Posted on 12/01/2004 7:48:32 AM PST by sionnsar
"We are silent because we are trying to be Christ-like about it."
And some of us have silently diverted much of our contributions elsewhere.
I believe it is "strange fire" that many churches are putting forth in their worship (not exclusively defined as music, of course). In all the elements of corporate gathering (the Word, prayer, service, stewardship, and worship), we are seeing a degredation. The Word is neglected for a type of Readers-Digest-Storytelling "sermon." Most churches can barely get a handful of people together for any type of regular prayer; service has been translated into performing and prideful acts; stewardship translates (if you believe Barna and other surveys) into 80-90% of congregates stealing from God and; worship is designed assuming the unbiblical premise that unregenerate man seeks God.
It appears to me that worshipping "in Spirit and in Truth" have been reinterpreted to mean "with energy and sincerity." How sad that churches (and leaders of those flocks) have settled for such a low standard.
Count me as one who has given up. I've compromised in all areas except one - bible-based teaching from the pulpit. This is not the way I want it, but it's what is available where I am. I grieve over it, but recognize that our hope for true worship will be realized when we get to our intended home.
What a good point to bring up those who have had to 'give up' because there isn't a single church in their community that practices Bibilical worship, will one day realize the hope of true worship when we are all in the presence of a Holy God.
One suggestion for those who have not previously done so is to incorporate a God-centered, theologically sound hymn into personal Bible study and prayer time.
It doesn't replace corporate worship (which is devoid of hymnody, Biblical depth, and God-centered theology), but it helps....
Yep, I read hymns from time-to-time, and joyfully sing along in my car with local "old fashioned" radio that plays hymns!
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