I just finished my devotions for the day and was pondering over some things and questioning things that go on in the local church these days. We have been in full time ministry since 2003. Since then I have watched the decline of America, the decline of local church attendance and decline of Christian attitude (the onset of apathy). The world thought process has leaked into the church slowly for so long that it appears to me that now there is a full blown crevice that allows that worldly thought process to gush right in. If you question the worldly thoughts, you are labeled anywhere from a legalist to a hateful, judgemental bigot and are told you need to loosen up and just show the love of Jesus to people. ----Let me say right here, that lovingly telling and showing people the truths of the Bible IS showing the love of Jesus! Scripture (the Bible) was written for reproof, rebuke, and exhortation, correction, and doctrine. (2 Timothy 3:16) You can't just tell people that Jesus loves them and that is all. You must tell them and teach them how to have a close and RIGHT walk with Him or you are not living up to your duty.
I do not know how far back in time the "altar call" or "invitation time" dates in a church service. I probably should have researched it before I started this post but I'm not taking time for that now. I do know that it has been practiced in most Baptist churches during my generation. I am 49. I know there are some who do not and state their reasons but the majority have practiced it. Thirty years ago invitation time brought floods of people to the altar to get saved or to get things right with the Lord (confess to Him), and to pray for help or for others. When my husband got saved and we got into church back in the late 90s it seemed that people still used the altar at invitation time. Over the years since then, I have watched it continually decline. Bob used to say it had to do with his preaching ability and blame himself for not being able to break through and reach people. I was quick to point out that if that were the case then when we had a guest preacher in, the altar would be used but it is not. I personally have never sat through hearing a sermon and not felt the Holy Spirit burdening me about something. (even if it was just to thank the Lord for my blessings or to pray for someone else) I do not understand not going forward and using the invitation time to bring your burdens to the Lord. As a pastor's wife, I also know it helps others feel "safe" to go forward if someone else is already going so that they are not the only ones (especially for first timers). A former pastor taught me that idea. There's something humbling about stepping out of the pew and going forward and kneeling at that altar. I am fully aware that some go forward at every service simply because they believe they are "supposed" to, while there has been no real conviction or heart change. They go for show. Well, that is between them and the Lord. However, I believe that using the altar gives special time between you and God and can have a very soothing and cleansing effect.
Now to the why. I have a theory. I came to this belief and conclusion a few years ago as I watched and observed people. ---their reactions during the preaching.
One reason the altar is empty is because I don't think most are actually listening. That's right! You read right. I think most or at least many are at church and they have filled their christian obligation. Attendance is all that is necessary in their minds and the heart and mind are closed off to what is being said. If you don't hear the Holy Spirit cannot reveal or tug at your mind and heart to make changes. This is also why some insist on talking through the service too! They want to be distracted and not focus on what is said.
Another reason the altar is empty and the one I think is most likely is that most believe in their heart they are already living out what is being preached. Which is absurd because even if you are doing it, there is always, always room for improvement! Many believe they are correctly disciplining their children just because they spank. Many believe that because they are not doing as bad of things as someone else they know, that means they are ok. Many believe because they tithe then they are right with the Lord even though the Holy Spirit may be burdening them to give a special offering or give to missions more regularly. You see, if they are already living what is being preached in their minds, then there is no need for change. You can't get someone to change who sees nothing wrong with their thoughts and actions!
We had Bro. Mike Stanley from Highland AR come preach a Family Conference last year. I remember him saying that people are not nearly as spiritual as they think they are. Getting them to see that is a hard task! He was so right.
In Revelation chapter 3 Jesus tells the church at Laodicea that they THINK they are rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing but they are really wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I think this describes the average local church member today and that is ultimately why altars are empty. Hard hearts and stiff necks that believe they are already living everything the preacher is saying so the altar isn't necessary.
No comments:
Post a Comment