come across what they actually believe.....but I did find plenty of information on numerous ministries.....along with all kinds of pictures of singers.....whether they were in concerts or during worship services I do not know. The website itself seemed to be top-notch professional in its layout.
Folks....flee these entertainment centers....which are literally everywhere in America.....and you can see the America that they produce. 'Oh' you might say....'they are trying to give us conservative leaders....so we won't be the type of America that we have today.' That's just the problem....these are churches.....it is not their job to give us good conservative leaders....it is not their job to give us democracy and certainly not nationalism....it is their calling to preach Christ....and Him crucified....to feed the sheep.....and protect them from wolves!So where in my arrogance would I say that one should go? That's another problem....sound biblical churches are in a distinct minority.....and the ones that are out there are usually so small that you can hardly see their sign let alone find a website.
Where we aren't in such bad shape today in America is in national ministries. I wouldn't want to be misunderstood....they are still probably 95% bad.....but at least with a fair amount of research and some heavy-duty prayer....you can find them.
When you do find one.....attach yourself to them like you would your favorite fitness trainer! Live in your Bible....and seek fellowship with others who at least know that there is a problem. As for church....do the best that you can....be the only one if need be that is sober-minded.....and the only one that actually discerns God's warning to us....and maybe the only one that goes to the pastor and says.....as did Dickens' Oliver Twist who with boldness went up to the taskmaster....and asked for more food!
Pray that God might move in your pastor's heart and mind....and in the congregation....for we all have been read the riot act in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation....unless you think you are in one of the two churches without problems....and I hope that you do not think that....but even in the Laodicean church forgiveness was offered....and love for it was still declared.
Do these words seem harsh to you? Well....read Jude again sometime.....and see what he said about "pulling [some] out of the fire".....or read Paul's very sarcastic words to the Corinthians in the eleventh chapter of his second epistle to them....warning them of false apostles.
There are certainly large churches that are strong.....John MacArthur's would be one. If you are a member of one then be thankful.....but for the majority of them....they took the wrong path quite a while back....and so many believers are stuck in them....thinking that they are part of a vibrant Christian church.....not having any idea what a strong church is....nor ever even having heard a sermon preached as it should be.
