Modern Church

While traveling recently I visited the church of some old friends on Sunday morning. I must say I was somewhat edified but a bit disappointed as well by both the music and message.

Evidently there are people who like attending a show and watching a performance on Sunday morning; that is what I thought I was doing. None of the selections were participatory – sing-a-long, yes—but there was no attempt either in selection or presentation to lead me to worship, which is very different from leading people to sing songs. The lead singer and band were performing worship songs; not trying to have others worship the Lord themselves (at least partially evidenced by the applause – and acknowledgement thereof – following the songs).

The message did end on a good note with the pastor presenting sound doctrinal truths based on Paul’s example in his statements in Acts 27:22-25. However, getting there was problematic. A great deal of time was expended making points spiritualized from sailors’ practical attempts to save the boat from sinking. Their attempts to save the ship are nowhere in Scripture stated to be examples of how we should lead our lives, yet that’s how they were presented; unintentionally twisting Scripture. A better exegesis is called for in many churches today.

Just an observation about the modern church.