How the “User-Friendly God” affects the church

Historical Overview Decided shift from divine revelation to human reason as the source of reality and truth. Darwin’s theory of evolution offered an alternative explanation of the Genesis account of man’s origin. The Scriptures were human creations, attempts to preserve faith by creating myths.

Churches felt the need to re-evaluate their doctrine and mission. Churches changed their approach and lightened up on its views of God.

At the organizational level, “user friendly religion and god” reduces the church to a religious country club that seeks to be more like the world than like heaven.

Features of “user-friendly religion” Slick performance-based worship services that produce an emotional high similar to that created by secular entertainment Spiritual messages that respond to “felt needs” and which do not challenge the listener to a higher level of living or learning Church doctrine that offers “politically correct” positions on current social issues lest we “offend” the world Creation of a “once-stop shopping center” for all family- oriented needs such as day care, recreational activities, and social activities

An anemic view of God results in: Doctrinal confusion seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. (2 Peter 1:3)

Corrupted worship Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; (Hebrews 12:28)

Compromised evangelism And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, And everyone his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, From the least to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:11-12)

Spiritual deadness I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ( Romans 12:1-2)

At the personal level, exaltation of man’s will over God’s

Insight from Romans one Idolatry always leads to a life of sin! As a society we convince ourselves that believing the lie will have no serious consequence when the reality is that rejection of God and His way will lead to social chaos and divine judgment!

The great present need is to restore man’s vision of God as He has revealed Himself!

A church focused on Him and His purposes To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:8-10)

to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21)

Every Christian valuing more than anything in His life the knowledge of God and His will as He has revealed it!. Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) “And why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)