I Saw a “New Church” Today
By
Pastor Scott R. Kraniak
( A True story based on what I observed on May 23rd 2016 Long Island NY )
So I was driving down the road and noticed a “new Church“. The Building was massive and had the latest of technologies. Nothing wrong with that but what surprised me was that the massive parking lot was full and on a Monday? In fact when I dug deeper I found that this “new church” was open seven days a week and for the most part all day. I thought wow what a devoted people who are there all hours of the day and cant wait to go back for more. I was excited to learn also that the ministers there really pushed the people to go beyond their limits and not back down. Even more exciting was that the people loved it and always came back for more. In fact again they would bring more people with them each time they came. And the Church services were amazing- loud pumping music and wide awake attendee’s ( no pew sleeping here). The Energy level was over the top and when the people walked out of the doors they has such a sense of pride and a glow of a accomplishment. They all even had stickers on their cars that proudly showed their affiliation with their “church“. Even more was that their church activities were proudly spoken about around the water coolers at work and excepted to. The unbelievers at work were so moved by the results of this “New Church” that they decided to check it out and ended up quickly joining to. But the story doesn’t end there as these “New Churches” are popping up all over the place. They are full and getting fuller. On one Sunday morning about 7:00am the people were there all pumped and worshiping “god” no matter how busy their day was or how nice or bad the weather was. Even when these people went on vacation they always found time for a quick “New Church” service. I have never seen such a devoted people -so devoted to their “god“, ministers, and facility. And talk about giving- well they are so excited about their “New Church” That they would pay their tithes a year in advance without even batting an eye. I tell you these people were and are deeply impacted by this “New Church” because their lives (outwardly) clearly showed the results of their involvement there. So what’s the point you might ask- well the point is this; I also saw an “old Church”. Only open on Sundays and very small next to them. The parking lot half full at best and the people well, they seemed like they didn’t want to be there. They fell asleep in their pews and couldn’t wait to get out. Even their lives seemed to have no change from going to this “old Church”. Also when the minister would push them to change and when he would point out their faults- well they became very angry and would leave that “old church” as fast as they could. They were lethargic uninspired and really didn’t excite their co workers and friend‘s. In fact they rarely spoke about their “old church” at work or with friends because they seemed to be ashamed of it. As to attendance well they only went when they needed something but for the most part they always put their “old church” attendance at the bottom of the priority list. By the way - These “Old Churches’” are places of Religion which we all know is dead and can only produce dead people. I see these “old churches” closing down more and more which is a good thing and replacing them are these “new Churches”. I guess it’s a sign of the times, a sign that we are moving in a new direction. Now you might ask what the name of this “New Church” was- well it was called - (World Fitness or something like that). The driving force and message of this “Self church ” as I like to call them -is clear as they do work on self and Yes they do get results. Old people look younger brighter and fresher. Full of perk and passion. Friend in case you have not figured it out yet- this “New Church” - (Self Church) is a Gym. it’s the quickest growing personal place of passion in the entire country. Now we know it’s a “self church” because I saw mirrors all around so you could see how much better you are getting. I know this because the “god” they worship is the “god” of self.
In closing - some might say; so what, what’s the big deal ? So people like to stay in shape and look their best. Well I guess your right if looking good outwardly is all that matters, but what I also found out about these “New Church” people is that- in an attempt to look good outwardly their insides are a mess and neglected. Their lives are crumbling and their desire to live as long as they can and not grow old has tricked them into believing that- THIS LIFE is all there is. Yet again its just my opinion but what of God’s Word ? What does God say about Gyms ? Does He say anything about this phenomenon ? Well you will be shocked to know that He does and in fact states that- When you see this change of pleasing self more then pleasing God, well- know that His return is near and Judgment is near . Now people- God doesn’t mind that you stay in shape and in fact reminds us to not indulge in anything in access. He does call our bodies (for those IN- CHRIST ) Temples of the Holy Spirit and so we should take care of them-
BUT He also says this -
2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
And of Bodily exercise- well God says something about that also.
1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
Again you may say - So what ? Who Cares ? And I guess if you feel that way then you do not know God nor care about His Word and so that’s your call- but know this…GOD CARES and He mourns and weeps over a people who worship themselves more then God. It hurts Him deeply and even more so that He knows - those who only love self more then God will perish without Him and be banished forever from Him.
Romans 1:21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused. 22Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead. 23And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people, or birds and animals and snakes.
24So God let them go ahead and do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God made but not the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever. Amen.
Dear friends: Please understand what this all means and what it means to you personally. This is no little matter and one that MUST be addressed right now. Please - call out to God and beg Him for forgiveness for hurting Him so. Confess your sins and except His forgiveness for your sins through Jesus Christ death and resurrection at the cross. Then find a Bible Church and go there and put at least as much passion on your inside as you do on your outside.
See the truth is -God doesn’t really care about your outside which can look amazing but your inside which the Bible says is “ filled with dead men’s bones”. The Bible also says that- Our outward body is dying every day but “In Christ” our inward person can be renewing day by day.
Jesus Himself says this -
Matt 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Eph 4:23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true.
25So put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth”£ because we belong to each other. 26And “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.”£ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
28If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. 29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
May the Church of CHRIST rise again
Before the Church of Self destroys us to the point where-
What we look like outside really doesn’t matter anymore.
Friends
Something to consider
Even the people with the best bodies and healthiest lifestyles
Well
They ALL DIE !
At that day God will not care about your six-pack abs and perky biceps
But
Your inward man.
Please ponder this at least for a moment
