Hint: For best results read and reread the scriptures in all my posts before reading my commentary
The early Christian Church (1st through 4th century, pre-Catholicism) existed primarily as small, scattered sects and communities throughout the Roman world. Believers were often referred to as “The Way.” Though frequently persecuted, they remained steadfast and committed their lives to what they believed. To the dismay of the Roman authorities and the surrounding pagan culture, Christians not only endured, but continued to live out the character Jesus and the apostles taught—even when that faithfulness led to imprisonment, torture, and death in public spectacles. They refused to retaliate with violence, to flee their responsibilities, or to become anything less than exemplary citizens.
This confounded Roman leaders and many pagan citizens. The believers remained united, cared for one another, prayed diligently, and worshiped in the face of fierce opposition. In time, the church grew rapidly and became influential enough that its teaching began to affect Rome’s social life—and even its economy. Much of Roman culture revolved around pagan worship and public entertainments that the early Christians considered deeply immoral. As Christian belief gained traction, many people abandoned their former practices and lifestyles. The result was a noticeable cultural shift that also redirected commerce away from certain pagan-centered venues and traditions.
Fearing the loss of both power and tradition, Roman authorities intensified their efforts against “The Way,” and Christians endured even more persecution. Yet the Lord blessed their perseverance, and the church continued to grow—from a small movement to what is now estimated to be billions worldwide. I set the stage with that history lesson so we can juxtapose the early church with today’s modern church.
In today’s church, many things are the same—and yet much is different. We still see many of the same maladies the early church faced: gossip, grumbling, hidden sin, and the struggle for power and position, to name a few. I suspect some of these conflicts will always exist wherever imperfect people gather. However, there are ways the modern church has gone wayward that were not present then. Too often, churches are driven by motivations that simply do not belong. In many places, worship is intentionally designed around unbelievers. This is commonly justified as an emphasis on evangelism, but it can quickly give way to a deeper aim: filling seats, increasing attendance, and—today—growing social media following and views.
Don’t misunderstand me: evangelism should have a place in every church. But in today’s setting, this approach has often produced a dramatic shift—at the cost of edifying and building up current members and believers. Sermons and messages become watered down and lack depth, catering to the unbeliever in the room so as not to “run them off.” The result is stunted growth across the board and, more tragically, a growing population of people who claim—or assume—they are redeemed when they are not.
The fact is: if Jesus has given someone a new spirit and they are truly regenerate, He will also give them what is necessary to endure solid teaching and not fall away.
As Scripture says:
“They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” (1 John 2:19)
In Paul’s letters to the churches, he consistently exhorted believers—brothers and sisters in the faith. His focus was to help them stand strong, to be edified and encouraged, and to remain steadfast while living in a world filled with opposition. In much of today’s church, the focus has shifted toward comfort and entertainment: coffee bars with endless drink options, pastries and donuts, flat screens with eye-catching graphics, and music produced with concert-level quality. I also often hear of people leaving their churches for other churches with “better worship music.” Sadly, this can lead people away from better teaching in favor of better production.
Why are we going to church? Individuals and families sometimes choose their church home based on who has the best donuts, the best music, and the most aesthetically pleasing venue. What do you think Jesus would say about this? This approach often produces two unfortunate results. First, many unbelievers are attracted to the luxuries and comforts. When that is paired with weak, non- expositional preaching, they can attend without having their hearts confronted.
As a result, many walk around convinced they are saved when they are not:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21–23)
Second, those the Lord has truly called can end up starving. When the church’s teaching and approach are primarily focused on drawing and retaining newcomers, there is often little substance or depth being presented from the pulpit. True expositional preaching does not “navigate around” Scripture to avoid offense. It handles the text verse by verse with the intent to interpret, understand, and teach what God has said. When that teaching confronts us, the listener’s role is not to shrink back, but to bear up under it and allow it to shape and sanctify us as intended.
Before you say it: I am not telling you to open wide and swallow anything you are fed. We are all called to be discerning, always measuring what we hear against Scripture. But when you find a church with a preacher who pursues honesty and courage in his teaching, you will often find that, over time, trust can grow as that faithfulness proves consistent.
In closing, I want to appeal to anyone reading this: pursue a real relationship with Jesus one filled with substance in the eyes of the Lord. If your faith is genuine, it will produce fruit in your life. Be honest with yourself about how the Holy Spirit is dealing with you. Dive headlong into conviction. If you feel fleshly resistance to prayer, Bible reading, or attending a church that is truly set on building you up, double down and do it anyway. I believe God will reward that effort, and little by little—degree by degree—you will find your life filled with His grace and faithfulness:
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Prayer: Father I pray that we as a community of brothers and sisters in faith are not only able to have discernment concerning the things we hear and read but also in our words and our thoughts, rightfully dividing according to your scripture and spirit, give us the wisdom and courage to lean into the guiding and convictions of your Holy Spirit Amen
