UN-CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

 Posted at Christian News:

Pastors and congregations who refuse to take a stand against sin, must necessarily deny Christ in the process—eventually. It seems harsh and mean—at face value—to not accept people living a sinful lifestyle, but when by their lives they show that the Spirit of Christ does not rule them, accepting sin means minimizing Christ’s sacrifice for all sins and denying that a Christian is any different than a pagan.

Sins that are completely socially acceptable, like living together, divorcing without biblical cause, or practicing homosexuality are frequently winked at in supposedly Christian congregations (even LCMS ones). But God is not mocked. The congregation is made of saints gathered around the Gospel of Christ which creates faith. When there is no distinction or demarcation between the believer who has the Spirit, and the unbeliever who can only live by the flesh, and is therefore a slave to his lusts, Christ’s forgiveness is trampled.

It should mean something to be called a Christian, righteous, and a holy child of God. The Christian does not willingly and freely sin—struggle, yes, but the Spirit does not let sin rule him which displeases Jesus, the Lord. That is obedience to Satan, not Christ. The very power of the Gospel is being denied in our midst—its power to make the dead new and living before God.

What is obviously and intentionally not good, holy, and of God marks one as living contrary to Christ, despite all human connections, personality traits, or nice-looking deeds. Faith, which comes from the Spirit, makes one a Christian, not doing lots of church activities or even attending a public service regularly. But the Spirit does not move one to serve the flesh in evil works, but He works His fruit in all stations of life.

Continue here...