There is a growing trend among Christians to join, or convert their present
Congregations to, the 'feel good church.' The foci of this group is twofold: love & feeling good about Christianity. Christians certainly should love and experience joy at their unique relationship with their God; but, the 'feel-gooders' have perverted the love & joy of Christianity. They focus on the commandment given by Jesus Christ, in Matthew 22:39. Jesus restated this command in John 13:34, 15:12 &
17. The "love" which Jesus commanded has, unfortunately, been sadly lacking in some Congregations. However, this new group is taking Jesus' Commandment to extremes. They overlook the fact that this is the 2nd greatest Commandment. Jesus flatly
states,
- - "Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."
(Matthew 22:37-38)
By overlooking the "great commandment", those focusing solely on Jesus' command to love have given rise to the feel good church, which is a permissive & compromising sham of Christianity.
The feel good church, a place where there is no condemnation, a place of acceptance no matter what; a place where the operating catch phrase is, It's a matter of Conscience and the motto is, Do what you want, it's between you and God. You might ask, "What's the matter with that?". An awful lot, according to God's word, as we will see as we progress.
The members of the feel good church like to pick and choose which Scriptures are
valid and which do not apply today. They will expound on Jesus' command in Matthew 22:39; yet will not accept 2 Timothy 3:16,
- - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness";
. They claim the love of Jesus; yet, overlook that with it comes responsibilities.
Claiming Jesus' love requires that we must return that love, to the extent which is humanly possible. How does He say we should express our love?
- - "If you love Me, keep My commandments."
(John 14:15)
What commandments? Certainly Love the Lord God & Love your neighbor. This is where the 'feel-gooders' attempt to cloud the issue.
They proclaim that these are the only Commandments they are responsible for keeping. They claim that the Ten Commandments where replaced by these two commands. They overlook that Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 22:44,
- - "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
In other words, they are a summation and by following them you will follow the Ten Commandments of God.
This group claims that, "you must accept me as I am.". No
reproof, comment, or condemnation is allowed in the 'feel-good' church. Although Scripture plainly states:
- - "Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may
fear."
(1 Timothy 5:20)
- - "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner not even to eat with such a person."
(1 Corinthians 5:11)
- - "My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too."
(Galatians 6:1)GNB
The Christian concept of "Love the sinner; hate the sin" has been used to subvert the duty of Christians to lovingly, and with humility, rebuke those leading sinful lifestyles, especially those claiming membership in the Body of Christ. By not doing so the 'feel-gooders' are giving tacit approval to on-going sin.
The feel good church overlooks sin, proclaiming,
"It's a matter of conscience"
&
"It's between the sinner and God."
In both instances, it fails to carry out the "Great Commission" given by Jesus Christ to all His disciples. We are to proclaim His Gospel to the world; not change His Gospel to suit the world. The great blinding light that Jesus's Church should be, is nothing more than flickering candles here and there. Is it any wonder that darkness is spreading rapidly in the world?
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The Feel Good Church
page updated 03/22/2011.