" The Church As A Pub "

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" The Church As A Pub "

Never will I say I am right and you are wrong;
but I will contend to share the "TRUTH" with you.

(1 Cor 12:27) Tells us the church is the body of Christ, 
and church meetings are for corporate worship and instruction.

The church's 'only' legitimate goal is to "equip the saints for the work of ministry",
for "building up the body of Christ" (Eph 4:12) - vital growth, not mere numerical expansion.

The notion that church meetings should be used to tantalize or attract non-Christians
is a relatively recent development.   Nothing like it is found in scripture;  in fact, the
apostle Paul spoke of unbelievers entering the assembly as an exceptional event (1 Cor 14:23).
Also (Hebrews 10:24-25) indicates that church services are for the benefit of "believers" not
unbelievers. 
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together".

Acts 2:42  Shows the pattern the early church followed when they met together,
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Note that the early church's priorities clearly were dedicated to 'worship God and uplift
the brethren.'
The church came together for "worship and edification"; then it "scattered to evangelize the
world."

Matthew 28:19 Our Lord commissioned His disciples for evangelism in this way:
"GO therefore and make disciples of all nations"
Notice that Christ made it very clear that the church is NOT to wait for, or invite the world to
come to its meetings, but to GO TO THE WORLD.

How can one fulfill his obligation to 'be the light in the world' if we are focusing on remaining inside
the four walls ?
We will therefore fall short of (Matt 5:16) being the light in the world.

I emphasize that the preaching of Gods word is to be central in the church,
"In season and out of season" it is the task of Gods ministers to "reprove, rebuke, and exhort,
with complete patience and teaching "  (2Timothy 4:2).

The pastor who sets entertainment above forceful preaching neglects the primary responsibility
of an elder.
"Hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound
doctrine and also rebuke those who contradict it". ( Titus 1:9).

The church's strategy has NEVER been to 'appeal to the world' on the worlds terms.

Churches aren't supposed to compete for the consumer on the same level as Miller Lite
or M.T.V.  
We can't stimulate GENUINE growth by clever persuasion or inventive techniques.
Acts 4:27 teaches that it is the Lord and Him alone that adds to the church.

We must return to the basics, the true forceful Godly preaching of Gods word and His gospel !!

Forget all the puppetry, lights, smoke and mirrors, simply preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified !!

Don't allow church to become a country club for the masses !!!!!!!!