Is America experiencing apostasy in the church? And if so, how can we be sure of the signs of what we’re seeing?
One of the key tenets of the Christian life is following Jesus whole-heartedly as the way and the truth and the life. However, many today who consider themselves Christians believe this stance is a harmful one and that because God loves, there are no repercussions of sin. However, this is contradictory to the Word of God which states: “Those who I love, I rebuke and discipline,” (Rev. 3:19).
One example of this type of apostasy in the church that has gone viral is the example of Cathedral of Hope. In this “church,” the rainbow colors were paraded as drag queen nuns read their own creed.
On their website, a statement about sexuality and faith can be found, which reads: “Cathedral of Hope is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. We practice extravagant welcome, and many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender folk have found their spiritual home here.”
The problem with this statement isn’t that people are welcome into the church. It is the job of the church to provide for the broken, the sick and the lost. The problem is that the sin is not only welcomed, but celebrated. The point of coming to Christ isn’t to be affirmed in our sins, but to allow Him to transform us.
That’s why Ephesians 4:20-24 tells us that we need to take off the former way of life and be renewed in our mind. To live a godly life, we must stay focused on the One who can completely transform us: Jesus.
Instead of focusing on the transformative life in Christ, Cathedral of Hope is sharing that sin is the best way of life, and that there is nothing greater than what the world has to offer. However, Gender Dysphoria, fear, confusion and anxiety are issues many people struggle with. As Christians, it’s not our job to affirm people in brokenness and leave them without hope when we have discovered the ultimate hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
So, how can we tell if a church is really a place where the Lord’s Word is proclaimed?
The first thing to do is to look at what the church believes. Are there scriptural references that align with sound doctrine? Are the messages more appealing to the flesh, or do they bring conviction and clarity through the Holy Spirit?
The second thing to ask is if the gospel is the main focus of the church. Does the church uphold the name of Jesus Christ as Lord, or do they get offended when He is proclaimed as the only path to heaven? Doctrinally sound churches will behold Christ with the utmost respect and esteem Him as the One most holy. Others will not.
Revelation 3:14-16 reads: “The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of creation of God, says these things: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.”
Do not find yourself caught up in a church full of lukewarm believers. The last thing anyone wants to do is find themselves being spit out by God. If you’re unsure of a church you’ve been attending or want to attend, do the research you can, ask questions and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit through God’s Word and prayer. Just because the world around us is falling for the hypocrisy doesn’t mean that we have to. Instead, we can stand firmly and boldly for the gospel in all circumstances.
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Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.
Stephen Strang