Society's Church

For centuries past and still prevalent today, most churches model more of a man made religion rather than participating as the body of Christ. They fail to consider the contradiction between what Jesus says and what they actually practice. Those who commit themselves to denominational traditions over the clear Word of Truth are simply more interested in being recognized and accepted by the masses they so familiarly socialize with. As well, a church that has conformed to their culture's present mode of what is popular will be soft about accountability among themselves regarding the Spiritual admonitions of discipleship.

Church leaders fail to do much more than take the sheep to God's green pasture to feed. Basic member participation for most churches consists of faithful Sunday morning attendance, practical areas of serving, Bible studies, attending programs and joining small groups (which is usually more Bible study). This simply keeps them occupied and busy, affording their humanity a sense of religious justification. Members who do not experience much more than this will become content with socializing in lieu of Spiritual fellowship.

There is a tendency among leaders to place functional importance of members based on their social stature, education, and practical abilities; standards and expectations the rest of the world embraces. Few congregants are recognized for their spiritual gifts and thus, the Holy Spirit's guidance and work for them is consistently quenched. The elders of the church should be teaching and encouraging the flock to draw from the Spirit of God in order to bring joy and abundant life to their Biblical knowledge, that the church may attain Spiritual unity, not just social commonality.

For a body to worship in Spirit and Truth, the current structure of many churches will need to be completely dismantled. New seeds must be planted if a different crop is going to be harvested.

Just how far has "the church" strayed from the Lord? If tradition trumps Truth and societal religion takes the place of Spiritual relationship, then it would be wrong to consider that church as the body of Christ.

 "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. "
(Colossians 2:1)

"If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." (Colossians 2:20-23)

PJR

"...when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
(Luke 18:8)