Has Today’s Church become like PERGAMUM (“thoroughly married”)…

The Worldly or Compromised Church?

Spiritual Harlot…

James 4:4

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?

Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Have we made the church more comfortable for “The World” than for Christians?

Have we compromised or diluted the Gospel in our churches by…?

·  Not mentioning “sin” or “repentance”, so not to offend the unsaved.

“Repentance” (turning away from sin) is not necessary for salvation.”

Praying “Forgive us our trespasses is not necessary- it was spoken before the Cross”

·  Removing “church words” (saved, born-again, blood, atonement, redemption, etc)

·  Using unsound, inaccurate translations of Scripture to keep God’s Word “fresh”?

·  Primarily preaching to meet “felt needs” because “People aren’t interested in learning doctrine anymore”

·  Using more “stories” and “illustrations” than Scripture when teaching

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

·  Choosing worldly music to attract the unsaved rather than to reverently worship our Lord?

Do we tolerate sin so we can be seen more as “Contagious Christians” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)

·  More accepting of sin in the church, so we’re not thought to be “legalistic”

·  Not disciplining wayward members (lawsuits!)

Do we personally sound, look, and act like “the world”?

·  Use “vernacular” speech, without reflecting the character of Christ?

·  Prefer to dress in a revealing way to attract others, rather than reflecting the purity of Christ?

·  Prefer to keep my mind on things “below” (worldly), rather than on things “above”?

·  Use my “freedom in Christ” to pursue questionable activities, even if it might cause a Christian brother or sister to “stumble”?

or the Bride of Christ?

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel,

for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

2 Corinthians 6:17

“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.

“And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.

WORD of CAUTION:

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus says the Lord, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you shall find rest for your souls……But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’