The Sunday Performance (Called a Worship Service)

Vanity is a huge problem in the church of today. Unfortunately it is often about how it all looks to be, rather than how it really is. A full blown version of this is the success of the megachurches. (Not really necessarily success, but having the numbers.) There appears to be a great attraction to music, lighting and charismatic preaching. The patrons get their feel good experiences with the whole performance and they get to be a part of something much bigger than themselves.(By the way that is an inherent need of all man because we were designed to be a part of "The Body of Christ")(Some people fulfill this need by being a member of a club) Above all they believe that they have salvation, because that is what they are told and everyone else believes it too. So what is wrong with all of this? Well if it is a worship service, who is being worshiped? How much of what is being said and done is to receive the praise of an audience, rather than for the Glory of God? The next problem is the smaller churches following in the footsteps of their larger counterparts. Why? Well it is possible that the smaller churches want to be bigger churches (nothing wrong with that by the way) and they see a formula for success in the bigger and more supposedly successful role models. If you look in a lot of church buildings today you will see an elevated stage for the band and an elevated place for the preacher, you may even have special effect lighting and an elaborate sound desk so that it can all be just right. Everything is often well rehearsed and worked out with precision, so that everything can go off without a hitch. Oh and do not forget the prayer meeting before the service, telling God how they want it all to work out. What a religious abomination! Even in the fellowship after such a service, what gets talked about? How often is it God? The Apostle Paul warned Timothy and us about these times in 2 timothy 3.

2 TIMOTHY 3 NKJV

 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God! How many of the attendees would you ask what the sermon was about after the service and they could not tell you? How many want to discuss the football or a trip that they might have had or one that they are planning, etc.? What is their focus, themselves or God?(By the way I am not saying that there is anything wrong with either of these things, but when God never seems to get a mention it is fairly obvious who their life is about.) Also notice that the above scripture also describes other sinful strongholds over the "Last Days" church. An unsanctified church? An unsaved church? The answer is yes and yes! In fact Paul tells Timothy and us to turn away from such people.

So how does this get fixed???

2 TIMOTHY 2 : 15-17 NKJV

 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

It is time to get real with God!

It is time for Repentance!

It is time to seek God in prayer and in His Word, to find the way! (By the way this is for everyone who wants to be a true disciple of Christ!)

Is time to be corrected by God!

If you really want to know God and see His salvation, then I urge you to seek Him with all of your being.