Would Jesus And The Apostles Recognize The Church

[GrowingPains]

When you say Church are you referring to UPCI? Need to know if we are to expect a bashing session to follow. I think Apostles would be appalled at how legalistic we've become -- and also how commercialized Western Christianity has become, how manicured, pop-culturized, dumbed down, simplified and far from the "mystery of godliness" that Paul wrote about. I think he'd see things they liked, and be amazed at what a nation the West lives in, but they'd be appalled at the slothfulness, the wasted wealth, the fighting and bickering over silly things, but the laziness also of those who are so selfish about their self-sacrifice for the Lord. He'd be searching for Holiness in spirit. He'd see a national fulfillment of the person of Lazarus. The Apostles would not understand the watering down of their doctrine to fill congregations of sincere people who are hungry to be obedient to Scripture.

They'd be pleased with the spread of the Gospel. They'd be pleased with the desire of worshippers. They'd be pleased with the popularity of Christ. But they'd have more regrets than anything, and let's just assume they understood the times, culture and technology... they'd still be blown away. I think this question posted is an important question, because it helps us stay on track with what we should strive for. We aren't perfect or perfected, except through the blood of Christ, but we are so wayward, fallible, and far from where God wants us. The prophets of old helped confront the church, and now most would rather rebuke the "legalists" than let a prophets voice speak to its churches with a mirror in hand. America is ready for an Awakening.