UnChurch - Carnal Christianity

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Message

Introduction

We are continuing in our UnChurch series - where we have been debunking the unbiblical traditions, teachings, and practices of the church

Last week we talked about the unbiblical practice of Christians chasing miracles, signs, and wonders

Not that there is anything unbiblical about miracles, signs, and wonders

But it is chasing them - trying find means outside of God to fix our problems that is the issue

Here is a reminder of our key take aways from last week

Key Takeaways

Chasing miracles, signs, and wonders with the wrong motives can lead us away from God

It is better to maintain relationship with God through a situation than to seek to get out of it

God’s grace is sufficient for whatever we face

I thought that message would be the final installment of the series

But last week there was a video that broke the Internet - and I had to address it today to give some perspective

Most of you have probably seen it - the video from Druski

[VIDEO] If you haven’t seen it, you’re about to - let’s take a look

I have to be honest, when I first saw the video, I thought it was funny

When he said I walk in the blood of Jesus and then showed the red bottoms

I literally laughed out loud

Now there were many people that did not like the video

And it’s not surprising that the majority of the people that were offended by the video

Are the same ones that attend these churches

I mean the material came from somewhere

[VIDEO] So let’s take a look and see where Druski may have gotten his source material

All of these situations I showed you are real

They really happened in churches

And if you notice, some of these videos are not recent and not just in America - so this has been going on for decades

I was able to laugh because I knew that the video was not targeted at me

It was targeted at those that are involved in those type of shenanigans

That was until I rewatched the video and really discerned what was behind it

The Reality

Yes, the skit was aimed at pastors and churches that practice and participate in this foolishness

And it held a mirror up to them

But it also exposed a mindset that has become prevalent in our culture in general

[SLIDE] And that is - The church is a joke and worthy of contempt

Not just megachurches - all churches

And the reason the church has become a joke in our culture is not because of megachurches and their pastors

It has become a joke because of us - the Christians

We know that the majority of churches are not megachurches and aren’t over the top like that

We know there are some good churches out there

But when people outside the church talk about the church - they don’t do it with reverence on their tongue

And let’s be honest - there is good reason for that

Although most churches aren’t megachurches, it doesn’t mean the others don’t have their own issues

In a lot of churches

They still exploit people for tithes and offering

There are still fake apostles and prophets teaching false doctrines

There still gossip and cliques

Christians are still biblically illiterate

The church is still divided over racial and theological lines

We talk about and participate in witchcraft more than we talk about or exercise the power of God

We are still judgmental and lack grace

And we dress and act no differently than the world does

If there is no difference between us and the world, why would someone want to come to church?

No - megachurches are not the problem with the church - we all are

Yes, there are bad pastors and ministries out there

[SLIDE] But renowned leadership expert John Maxwell famously said this:

“He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk”

See a bad leader is only as strong as their followers allow them to be

We talk about our current president, but he is not the real problem

The real problem are the people that back him and empower him

He’s able to get away with what he does because they support him, defend him, and follow his commands

So he runs wild and the world suffers as a result

See, we don’t need to look at our leaders to find the problem

We need to look in the mirror

Love of the World

Our first problem is, as people of God, we love the world too much

[SLIDE] The Bible says that for Christians, our citizenship is in heaven - Phil 3:20

Philippians 3:20 NASB 2020

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

[SLIDE] It also calls us as ambassadors of Christ - 2 Cor 5:20

2 Corinthians 5:20 NASB 2020

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

When you cross the threshold of an embassy, you are now standing in that country

Ambassadors don’t get caught up in the affairs of the host country

Because their job is to promote the affairs of their home country

So in other words, we as citizens of heaven, are supposed to be promoting and representing God in the world

And encouraging people to become citizens of our country

We are also supposed to be a safe place for citizens of our country

So they have someplace place of refuge within the host country

However, most of us are busy being like the world, becoming comfortable in the world

That we are poor representatives of our home country, which is heaven

You know the average professing Christian in this country has never even led a person to Christ

And if we do manage to get people to church - we run them out with our behavior

If I don’t know Jesus and I’m on the outside looking in - why would I come to church?

People in the church dress promiscuously

You can be fly - and not be ratchet

Church folk have divorces and broken homes

So what are the benefits of marriage?

Church folk sleep around

Church folk gossip and talk about you

Church folk are greedy

Church folk will use you and abuse your trust

All these things and more I can find outside

So why would I come inside?

If I’m going to deal with the same stuff, I might as well stay outside

[SLIDE] Paul talks about this very issue in Rom 2:22-24

Romans 2:22–24 NASB 2020

22 You who say that one is not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who loathe idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” just as it is written.

We do the same stuff that everyone else does, but think we’re special because we believe in Jesus

The world has figured out what church folk haven’t

Most so-called Christians are going to hell right along with them

We don’t give the world anything to aspire to

Our marriages should be the most enduring and loving

Our households should be the most functional

We should be having the most fun

Being a Christian doesn’t mean being boring

But it also doesn’t mean having fun that is God-dishonoring

Jesus did not hangout with sinners, but sinners did hangout with Him - there’s a difference

The Pharisees felt they were too good to hang out with the deplorables

Even though they suffered from the same heart condition that they did

But sinners gravitated towards Jesus because they were drawn to His righteousness

And they wanted the deliverance and freedom that He had

But too many Christians look down their nose at sinners

Even though they suffer from the same heart condition, just like the Pharisees did

I told you all about my 2016 when it seems like every that could happen did

Of course my coworkers at the time knew what was going on and were watching me go through it

One of them even told me that they were amazed at the way I was able to go through all of that and maintain my positive attitude and professionalism

I was able to go through that season not because I’m so great - not because I’m perfect

I was able to go through that season because I was desperately trusting on Jesus to walk me through it

But when they saw me deal all year with each issue

And I didn’t complain

Didn’t crash out

I felt my feelings, but I never let them control me and pushed through

So, what kind of seed did that plant in them?

Because they knew I was a Christian and it was apparent to at least one of them that it was my faith that was getting me through

Like the sinners in Jesus day

I think people still want the deliverance and freedom that Jesus offers

But they want to know that it is real and lasting

But because of our love of the world and worrying about staying comfortable in it

We have given them a better example of what to avoid

[SLIDE] To wrap up this section - 1 Joh 2:15-16 says

1 John 2:15–16 NASB 2020

15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Biblical Illiteracy

The next issue that we have is our biblical illiteracy

I know I talk about this all the time, but I don’t think we really understand how it impacts everything

There are people out here really looking for answers

And most of the time, those answers can be found in scripture

But the only thing they get is from us is - well I think..., well I feel...

And of course - just pray about it - and its twin - I’ll pray for you

What good are your thoughts, opinions, and prayers

When we actually have the Word that speaks to life’s issues

There is so much wisdom in the book of Proverbs

That just that one book of the Bible can get you through most things you face in life by itself

When I was an elder at my old church

We were facing a rate hike in our rent that we were not going to be able to pay

The pastor was stressing and called a minister’s meeting to discuss ideas on how to deal with it

[SLIDE] All of us were stuck trying to come up with something - then I remembered a Proverb that I read - Prov 6:1-5

Proverbs 6:1–5 NASB 2020

1 My son, if you have become a guarantor for your neighbor, Or have given a handshake for a stranger, 2 If you have been ensnared by the words of your mouth, Or caught by the words of your mouth, 3 Then do this, my son, and save yourself: Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go, humble yourself, and be urgent with your neighbor to free yourself. 4 Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; 5 Save yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

The pastor wasn’t sure but I was like, try it, what do we have to lose

He had his meeting with the landlord and explained the situation

And guess what - the Proverb worked

The landlord renegotiated the terms of our lease and we were able to stay there a few more years

But what would have happened if I had never read that Proverb and was able to offer its wisdom?

[SLIDE] What would have happened if they pastor had not applied the wisdom - 2 Tim 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16 NASB 2020

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;

See I have come to learn that, through His word

God has taught us how to deal with most of the things we will face - in the spiritual, emotional, and natural

And when you receive the Holy Spirit - He will guide you or remind you of the passage that you need to make it through

But when you use your thoughts and your opinions about God instead of the Word as your guide

[SLIDE] People suffer and can get caught up in all kinds of crazy teachings and doctrines - Col 2:8

Colossians 2:8 NASB 2020

8 See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ.

When Paul was on his second missionary trip, one of the cities he went to was Berea

In Berea he shared the gospel and they received with joy

[SLIDE] But there was something else that they did that was very important and that they are known for to this day - Acts 17:10-12

Acts 17:10–11 NASB 2020

10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these people were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

The Bereans, although they were excited about the gospel Paul shared about Jesus being the Messiah

Those people, didn’t just take Paul’s word for it

They checked the scriptures to see if he was right

And once they confirmed Paul’s message in the Word - large numbers of people got saved

See the main reason why pastors and ministries can get away with the stuff that they do

Is because the congregation, that should be holding them accountable, don’t know their Bible

So they will believe anything they are told - like a child being told about Santa Claus

When you study your Bible, you can hold your leaders accountable by respectfully

Asking questions (Why did you do...?)

Asking for clarifications (What did you mean when you said...?

Respectfully pointing out when a message has gone off Bible (The Bible doesn’t say...)

Leaving a church or ministry that consistently distorts or goes against scripture

Some of you have done these things to me already

And I can tell you now, it helps me make sure I’m on point

And makes me a better Christian/pastor

If we didn’t support these places with our money and our presence, they would wither and die

[SLIDE] But there is a reason why they are prosperous and thriving - 2 Tim 4:3-4

2 Timothy 4:3–4 NASB 2020

3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Most Christians are too greedy to hold churches and ministries accountable

[SLIDE] Because they are too busy trying to enrich themselves (witchcraft seminar)

This guy is literally teaching witchcraft - in the name of the Lord

And I guarantee you, thousands probably flocked to this conference so they could learn how to manipulate God to become prosperous

He’s not the only one - but he’s probably the most egregious I’ve seen

When I hear certain buzz words, I perk up because I know there is a high likelihood I’m dealing with a wolf

Prosperity, destiny, altar, dominion, spiritual authority, etc

Usually when you hear these words, they’re going to talk about how you can get God to serve you - i.e. manipulate God

If a ministry’s main focus is to show you how to prosper and live a trouble free life - YOU BETTER BE CAREFUL

Because chances are, that’s ungodly ministry

There is no one in scripture that had a trouble free life

Abel’s offerings were pleasing to God and his brother killed him

Job was a righteous man and the devil attacked his family, body, and possessions

Jesus was was innocent and without sin and was disowned by His friend and betrayed by His disciple

Paul had a thorn in his flesh that was a messenger from Satan that tormented Him

Timothy had gastrointestinal issues

All these are people that were considered righteous before God

Now if they were righteous and had problems in life - why do we think we will be problem free?

And why do we listen to people that promote such a false teaching?

The beauty of living for God is not that life will be problem free

Saved, unsaved - you’re gonna have problems

But with God you have someone that is helping you through it - working things out on your behalf

Things that should break you and breaks others, strengthen you

And gives you confidence that it serves a higher purpose

The Bible is our lifeline - it is how we get to know the very mind of God

If you do not know it, then can you really say you know God and call yourself a Christian?

How We Love One another

In the first century, aside from the good news of Jesus Christ, do you know what the main factor in Christianity exploding across the Roman empire was?

Despite the persecutions and the dangers that people faced

It was how they loved one another

Spending time together

Caring for the sick, for orphans, and widows

Their compassion, how they supported each other

The Roman world was harsh so these traits in Christians stuck out and people wanted to be a part of that

[SLIDE] How Christians love one another should be the number one defining characteristics of a church fellowship - 1 John 13:35

John 13:35 NASB 2020

35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

But are most churches known for how they love one another - NO

Churches are know for many things

Members sleeping with one another

Gossip and strife

Rigid and judgmental

Too materialistic

But rarely do you hear - people at that church are very loving

You may hear certain people in a church are loving - but rarely - the church as a whole

There are people that have left churches - not because of what was being taught

The pastor may have been biblically sound and a nice person

But they left the church because of how they were treated by the congregation

That’s not on pastors - that’s on us

People may come here and not like what I teach - that’s ok

Because some people because of their biblical illiteracy may have a false view of God anyway

Or they just may not believe

But my prayer is that every person that comes through the doors will say one thing - I felt loved there

I felt appreciated - I felt seen

Because that’s how Jesus was

He had a way of making people feel seen and loved - even though He may have been correcting them

There are people that are hurting - that desperately need to experience the love of Jesus

But they won’t step foot in a church - not because they don’t believe in God

They know that they need Him

But they won’t go because they just can’t deal with church folk

[SLIDE] And that’s a shame because the church is one of the main vehicles God uses to support His people - Heb 10:24-25

Hebrews 10:24–25 NASB 2020

24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Love should be found in the church

Encouragement should be found in the church

Good deeds and charity should be found in the church

Do you know what all these things are representative of?

Jesus - Jesus should be found in the church

But instead we find:

Rap concerts

Mean girls

Self help teachings

And so-called Christians that couldn’t save a soul if their life depended on it

Oh, the church be lit!

The singing is off the chain

You can hook up with somebody

And you can find friends to clique up with

But I can also find that at the club - and the cover charge is cheaper

Conclusion

I’m going to talk more about this when we start our new series next Sunday

[SLIDE] But, the church is the bride of Christ - Eph 5:31-32

Ephesians 5:31–32 NASB 2020

31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

We are supposed to be adding people to our number so that at the end when we, the church, are presented to Jesus like a bride on her wedding day

We will be found without spot or wrinkle

But instead we are entertaining ourselves and being led by our own greed

[SLIDE] Our time to fulfill our mission is running short - Rom 11:25-26

Romans 11:25–26 NASB 2020

25 For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.”

See Israel has always has always been chosen vehicle - but because of their rejection of Jesus

We Gentiles have been allowed to be grafted in - but that period will come to an end one day

So no, you don’t have time to live your life how you want and then come to Jesus when you’re old and had all your fun

Because we don’t know when the number of Gentiles - worldwide mind you and over the millennia - we don’t know when that quota will be met

But we can look at the signs and tell - things are definitely winding down

[SLIDE] When it comes time for the judgment at the end do you know who it will start with? - the church - 1 Pet 4:17

1 Peter 4:17 NASB 2020

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

So here is your key takeaway this week

It’s time to stop playing church and become the Bride of Christ

Even the world is telling us that - And I believe God used Druski’s skit to show us that

So I know it was funny

And we don’t feel offended because we’re not involved in those type of churches

But we do need to understand that’s how the world views, not just them - but all of us

We have to actually become Christ-like in order to change the narrative

It is time for us to truly get our acts together and follow the Holy Spirit

Or we will find ourselves having to answer for everything we didn’t do in front of God’s judgment seat