What Has Happen To True Worship

As I drove into the parking lot we could hear the men in the woods praying and seeking God before the service. The women and kids would be inside having their own time with God. The service would start and the power of God would fall while "I'll Fly Away" and "When The Saints Go Marching In" was being sung. Babies would lie on pallets while older children would sit on the pews paying attention as the word was being preached. The preacher would bring out a good point and the amens would ring around the church. The Spirit would move in such a mighty way the saints would shout their little buns down and hair pins would go flying.
You are probably thinking this was a Pentecostal Church I am writing about. No, guess again, it was General Baptist. I was raised in General Baptist and knew and felt the Spirit of God in the services, but now the questions arises, "What has happen to true worship."
The scripture in II Timothy 3:4&5 says, "Men would be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." I use to think that meant men loving fishing, hunting, car shows, etc. more than coming to the house of the Lord on Sundays, but the Lord has revealed a lot more to me in those scriptures.
In the past few months I have been made more aware of how Satan is taking over our Churches. A concert held in a local church was attend bu three of our members. Three groups were performing that night. A check of one group's schedule revealed that the next weekend they were to play at the V.F.W. They had men with "Security Guards" wrote on their backs to keep peace and order. The altar was called "The Pit". Moshing and air surfing was part of the so called "worship". Now if you are from the old school(like myself) and are not familiar with those terms, moshing is where two people run and slam their bodies together. Air surfing is where a person is picked up and passed through the air on the crowds hands. Never have I read anywhere in the Bible that this was done in true worship or our Lord and Saviour.
Guitars screeched and screamed in a way you would have thought it was a rock concert. When a song is being sung in a way you can't understand the lyrics it is something wrong. Paul said in his writings unless you can understand what is being said it doesn't edify the church.
Christian tattoos were advertised. Leviticus 19:28 tells us not to make any markings on our bodies. I know a lot of Christians have tattoos prior to their conversions but it is something that does not need to be promoted.
In a letter from Pastor Dave Wilkerson he told about the latest thing in worship services, wrestling matches between good and evil. The pulpit was removed and a wrestling rink was installed. A week later after receiving the letter a local newspaper published an article on the same thing in another state.
Dramas have taken the place of sermons in a lot of churches. Choreography dancing is being used in some worship services. I believe in dancing in the Spirit. David danced before the Lord with all his might. Miriam led the women in a song and dance, but no where have I read about them practicing to get all of their moves just right.
All kinds of gimmicks and fun filled events are being used to lure people to the House of God. An old preacher once said " If you win someone with a hot dog supper, you'll have to keep feeding them to keep them in."
Whats happened to the Spirit drawing people in. It seems to me our prayer time is being used in planning all these events. The House of Worship is being turned into a house of entertainment a country club atmosphere.
Well I guess I said all of this to say,if you are going to the church for any other reason other than worshiping and serving our Lord you are going for the wrong reason.

Pastor James Groves

For more information:
Tabernacle of the Living God
1098 South Main St.
Milan, TN 38358 US
Email: milanlivinggod@hotmail.com