Calling out the American Church

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Col 2:8 This was written to the church. It was a warning to believers. Have we heeded this warning? Most in the church are, in judging by our lifestyles, just as materialistic and humanistic as non-believers. We largely use our money and resources to satisfy our carnal nature and do not give a second thought to using them to advance the gospel in Africa and other third world countries where they are starving, both literally and for the gospel. The success of the American work ethic and dependance upon God proved successful but, over time, we have forgotten God. What was a blessing has become our curse. We don't need God when our bank account is fat. We largely have no concept of what it means to live by faith. Clothes, cars, houses, landscaped yards, the mall, it is these which have become our gods, our idols. Ok, so most of you already know I have feelings in this area. I would prefer not to speak up but God has put, speaking globally, the impotence of the American church on my heart. Recently I made the statement that "I more admire my atheistic friends than I do those who attend church and even profess Christ yet show no evidence of Him in their lives". Though I obviously disagree with those who say there is no God, at least they are honest in their beliefs. I do pray that my atheistic / agnostic friends will come around to know Christ but at least their actions align with their mindset. Two months have passed and I still stand by this statement. Honestly, what scares me to death, is my current belief that likely 75% of Americans that attend church have never experienced a genuine, life changing encounter with Jesus. We may have walked aisles and muttered a prayer but when I look around, I cannot distinguish much difference, if any, of that of society and the majority of church goers. Quite honestly, if you didn't change as part of that profession, nothing happened. If I am right in My statement above, that means 75% of the church will not be in heaven. Worse yet, a few of us in this enlightened post-modernistic society still believe in a literal place called hell. That's obviously worse news yet. If you're a professing Christian who would be found innocent from lack of evidence if on trial for being a Christian, please reconsider your eternal status. Remember that being a Christian is not going to church or doing more good deeds than bad, it's about having realized you needed Christ, yielding your will to His purpose, and subsequently allowing Him to live that out in you. When we live for Him, we don't resemble society at large. Charles Stanley says, "The call of God has always inspired His followers to act in ways that others don't understand". Here's a clue - If you're not different, you would be wise to consider why. As I said earlier, it would be easier and much more popular just to remain silent on this subject. But I love everyone far too much to remain silent and then have you hear these words one day without having heard this from this wierd guy from Texas you knew. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he 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 perform many miracles?’ (Didnt we go to church? attend youth camp? drive the church van? Try not to cuss?, etc..) Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’