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Modern Day Church Problems Introduction: In studying the seven churches of Asia in Revelation 2 & 3 we learn that the problems they faced were a result of their surroundings. Idolatry, the doctrine of the Nicolatians, Jezebel, immoral behavior, lack of love and zeal toward God, and luke warmness were some of the problems of those churches because they were the problems of those cities. Every church has challenges. Even the church at Jerusalem was not perfect as we see in Acts 5. If Jesus was to write to churches today what might He warn us about? I) Legalization of Sin A) We often think that what is legal is moral but that is not so. 1. Most of the sins listed in Romans 1.28-32 were legal and even encouraged. 2. In my lifetime I have seen the shift away from what is moral to what is legal. a. Abortion was illegal until 1973 Roe vs. Wade b. Drinking is legal at the age of 21 but that does not make it morally right c. Gambling is encouraged by states as a way to pay for education d. Homosexual marriages are now legal in Connecticut, Deleware, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia B) The Law of the land does not supersede God's law 1. Some brethren are afraid to practice church discipline, teach on certain issues because of the legal ramifications. 2. We should not be stopped by the threat of persecution, Acts 5.29 3. We need to be careful about legislated worldliness, 1 Peter 4.14-16 II) Sexual Immorality, 2 Corinthians 12.21 A) We live in a very sexually oriented society 1. See the influence of Hollywood in our movies, commercials, television shows, clothing styles, language, etc. 2. The common message is that it is your body and no one can tell you to wait for marriage. If it feels good then do it. 3. Results in our society is a high rate of people living together without being married; high divorce rate, unfaithfulness in many marriages, open marriages, etc. B) Many Christians are having the same problems 1. Divorce and remarriage issues in many congregations are due to members getting divorced and remarried. 2. See young Christians becoming sexually active, living with someone, getting pregnant, 2 Timothy 2.22 3. See Christians unfaithful to their wedding vows. a. We are to keep ourselves pure, 1 Thess. 4.3-8 b. We as members of the body of Christ are not to join ourselves to a harlot, 1 Cor. 6.15 4. How many families have been lost to the world either because of a breakdown of the marriage or children being immoral? III) Materialism A) The emphasis of the world is on wealth and luxury 1. It is the economy stupid was the cry of the 1992 election. It is still the number one issue about voters today. 2. People often judge themselves by how much they have accumulated. The world may judge us on the same basis. 3. Television shows us unimaginable wealth "House Hunters" B) How many Christians sell out God because of the wealth they want to or already possess? 1. Rich young ruler who sold out Jesus, Luke 18.22-23 a. He was not a bad person or irreligious b. He was not totally committed to following Jesus. His bottom line was the bottom line 2. We should never think that our value is connected to our physical wealth, Matthew 19.27-30 3. Material wealth will pass away, 1 John 2.15-17 (it is temporary) 4. It will wear out, moth and rust destroy, Matthew 6.19-20 5. Your life is more than "things", Luke 12.15 6. What would you have done if you had been the rich young ruler? a. What do you do today? b. Some people think they cannot afford to be a Christian. Require a change of job, change of spending habits, change of business practices, etc. c. The truth is you cannot afford to not be a Christian. No amount of money will save your soul unless you make up your mind to serve God first. Then that which you possess will belong to God. IV) Entertainment and Showmanship In Place of Worship A) Many churches today are great at productions, plays, concerts, and entertaining people 1. church is considered boring by many today. 1 Cor. 1.21 2. Some churches are little more than social organizations B) Worship is to be aimed at paying homage to God not man 1. We must worship in both spirit and truth, John 4.24 2. We sing without instrumental music because we are told to sing with the heart, we pray, observe the Lord's Supper, give as we have been prospered not because of its entertainment value but because God stipulates the form of worship He will accept. 3. It always requires the heart (spirit). Conclusion; Jesus may very well warn us of these problems because we are to live in the world but not be a part of it. This requires us to "have ears that hear."
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