A Mixed Bag of Churches
Lifeless Churches
Many churches are devoid of vitality and are gradually shrinking in numbers. A dead church lacks the presence of life, causing it to attract fewer individuals each day. Typically, only elderly men and women attend these establishments. Due to the absence of young people or teenagers, such churches are deteriorating and fading away.
Ethnic Churches
Some ethnic groups from foreign countries coming here establish ethnic churches. These churches place more emphasis on preserving their own ethnicity, language, and culture rather than focusing on following Christ's will. Consequently, if a member does not speak their language, they may become upset. They believe that speaking one's own language is a gift from God. While this is true, it is worth reminding that due to their rebellious construction of the Tower of Babel, God scattered humanity across the earth, dividing them into different nations and languages so they could no longer unite in opposition to Him. The primary focus of a church should be on teaching about going to heaven; however, in ethnic churches, the importance of this message is not emphasized. Instead, they prioritize preserving their own ethnicity and languages.
Social Church
The Social Church is an organization established primarily for the welfare of its members.It was founded with the purpose of offering assistance during times of need and difficulty. The main functions include assisting members in finding employment, translating and relaying messages during business meetings, and covering funeral-related expenses. Within this church, the concept of the afterlife is regarded merely as a formal doctrine, with the present focus being on offering assistance to its members. Matters concerning the improvement and enrichment of life while still living hold the highest regard, but a person's journey toward heaven is considered of secondary importance.
Recreational Church
The Recreational Church primarily concentrates on providing enjoyment for its members. These churches often organize musical events, social gatherings, study tours, meals, market fairs, inter-church fellowships, inviting singers, and performing plays. In such a church, achieving salvation is not considered significant at all. Therefore, winning the lost soul is a strange concept for them. The will of Lord Jesus remains entirely unknown, and no attention is paid to it; only the enjoyment of members is deemed important. Although they are united and loving, as they do not achieve salvation, they will end up in hell with complete unity and love.
Sectarian Church
Some individuals become attached to their ancestral sects, so when the time comes, they establish such churches. They make no effort to assess whether their faith is correct or mistaken. Since they adhere to the practices they grew accustomed to during childhood, they dismiss the truth. Even if they are aware that the truth is not being preached, they have no desire to move away from that church due to their attachment to the sect.
Childish Church
The childish church is alive but spiritually akin to a child, thus incapable of functioning independently. It necessitates constant supervision and care. These churches often encounter numerous challenges and tend to be complex in nature. The Corinthian Church serves as an example of such a church. Such establishments are unable to function effectively. A childish church lacks love for souls and does not prioritize the welfare of its guests. They become troubled by visiting guests and do not warmly welcome them. As a result, capturing lost souls is far from being a priority. Fulfilling personal desires takes precedence over fulfilling God's will. Just as it is futile to expect children to complete their tasks and behave appropriately, the members exhibit contempt for those who chastise them.
Church of Music
Certain churches stress the importance of music and performance-oriented musical presentations. In these establishments, musical instruments and singing are the primary focus. Their enthusiasm for singing songs is noticeable, but they pay little heed or care when the truth is preached. Since the focus on truth is not central in these churches, individuals remain engaged in their church activities through enjoyment and a sense of fashionability. They fail to understand God's will. The Lord states, "Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps." (Amos 5:23) However, they do not grasp this message. Music can be an effective attractor, drawing worldly people to it as well.
Chruch Driven by Sensationalism
Many churches give priority to the spirit movement and believe that they possess the Holy Spirit. However, there are two kinds of spirits: the Holy Spirit and the impure or evil spirit. These churches often overlook what the Bible warns about discerning these spirits.
The Bible states, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1) Nevertheless, these churches do not examine spirits, assuming that all spirits are holy.
The Lord says, "Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:3) However, these churches often respond by saying, "'Did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I (Jesus) will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" (Matthew 7:22-23)
Yet, they do not pay heed to this warning. The reason is because they want to hear from the cunning of evil spirits and believe their twisted desires rather than listening to the words of God.
Paralyzed Church
And there are paralyzed churches. These churches have been exposed to the gospel for a long time but fail to put it into practice, resulting in their arteries being clogged and becoming paralized. Hence, their body ceased to function. Although they attend church regularly, they do not actively engage in spreading the gospel of salvation or caring for lost souls and spirits due to a lack of genuine love for them. This lack of action results in these churches becoming stagnant and ineffective, earning them the title of "paralyzed churches."
Compromized Church
A compromized Church is one that has found salvation and understands the truth, yet chooses to remain silent rather than offend those who are still lost. As a result, it tolerates and welcomes false teachings, even though it knows this is morally wrong. In today's modern world, there has been a significant rise in the number of appeasing churches, as they seek to maintain harmony and inclusivity at the expense of standing firmly on their beliefs.
Living and Active Church
A living and active church is one that captures lost souls according to God's will, knows the truth, and lives in accordance with it. It opens the gates of heaven for everyone according to Christ's purpose and closes the path to hell. In such a church, spiritual children are continuously born—spiritual youth, spiritual young adults, and spiritual elders—all age groups are present. Worship is alive and vibrant, and the church experiences God's blessings. Everything done in this church prioritizes what God commands, all for the glory of God.
A Sick Church
Similar to a sick person who is neither dead nor paralyzed but cannot work or eat and drink temporarily due to illness, a living church that suffers from sin or fleshly weakness also struggles to function properly. However, when these sins are confessed before God or among fellow believers, the church experiences spiritual recovery and regains its ability to carry out its work.
A Healthy Church
A healthy church is a very good church. A healthy person enjoys freedom from disease, pain, and weakness, enabling them to work effectively. Likewise, a healthy church is one that is free from illness or sin, without any hurt feelings among its members and devoid of spiritual weaknesses. Because this congregation perform its work diligently, they are able to save lost souls and consequently witness a steady rise in their membership on a daily basis.
Which Church Should You Be In?
We now come to realize that there is a variety of churches throughout the world. It is important for you to know what kind of church you belong to. If you do not understand the condition of your church, it will be difficult to make any improvements within that church. If your church does not prioritize God's will, consider making improvements. If that doesn't work, leave and join a church that is focused on seeking truth, practicing, and living by its beliefs.
