You say "let me ask you these things first: Did Christ use a hot tub mentality to attract followers? Did he teach his disciples to use this philosophy? How about John the Baptist with his camel skin and breath of locust? Or Paul and his disciples?"Yes, I think Jesus did use a "Hot Tub" mentality of sorts. Rather than enter into deep theological debates, or couch his words in high theology, He spoke in Parables so that his stories would appeal to, and be understood by, common people, most of whom could neither read or write. Jesus was a great storyteller. John the Baptist was a powerful witness for declaring the kingdom, locust breath and all. Just because he wandered the outlands does not mean we are all intended to do so. What about Billy Graham? Should he be in the desert eating locusts? Paul said he would "become all things to all men so as to reach them for Christ". Paul carefully instructed Timothy and Titus on how to run and manage a church. He did not suggest they wander in the desert like John.
I think we agree that the truth of the gospel is always attractive to the hungry heart. While many contemporary churches have drastically watered down the gospel, still many others have not. I also agree that the church is commanded to meet the needs of the poor and needy. But again I remind you of the Temple Solomon built. Would you condemn him for that? Jesus withered a single fig tree, he did not kill them all.
We live in a materialistic and self absorbed culture. If we were preparing for a mission to witness in far away lands and cultures, we would learn the culture, and learn how to speak to that culture. If the church wants to reach lost people, we need to be attractive to those people. A street-corner witness may be speaking words directly from scripture, but so may a Chuck Swindoll. Who do you think will win more souls for Christ?
That said, when you make comments such as "we are using everything but the truth to attract people. The only reason they stay is for the Hot Tub, not Christ." Who are you speaking for? How do you know what thousands of churches are or are not doing? What is my home church doing? What about the one down the street? And the one around the corner from there? What is being taught from our pulpit? How would you know whether people are or are not staying for Christ? Obviously you don't have any idea, but still your words seem to condemn a church if they have a nice building or family friendly programs. I think you should remember that the church belongs to Christ. It is His. He told Peter, "On this rock I will build MY church".
While I don't doubt that you have a passion to share Christ, I'm only suggesting that you season your words with salt and light. In Revelations, Christ did not just condemn the churches, He also spoke of their praiseworthy attributes. I know of many churches that speak the truth and present a strong witness for Christ. Who are you to say they are using everything but the truth?
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.