Seeker-Sensitivity Strikes Again

Tonight I went out to dinner with some friends, and someone mentioned how displeased they were with the Christmas performance at a local "mega church" they attended recently. If you're not familiar with the term, a "mega church" is an organized Christian fellowship whose membership has reached into the thousands. Unfortunately, this is often because something gets compromised. (By the way, I've posted a video about the ineffectiveness of seeker-sensitivity on this site).

As it turns out, this friend of mine said that the Christmas play was amazing and had some powerful scenes. It even included a crucifixion scene that brought her to tears. But when it came time for the pastor to pray at the end, he gave a very watered-down "altar call." Something like: "If you want to be happy and get out of your bad circumstances, come forward."

Jesus never promised happiness and peaceful circumstances. Rather, He offered us joy (which is a state of being that transcends emotion) and comfort in the midst of trials. Jesus said, "In this world you WILL have trials and tribulation; but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world!"

The true "Good News" (or "Gospel") is not one of health, wealth, and happiness. It is indeed one of inner peace; divine love; supernatural power; uncompromised purity; and radical, unshakable faith. But it nevertheless includes trials, temptations, persecution, and sacrifice. According to Megashift, by James Rutz (see book reviews for more info), some 25,000 Christians are murdered every month as martyrs for refusing to deny Jesus Christ.

Real Christianity is not something to be taken lightly or toyed with. We need to present the truth. The more the Church at large lies to people about these false "results" of salvation, the less people will look for the true results: freedom from sin, freedom from self, freedom from the devil, and freedom from the world.