10 Threats to Watch Out For in the Church

Here Are the Top 10 Threats You Face at Church

Threats may be found everywhere, even at your place of worship. Even though this has been going on for quite some time, the Book of Jude warns that we have come to feel a sense of illusory security behind the walls of our churches. In reality, though, church has always been a place of intense spiritual conflict.

During the eleven o’clock hour on Sunday morning, if you could see the unseen war going on around you, it would terrify the living daylights out of you. And if you have any unconverted members in your church, the war is fierce.

Time and time again, Satan and his minions take home the prize for most faithful congregation.

In the words of the apostle Paul, “because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the high realms.” (NAS Version Ephesians 5:12)

1. INTELLECTUAL IGNORANCE

Jude, the Lord Jesus’ half-brother, writes that Christians should “contend fiercely for the faith that was once for all passed down to the saints.”

Believers are commanded to “contend” with all types of error. To stand firm for the truth of God’s Word. However, many Christians nowadays can’t see the truth because they’re indifferent to it. Since when did you last sing “Onward, Christian Soldiers?” We’re Christians!” you exclaim in shock. We’re not intended to be at battle with one another, but rather to love them all. To the contrary, we are commanded to “take the offensive” against “some individuals who have slipped in undetected, those who were long earlier marked out for this condemnation, wicked persons who transform the favor of our God into licentiousness and reject our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4 NAS).

The issue is that many people in the pew aren’t well-versed enough in God’s Word to separate fact from fiction, and they’ve become quite at home there.

2. LACK OF DISCERNMENT

Spiritual discernment is required for using God’s truth. Looking back, it’s clear that Israel was God’s chosen people. They were freed from slavery and led through the desert to the country God had given them, but instead of believing God, they believed the falsehoods of 10 cowards. The Bible states that generation perished because of their lack of faith.

Jude writes, “…just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns surrounding them, because they in the same manner as these engaged in gross immorality and sought after alien flesh, are shown as an example in enduring the sentence of everlasting fire.” Dreaming is a means by which these men, like all men, degrade the body, reject authority, and revile celestial majesties. (Jude 1:7-8)

Truth-telling is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Even among Christians, there are a lot of individuals who base their beliefs on the opinions of everyone else except God. They aren’t curious or hungry to know His truth. Our children have been taught that there is no such thing as undeniable fact. Consequently, they have nothing to guide their lives but the falsehoods of those who have quietly infiltrated our midst and polluted their minds.

3. APOSTATE PREACHERS

Preachers in modern times often avoid using the term “sin” altogether. They never bring up the fact that our sins were finally paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. Their message of unconditional love may be pleasant to the ear, but it won’t rescue anyone’s soul.

False prophets are primarily interested in boosting their own profiles and bank accounts at the expense of their congregations. Jude likens them to “clouds without water, carried along by winds, autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted, wild waves of the sea casting up their own shame like foam, wandering stars (comets that aimlessly shoot across the sky),” adding that “the black darkness has been reserved forever” for them. Jude 1:12–13 New American Standard Bible

Telling and showing individuals whose lives display the enemy’s falsehoods rather than the fruit of the Spirit of God that Jesus loves them is the most loving thing you can do or say. He gave his life as a sacrifice for your wrongdoing. And if you put your faith in and obedience to Him, He will forgive you your sins.

To go and make disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God rescued you.

4. FAKE EDUCATORS

Many Christians now reject the Bible’s account of creation out of respect for political correctness. Or perhaps they try to reconcile the creation account in Genesis with Darwinian evolution. Or they may teach something that is in total contrast to the Bible, such as the idea that Jesus is just one of many possible paths to salvation. A heretic, indeed!

Jude condemns these instructors as “ungodly sinners” for their harsh words directed at Jesus Christ.

“These individuals are always complaining, always finding fault, always chasing after their own lusts; they talk down to others and flatter them for their own benefit.” (Jude 1:16)

Despite the allure of their message, it is a deception that has no basis in heavenly truth.

5. BELIEVERS BEHAVING BADLY

Have you ever been among a gathering of churchgoers whose talk didn’t reflect their claims to be pure and righteous? Almost-obscene humor? Important chats? False information spreads and causes rifts. Dismantling the church rather than strengthening it. Having no soul or spirit.

Exactly what are we supposed to do? As Jude explains:

However, “you beloved, edifying yourself on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping yourselves in the love of God, eagerly waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to everlasting life. Have pity on the wavering; save the ones you can from the flames; and show compassion to those who are afraid, despising even the garment defiled by sin. Jude 1:22–23 New American Standard Bible

We mustn’t give up now. We are obligated to act as saviors.

Rather of religious services, we have performances.

A wise person once told me, “It ain’t of the Lord when the foot gets to tappin’ before the Spirit’s in charge.” With two-sentence choruses becoming more obnoxious with each passing song, I often wonder when worship of God ceased to become our amusement.

We are a Baptist congregation with both traditional and contemporary members from Dallas, Texas. The old songs provide us hope, consolation, and relief in Jesus Christ, while the new praise choruses increase our delight. However, worship is focused on Jesus and not on ourselves.

To worship the One who will rule and reign forever, music must give glory to our Sovereign God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Aside from that, everything else is merely filler. I can’t help but feel awkward as I try to sing the familiar refrain, “I am a friend of God, He calls me friend.” It’s not up to me to decide; it belongs to God. Grace and kindness from Him have redeemed me, a sinner.

7. MEETINGS THAT ARE COLD AND MECHANICAL

The church at Ephesus had become indifferent and mechanical, according to Revelation. A loveless church, they had abandoned their one and only love, Jesus Christ. If they would not repent and return to their initial love, He threatened to take away their candlestick.

How, therefore, can God’s house of worship turn into a soulless factory? These days, it’s simpler to function like a machine because there’s never a moment of peace. But the people who worship inside are what make the church what it is. And it takes time to deal with individuals and their wants and issues. Our group doubts that we have enough time.

I don’t know about you, but I feel like there’s less of me to go around when I stretch myself too thin. Furthermore, neither God nor your Christian brethren receive a true flavor of who or what I am. Because of the pressing demands placed upon your time, it is easy to neglect developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ via daily Bible study, meditation, and prayer. If you ignore Him, your efforts will be for nothing. Before you get comfortable in your seat, you may want to check the church’s temperature.

8. NEGLECTIVE, CORRUPT, OR DEAD MEMBERS

The believers of Pergamum’s church were heretical. As could be expected from a structure erected in the heart of a pagan city, its inhabitants soon gave in to the temptations of their environment and began engaging in adultery and worship of false gods. In spite of this, God urged them to change their ways. Is your church now preaching PC falsehoods?

It was a corrupt church in Thyatira. They allowed a prophetess to influence them into sexual misconduct and the consumption of foods that had been offered to gods. Those who did not believe this message were urged by God to remain faithful until He returned with their recompense. What you’re saying is that you’re okay with people in your church being immoral.

A part of Sardis was still alive, but not fully. A church that has long since stopped worshipping. Wake up and repent, God said. Some of the Christians in Sardis managed to keep their clothes clean. He also assured them that their names would remain in the Book of Life and that they would be able to walk in white beside Him. What values do you hope their church instills in your kids?

9. LUKEWARM BELIEVERS

We reach Laodicea at last. A group of believers who are neither fervent nor indifferent. They were vile, as God had predicted. Offensive. As soon as they entered His mouth, He would spit them out. They had the false impression that they were wealthy and self-sufficient while, in reality, they were destitute. He pleaded with them to see their plight and make amends by purchasing eye salve.

How often have you attended a religious service and felt like people were staring right through you? Your time with them left you feeling empty; you didn’t feel the spark of the Spirit that God ignites in your and my hearts when we spend time with Him and love Him. The desire to feel His flame’s warmth brought you here, but instead you departed with a sour impression in your mind and heart.

God holds you accountable for making sure your kids are raised with a heart ablaze with devotion to God. Such is the intensity of God’s love for you and me that He sacrificed His One and Only Son on that broken cross.

10. LOOK LIKE A COUNTRY CLUB

Every Christian community has an obligation to love the Lord their God with all they’ve got. Destined to serve as a sanctuary for the wicked. Destined to serve as a beacon that guides those who are lost in the depths of sin and dishonor back to safety. However, many American churches have become social clubs because their members are so well off financially, educationally, and otherwise that they no longer need Jesus. Rather of being a place of worship, this establishment serves as a venue for entertainment.

Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he with Me. As I have conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne, so will I grant to anyone who overcomes to sit down with Me on My throne. Everyone who can listen should pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches. Revelation 3:20–22 (New American Standard)

You are a guardian on the church wall for your kid. Are you more attuned to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, or to the whisperings of those who would want to go undetected among us?