We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Is Your Assembly Fed on Excitement?


A Church fed on excitement is no New Testament church at all.  The desire for surface stimulation is a sure mark of the fallen nature, the very thing Christ died to deliver us from.  A curious crowd of baptized worldlings waiting each Sunday for the quasi-religious needle to give them a lift bears no relation whatsoever to a true assembly of Christian believers.  And that its members protest their undying faith in the Bible does not change things any A.W.Tozer, The Next Chapter After the Last, p.14.
When I read this I immediately thought of Willow Creek, Joel Osteen’s monstrosity, and lots of other entertainment-oriented “churches” I read about daily.  Tozer was right - they bear no relation to a true assembly of Christian believers.

4 comments:

ali said...

Thinking Lakewood is Joel Osteen' Ivory Tower - not Willow Creek.

Isn't Bill Hybles pastor of WC?

Good word regardless.!!.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Ali,
I didn't mean to confuse:
I was giving examples, first being Willow Creek, second being "Joel Osteen's monstrosity" (and yes, that is Lakewood) and third being "lots of other..."

Yes, Hybles is Willow Creek.

ali said...

AH - thanks for clearing it up.

I did misunderstand. :-]

072591 said...

It gets better. Just heard today that Osteen will be getting his own reality show showcasing his "ministry."