Has the Church Improved Since the NT?

Question:

Are Christian churches more enlightened now than at the time of the Apostles?

Galatians 1:6-9
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

My Reply:

Van Gogh, the artist of this painting, is said to have once been a preacher for the Lord.  But after being persecuted for his style of ministry and dress, was pushed out of service.  In his spiritual healing afterwards, he painted this picture, "Starry Skies".  If you'll notice, the skies are full of maginificant lights, all creations of God, which with all their might, shine God's Glory!  But the city below, doesn't.  In fact, in the original of this painting (and in this one), you'll notice that he made it a point to show that the lights in the Church were completely out.  This communicates his views of the church in his day (fake copies of the painting miss this).


So has the Church improved any since the Early Church of the New Testament?  That's a good question.
I know that churches today often look to the early Church as models of how to be the Church today.  I also know that much of what the Apostles wrote about in their letters, the churches of today are also facing and suffering from.  Many of these issues include:

• Divorce among believers
• Domestic violence / dysfunctional "Christian" families
• Working outside the box and considering it as worship
• Politics
• Stewardship issues (tithes / giving)
• Relational commitments (lack of)
• Lack of discipleship
• Lack of alignment between vision and implementation
• Confusion of the mission
• Youth ministry/nurturing (lack of: often seen as church on the backburners...adults ministry often seen as more important, or first in line)
• Lack of Evangelism
• Sexual Ethics
• Addictions
• Counseling / Depression
• Burn-out / Sabbath time
• Intentional Communication
• Cliques
• Gender Roles
• Improper use of spiritual gifts
• Prosperity Gospel
• Gospel of Cheap Grace
• "Worship Wars"
• Biblical illiteracy
• Universalism
• Divisions
• Immoralities
• Persecution within the walls of the church
• World's culture taking over Church's culture
• Status-seekers
• Spiritual deadness
• Manipulators
• Philosophical theories preached from the pulpit instead of Biblical Truth
• Tradition getting in the way of worship
• A focus on happiness instead of holiness...

Honestly, after doing this for over 2000 years, and also when you look at the training of God's people since the giving of the Law of Moses, you'd think we'd have things in better shape today than they did in the early church, especially since we have the Scriptures, the Apostles letters, explanations from popular Christian leaders, etc. to look back on. But since we continue to make the same mistakes, I have to wonder.


So to answer your question, I'm going to say, "no", I don't believe the Church today has improved any more than the Church of the New Testament.

---Pastor Andy

The Perfect Christian Church?

Question:

What is the true and real Christian denomination, or the real church of Jesus?  Protestantism says any denomination that is inside of Protestantism, except Catholics or Orthodox, are Ok.  Yet they also follow the Bible and follow the salvation by grace.

And forget the historical Catholic church in the centuries that collected the New testament and made 4 gospels and the rest letters and the book of revelations!  But returning to my question, what is the true Christian church?

My Reply:

Although you probably didn’t mean it this way, this is sort of a trick question, for you’re asking what’s the true church of all the denominations.  For, the Church itself, in the sense of the full Body of Christ, is perfect.  But in terms of denominations, the simple answer is, “none”.

For example, in the beginning of the book of Revelation, Jesus speaks to seven churches. The best one out of the bunch addressed was the Philadelphia Church, but even they had some issues that Jesus felt the need to address.

You’ll also hear a lot of churches talking today about trying to get back to the ways of the early church.  But the letters we have in the New Testament from Paul, Peter, James, John, and whoever wrote Hebrews were all written in response to the sinful behaviors and messed up things the early Christians were doing.  There was also conflict between the Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians, so much to where Paul ended up rebuking Peter, and James ended up interrogating Paul.  So with that in mind, not even the early church was all that true of a church in the sense of behavior, for it was just as messed up as the church today (so to the congregations wanting to be like the early church, congratulations!).

Honestly, I've come to the conclusion that, in terms of denominations, there is no perfect church on earth, for they are made up of humans.  The one we're all searching and longing for is in Heaven only.  But until then, we are still called to worship Christ in communion with other Christians.  Church is also meant to be a pre-taste of what to expect in Heaven, and to help us grow in our faith and works for God. 

So find a church to worship in, grow in, serve in, and in the words of Paul, "...rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. and the God of love and peace will be with you."

---Pastor Andy

I believe in Jesus and God, but I also make a lot of sins

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Question:

My parents don’t go to church, so then I can’t (not SO I cant) but they just don’t go, but they believe.  I tend to sin a lot (never stolen anything, or killed a human, but I tend to lie but I try not to).  I pray a lot and ask for forgiveness.  I’m only 15. Is there a big chance that I go to hell?  I just get worried sometimes.

My Reply:

In the Bible, we're told of a woman who was literally caught in the act of adultery, being brought to Jesus for judgment. After Jesus shamed her accusers, He forgave the woman for her sin. But we have to remember what He said after that: "Go, and sin no more." In other words, I've forgiven you for this sin, now stop doing it.
Liars are not good representations of Jesus, are they? Then stop doing it...don't try to stop...stop!
As for church, I can understand being a Christian and not going to church, but Jesus did call us to be a Christian community, united in Him. If you're not going to church, are you at least meeting with other Christians to worship as a united community?  You need to find a church and get involved. Among the great many things, they also serve to keep us in check, help us from sinning, and support in prayer. Talk to your parents and tell them that you all need to go to a church. It could be near home or a little distance, but you really should go (use Acts 2 if you need).

---Pastor Andy

Recommendations for a book for bible study?

Question:

I'm looking for something that has scripture and maybe questions for discussion. We're a bunch of 20-25 year old girls who meet once a week. Thanks for you help!

My Reply:

In terms of books in the Bible:

My wife & I went through the book of Joshua (Bible), which is a great book for young leaders, teaches to consult the Lord before every big decision, and fulfillments of promises. It also ends with a great note.

Judges was a fun one, also, for in it, God calls several different people (and different kings of people) to serve Him and rescue His people. It also explains that throughout most of the time then, there was no king and so everybody did as they thought was right. So it's a good comparison with issues of the world/Church today.

1 Corinthians seems to touch on many issues that are great discussion-starters, for it talks about problems within the walls of the Church, and among its people. It starts with conflict, goes into bad representation of God, talks about death and resurrection, and even how to worship (or how not to).
(feel free to email me...I've written a Bible Study for it I'd be happy to email you...free, no strings).

Non-Bible books:
-Max Lucado: "Facing Your Giants"
-Gary Chapman: "The 5 Love Languages"
-Lee Strobel: "The Case For..." (faith, Christ, Easter, Christmas...)
-"Influencing Like Jesus"

---Pastor Andy

Faith Alone?

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Question:

Many Christians claim that "faith alone" saves and that there's no need to lead a righteous life.  I just want to ask them all, "are you sure you shall be saved?"  I am more than sure that their case will be worse than that of atheists. They're just using Jesus to promote sin!  They think that a simple faith in Jesus is the greatest thing a person can do on earth; it is by "GRACE" a person is saved and not by "FAITH". If a person is to receive God's grace, he should be righteous and should be following the words of God. By following the words of God alone one can prove his "faith" in God. It is not "knowing" Jesus' sacrifice that saves, but following the path he has shown that leads to salvation by grace of God through Jesus. Unless there is true faith (evidenced by following Jesus' words), no one can attain salvation. God is a righteous God and he loves righteousness.
The criminal who died with Jesus and saved is an example for a person receiving God's grace through repentance. It was his repenting mind that brought him salvation; not his faith. Faith without repentance and obedience means nothing. Hence, do not mislead people by letting them live in sin without fear of God since Jesus has died for them. No one shall be saved that way; the sacrifice of Christ is for those who truly repent and obey God.

My Reply:

My friend, I hear you, but I think you've combined salvation and discipleship into one.  We are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. But it doesn't stop there, and this is what I believe you're arguing.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer has a book called "The Cost of Discipleship", that I think you'll like, for it talks about this. Many Christians today promote what Bonhoeffer calls "cheap grace". They accept Jesus, but continue in their sinful ways. They figure they're saved, nothing can harm them, back to business. But this isn't what salvation's about.
Salvation in Christ is what Bonhoeffer called "costly grace", for to be called by Christ is to be called to come and die...to follow in His footsteps, even to the cross (if needed). 
I did a Bible study the other day where I learned that the word used for Peter's denial of Jesus is the same word that's used for when Jesus said that in order to be His disciple, one must first deny himself.  Same word, same type of denial, same impact.  Those who practice costly grace understand this.  Those who practice cheap grace might say they do this and agree with you, but obviously don't practice it.

James said faith without works is dead, and one of the main frustrations in the early Church was idle Christians. Unfortunately, we still have a similar problem in the Church today.

So yeah, you're on target, but I think you need to reword your question. Check out that book, too (linked below).

---Pastor Andy

I Feel Like I'm Wasting Away

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Dear Pastor Andy, I feel like I'm wasting away my youth/20s, and need advice on how to live it in a more fulfilling way.

OK, this is going to be lengthy. If you get to the end of this and proceed to give me some advice I would like to thank you very much. 

So the story is I'm a 21 year old woman who's gone through some pretty tough times. I was the slightly chubby and extremely awkward girl who had a very difficult time going through puberty. I tried to get over that and spent 2 years of my life (from 14-16) devoted to school. I would call that period in my life achievement #1 . I am probably most proud of myself when considering ambition and drive. It was a thrilling intellectual journey although socially unfulfilling. 
Achievement #2 happened probably from when I was 15 to late 16. I gained more confidence about myself than I ever had before and I finally formed a social group. It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life, having friends and feeling at least comfortable with my looks and etc.
The dark parts happened afterwards and since then I would relate that to being caught in a dark and turbulent tornado, excuse the dramatics but thats really how it was. The truth is I developed a very embarrassing condition in which I was unable to control my flatulence. I attribute all the misgivings from my depression to my suicidal thoughts to my anxiety attack and the pushing away of family, friends, and etc to this very problem. I would go deeper into my sob story but then that would require me to write a novel. 
I know that what I have gone through was necessary, but I do regret spending the those years in which I should've been crazy and living it up... 18, 19, 20, and 21...miserable, depressed, detached and etc etc etc. I have sought help and while I have not been able to figure out exactly what is medically wrong with me, I have somewhat sort of reclaimed enough control where I am able to go to school without too much fear again. Socially though, this mysterious medical problem has left me mentally very weak and worn. I have had to reclaim all those simple things I used to take for granted...like looking people in the eye, or looking your own mother in the eye or making casual conversation with the cashier...or enjoying outings with your friends. Or even feeling relaxed and safe in your own home. I feel tired and sorry that I had to spend all that time so tormented.
My 22nd birthday is approaching and before I know it I'll be 30 and then i'll be 35, 40. I'll wake up one day and there it is. Retirement. I don't want to become an old lady who has spent the majority of her life awkward and miserable. Putting this strange medical problem of mine aside, I really just want a few suggestions on trying to prevent this regret that might creep up on me later in life. 
On a lighter note, there might be an achievement #3. I defied my parents and went to art school. It hasn't really given me or anyone else real fulfillment yet but it's a possibility. If I could take this further and make this a full fledged achievement I would try to create a story or a movie that would move or inspire people in a deep way.
They say you can't have it all, so maybe I'm being greedy. What I want to happen before I turn too old for anything to happen is to be in a loving relationship a couple of times (I have not been in a relationship for obvious reasons), to help others, to be able to find those things I thought I lost...home, comfort, family, true friends..
And a curious thing I have not been able to do is enjoy my feminity. I have always been extremely embarassed about attracting attention whether good or bad, so I haven't been into shopping or having fun being a girl. A lot of times its a question of who I would be dressing up and feeling pretty for? And why. I once tried to dress up and embrace the girlier side in me last year but I got treated pretty horribly by one of my teachers who probably thought I was an airhead who wasn't serious about art school. It's a problem I'd like to fix as I know I won't be young forever and I want to be able to feel beautiful without having that be the only thing that comes across when I communicate with people.

My Reply:

Wow, what a life's journey you've had so far! Granted time is moving fast, you are still only about 22, and have a lot of time before you have to worry about 40 (not that pushing 40 is much to worry about though).
All throughout your life though, all I hear is sadness, and trying to fulfill the void with life's accomplishments. And as you enjoyed some for a little while, the joy never lasted. So you want something to fill your void, and you want direction in your life so you can stop feeling so worthless. Is this right?
Here's what I suggest:
1) Come to know Jesus Christ (I'm serious here). If you've never prayed, then imagine Jesus asking, "How are you today?" Then after you answer, imagine Jesus asking, "No, really...how are you today? Tell me what's going on." Then tell Him everything you just said here (and whatever else you're feeling, experiencing, and fearing). It may feel like you're talking to a wall or thin air at first, but trust me, He's listening to every word.

2) If you don't have a Bible, get one. Any Christian bookstore will have them and anybody at them is more than happy to help you find the perfect one. (They may even help you get started on reading it if you ask.) Carry it with you everywhere. Read a chapter a day from it (anywhere in it), and pray about anything you don't understand.

3) Get connected with a church. You'll need to be around others who know what it's like to have lived a broken life, such as yours, and who've given themselves to Jesus. People who will love you where you're at, and who you won't have to prove yourself to.

How will this help you? 
1) You've got a void that you've tried to fill, but no matter how hard you've tried, can't. Jesus will fill that void permanently, if you ask Him to.
2) You want direction in your life. As you begin to pray, keep your eyes open for daily answers to your prayers. And as you continue to be filled with joy, learn to listen as you pray...prayer is meant to be a 2-way conversation between you and God. So as you ask the Lord for direction and guidance, He'll answer, take you places you've never been, and introduce you to people you never knew.

At the age of 21 (1993), I hit rock bottom. About that same time, I accepted and came to know Jesus Christ. My life's never been the same since, and I'd never go back.

I'll pray for you, too.

---Pastor Andy

Why turn the other cheek?

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Question:

I think if the child you love was to hit you on the cheek, you will not hit him back. You will try to understand what hurts him so much that he has to hurt you to feel better. You will tell him 'if you have to hit me to feel better, keep doing it'. Hence turning the other cheek is the way of love towards humanity. What do you think?

 My Reply:

Eh, sorta, but not really.  Here's an example: Abraham Lincoln once said that the best way to destroy your enemies is to make them your friends. 

When somebody strikes you, you don't want to invite them to keep hitting you. But if you retaliate in violence, then you've made matters worse, especially if they are another member in the Body of Christ (the Church).  Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved/loves us, and to make every effort to be at peace with one another.  By turning the other cheek, versus exacting revenge, we're obeying these commands, as well as promoting the possibility of gaining a new friend (or brother).

---Pastor Andy

A Prodigal Daughter

Question:

I don't know what's wrong with me- I feel torn and can't quite bring the two ends together. I was raised in a devout Apostolic home. As soon as I could, I turned my back on it, cut my hair, wore make-up and pants, got tattoos and piercings, listened to rock, started smoking and drinking, and married an Atheist.  Well, my daughters are now 7 and 4, I only have my belly-piercing left and a few well-seen regrettable tattoos. The thing is, we live a respectable life, no more outside the norm than most in their late 20's. Now, I don't miss the strict rules of the church, or the submissive woman stance, but I do miss the sense of community and stability. I also miss God. I have claimed to be an Atheist, but I don't think in my heart I really believe that. I want to believe in my Creator and his Son without so many limitations. My hubby says I'm nuts, but I feel really strongly that there has to be more to this life than birth, life and blinked out of existence. My question is: Am I really crazy? Is this just some sort of phase I'll outgrow? And, can I even return to church?

 My Reply:

First, you're not crazy, you're a child of the Most High, and it sounds like He's pursuing you to return to Him.
If you still have your Bible, turn to Luke 15 and read about the Prodigal Son...I'm sure you'll find some similarities in there.
I was answering this question, but lost the page when I was trying to get the right link for you...I think you (and possibly your husband, also) would do well watching the testimony of Brian "Head" Welch (former guitarist of KORN). He came to know the Lord in 2005, and has since written 2 books and appeared on TV programs all over, telling his testimony. One link I found was here:
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/Brian+Head+Welch/video/x455lf_brian-head-welch-on-james-robison_news

---Pastor Andy

Can Christians forgive the dead past?

Question:  Can Christians forgive the dead past, and if they will not, are they really Christians in the ethical and spiritual sense?  For example, I forgive all the persecutors and murderers and enslavers of my Irish Catholic ancestors who did all these wonderful "Sermon on the Mount" things (sarcasm) in the name of Bible-Believing Protestantism.  

I renounce and condemn all the persecution, murder, enslaving, etc that Catholics have done in the name of the Prince of Peace to Protestants, Jews, Orthodox, Pagans, etc. and I ask all the spiritual descendants of the persecuted in the name of Catholic Christianity.  

I also ask all atheists, etc. to join in condemning the mass murders and persecutions done in our lifetimes in the name of antitheist "human progress" and persecution of religious people.

Aren't you tired of the same old bigotries repeated over and over?  Can people say something positive about "those people'?  If not, then why expect "those people" to say or believe anything good about you and your "kind"?  Let's all join together to agree that we will not spread slanders about other groups, races, religions or theologies or options but "Do to others what you will others to do to you."  Check out your sources before condemning other groups and find out if "they" really teach that error or do that evil thing; use primary sources and not 'hate-mongers".  

I join Jesus in spiritually washing the feet of all.

My Reply:

Dude, I totally hear you. Too many negative and worldly people (past and present) have infiltrated the Church (the Body of Christ), spreading poison with their bitterness and divisions, justifying their actions as righteous. We need to remember not only to treat others as we wish others to treat us, but as Christians, we're to remember that Jesus COMMANDED us to love one another as He's loved us, as well as the importance He laid on unity in Him among one another.

Here's a thought on your question:
Jesus said that oaths and vows are considered void at the time of death, so therefore I think held grudges should be also.  But now, technically speaking, when we recite the Lord's prayer, we ask God to forgive us in the exact same way that we forgive others. So wouldn't holding onto unforgiveness for somebody, whether dead or alive be ethically (and theologically) incorrect anyway?

---Pastor Andy