When Isaiah speaks for God...
Illustration
When Isaiah speaks for God in crying out against Judah for false rituals of worship, is he not also speaking to the modern church?
Church Membership: It is entered into with all sorts of creeds, do's, don't's, and promises to pay.
Communion: It must be taken in certain ways, with particular breads and wine (or no wine); and often within closed congregations.
The Worship Service: Whether formal or informal, there are schedules to keep; one must be properly dressed; an offering (or two) is absolute; a sermon given to show off the minister; songs offered to show off the choir; and it must always end by 12 noon.
The Church: It is required to be seen as prosperous in appearance either by size of building and/or membership.
Activities: Regular fund-raising efforts are a must as are potluck suppers and meetings, meetings, and more meetings; an ecumenical appearance is preferable but proselytizing efforts are allowed. Missionary efforts are allowed and the feeding of orphans, the caring for widows, and the preaching of Christ's pure gospel is tolerated, as long as these efforts do not detract from the first priority of the church which is the maintenance of the church building, its staff, and its publicity programs.
(Anonymous)
-- Byrd
Church Membership: It is entered into with all sorts of creeds, do's, don't's, and promises to pay.
Communion: It must be taken in certain ways, with particular breads and wine (or no wine); and often within closed congregations.
The Worship Service: Whether formal or informal, there are schedules to keep; one must be properly dressed; an offering (or two) is absolute; a sermon given to show off the minister; songs offered to show off the choir; and it must always end by 12 noon.
The Church: It is required to be seen as prosperous in appearance either by size of building and/or membership.
Activities: Regular fund-raising efforts are a must as are potluck suppers and meetings, meetings, and more meetings; an ecumenical appearance is preferable but proselytizing efforts are allowed. Missionary efforts are allowed and the feeding of orphans, the caring for widows, and the preaching of Christ's pure gospel is tolerated, as long as these efforts do not detract from the first priority of the church which is the maintenance of the church building, its staff, and its publicity programs.
(Anonymous)
-- Byrd
