Removing The Cross?
Philippians 3:18-19
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
There is a new trend in ‘churchianity’ that is now sweeping the globe; crosses on places of worship are coming down!
I had read of this troubling new trend but have now witnessed it myself. My former church, shown in the above photo, has now removed both cross and name from the face of their building. Rather than taking a new picture to show what has been done, I simply edited a photo I had on file to illustrate this post.
Now I realize that a cross does not need to be displayed on or in a church building for it to be a Bible-believing, evangelizing, God-fearing assembly. Rather, the cause for concern in this matter has everything to do with the REASON crosses are being removed. Simply put, these exterior renovations just confirm the inward modifications already taken place inside these houses of worship; namely, the preaching of another gospel, a cross-less gospel that is powerless to save sinners.
While researching this topic, I came across the following article from Kjos Ministries that well describes what is happening in “seeker-sensitive” or rather, “sin-friendly” churches.
Decisionism An Invitation to Cross-Less Christianity
How to Give Assurance of “salvation” Without Conversion
1. Focus on the “decision,“ not conversion. Then they’ll remember their own ”wise” choice, not Christ’s work on the cross.
2. Skim over the gospel and push the prayer. The actual gospel is simply too offensive.
3. Please your listeners with positive assurances; don’t confuse them with the whole truth. Tell them what they want to hear, not what they need to hear.
4. Emphasize God’s goodness, not His justice or holiness. Talk about his love, not His legal requirement that demands sacrifice for sin. Let them think they are headed for heaven no matter what!
5. Describe Jesus as Saviour, not Lord of our lives. Promise His blessing but, by all means, ignore His warning about “counting the cost!”
6. Don’t mention sin, guilt, hell or wrath. No need to offend them with the whole dreadful reason why they need the Saviour.
7. Whatever you do, never mention Judgment Day. Too distasteful! You could lose both friends and financial supporters.
8. Add some humor or rousing music. Lighten things up. Don’t sound too sober or serious.
9. Don’t mention repentance until they’ve repeated a “sinner’s prayer.” Then your project won’t be aborted by sudden doubts or reservations.
10. After they pray “the prayer,“ celebrate “their“ achievement, not God’s grace. Be sure to praise the deceived sinner, not the God they don’t know that they don’t yet know.
While compromising church leaders link hands with today’s fast-rising one-world system in the spirit of unity and tolerance, the world system is actually exposing them and drawing attention to the fact that something is not right with this picture!
Fox News Video (May 1, 2011) Church changes name and removes cross to be more welcoming. “Church Tries To Be More Inclusive” (click on title to watch this short video)
The coming global religious system will only accommodate a cross-less “Christianity” and by the looks of things, many “Christian” churches are now on board. This should grieve us.
Until That Day…
