Has the modern church become so comfortable with Christianity that it has forgotten what it means to encounter the living God?
Pastor Ron Carpenter is challenging believers to examine that very question, warning that today’s church has drifted from the supernatural power of the book of Acts while increasingly embracing a version of Jesus that accommodates personal preferences rather than confronting sin.
In his sermon, “What Praise Unlocks,” part of his “House Party” series, Carpenter unpacked five powerful truths about the church, spiritual transformation and what happens when God’s people return to authentic worship.
1. The Church Has Drifted From Its Supernatural Foundations
Carpenter pointed to the book of Acts as a picture of what the church was originally intended to be: a gathering of believers where miracles, divine encounters and the presence of God were part of everyday life.
However, he warned that generations of seemingly insignificant changes have gradually moved the church away from that foundation.
“And so then when God is no longer operating in the house the way we see it in the Bible, then we start making excuses for God,” Carpenter said.
Rather than dismissing miracles as something reserved for biblical times, Carpenter challenged Christians to rediscover what made the early church so spiritually powerful.
2. Christians Are Creating a Jesus Who Agrees With Their Sin
Perhaps one of Carpenter’s sharpest warnings concerned the way modern believers approach biblical truth.
“This generation goes ahead and decides how they want to live and then goes and tries to find a Jesus that supports it,” he said.
Carpenter argued that previous generations approached encounters with God expecting their lives to change. Today, he believes many Christians are attempting to change their understanding of Scripture to accommodate how they already want to live.
The danger, he warned, is a Christianity where personal preferences become the standard of truth instead of God’s Word.
3. Jesus Was Never Meant to Make Everyone Comfortable
Carpenter also challenged the popular portrayal of Jesus as someone who would never offend or confront anyone.
“Jesus was the greatest disruptor that ever walked this earth,” he declared.
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From overturning tables in the temple to confronting religious hypocrisy and challenging cultural expectations, Carpenter emphasized that Christ’s ministry was marked by transformation, not accommodation.
“Yet, we have portrayed in America this God who does not want to offend you at all,” he said.
4. Not All Worship Comes From the Heart
Turning to 1 Peter 2, Carpenter explored what it means for believers to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.
He questioned whether worship that must be repeatedly encouraged, pressured or manufactured reflects the genuine affection God desires from His people.
Using the illustration of children being instructed to hug their father rather than running to him willingly, Carpenter challenged believers to reconsider their approach to praise.
“You ought to be a revival. You ain’t coming to be revived. You are a revival,” he told the congregation.
Carpenter made it clear that genuine praise should flow from a heart already devoted to God.
5. Praise Opens the Door to God’s Presence
Ultimately, Carpenter’s message returned to what he believes the church is meant to experience when believers gather together.
He described the church as a spiritual gateway where heaven and earth intersect, emphasizing the biblical teaching that God inhabits the praises of His people.
“God is my environment and I have to stay connected to God to be sustained and release my potential,” Carpenter said.
Just as a branch cannot survive apart from the vine, Carpenter argued that believers cannot fulfill their spiritual purpose apart from an ongoing connection with God.
The challenge is one the church cannot afford to ignore: Are believers building their lives around the Jesus of Scripture, or expecting Jesus to build Himself around them?
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
