The Church in Transition

Wisconsin J. Gore

Description

Find out how the church can overcome pressing problems and become a better Christian in the process with the insights in The Church in Transition.
The church is in transition and serious challenges dawn on the horizon that will rattle the faith of many and conversely strengthen the warriors of the faith. There can be no compromise on fundamental principles if the church is to survive the relentless attack from the forces determined to undermine and taint the long-held reputation of fairness, compassion, and love for all people of the world.

Sujets

• Religion
• Christianisme
• Philosophie et théologie
• Ekklesía
• Decline
• Fundamental
• Resistance
• Ecclesia
• Liberty
• Leadership
• Profile
• Transition
• Church
• Change
• Division

Informations

• Publié par: iUniverse
• Date de parution: 13 juin 2023
• Nombre de lectures: 2
• EAN13: 9781663222084
• Langue: English

Extrait

THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION
 
 
 
WISCONSIN J. GORE
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION
 
 
Copyright © 2023 Wisconsin J. Gore.
 
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
 
 
 
 
iUniverse
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Bloomington, IN 47403
www.iuniverse.com
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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
 
Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.
 
ISBN: 978-1-6632-2207-7 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6632-2209-1 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-6632-2208-4 (e)
 
Library of Congress Control Number: 2023911030
 
 
 
iUniverse rev. date:  03/23/2023
CONTENTS
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Biblical Authority
Precursor to Change
The Birth of the Church
Fundamentals of the Early Church
Measured Change
The Role of the Church in Society
The Abomination of the Century
What Would Jesus Do?
A Relevant Message
Profile of the Church
Upper Room Experiences
The Church at Work
Serving Tables
The Call to Order
Liberty Is Not a License
Biblical Authority
Some Were Sent, and Others Went
The Disciples’ Preparation
Paul’s Contribution to Christianity
The Church Is a Living Organism
Fulfilling the Commission
God’s Word Is the Final Authority
Relevant Activities
The Believer’s Diet
Preparedness
Resistance to Change
The Ecclesia
The Great Divide
The Persecuted Church
Public Ministry
The Mission of the Church
Spiritual Decline
Church Growth
World Outreach Nations Magazine
A Diluted Message
The Twenty-First-Century Church
Church Leadership
The First Cause
God’s Plan for Humanity
The Moral Dilemma
The Church in Transition
The Apostate Church
The Glorious Church
Self-Sustaining God
Man’s Finality
Random Thoughts
Notes
About the Author
Keywords Marketing Statement
DEDICATION
The Church in Transition is posthumously dedicated to an outstanding woman, Mrs. Olive Benjamin, who lived her life on a spiritual trajectory that had practical and committed goals in view. She was passionate about her purpose, fervent in spirit, firm with conviction, unshakable in faith, and loved and devoted to her family. Nothing could deter her from fulfilling her solemn pledge to God, my parents, and me. She was one of God’s great gifts, which was given to the world to shine as a light and to be an expressed blessing in the heart of others. My godmother, Mrs. Olive Benjamin (Goddie) from the village of Christian Hill in Antigua, was a second mother in my life. At a very tender age, I knew that she was special because of her love, care, and nurturing, which helped to cultivate my life. I was accepted in her family as a biological son and was genuinely treated as such. A bond was forged between all her children and me, and that relationship has survived the test of time, and it still lives on.
Godmothers who understand their solemn pledges before God and assist parents with the upbringing of their children will always complement biological parents. They give input and contributions in areas that are vital to holistic (moral, social, spiritual, and physical) development, discipline, and training. The formative years of a child’s life are of utmost importance for learning core values. Early instruction, precepts, counseling, and immaculate examples predicated her success and influence on me. They brought me into a place of honor and respect among my peers.
Life lessons that Goddie imparted to me still percolate in my life. The all-around enrichment I gained from her deep insight and wisdom on matters pertaining to living a productive life helped me set high standards and pursue them successfully. Her patience and deliberate way of explaining relevant issues served to solidify important core values and principles, which have contributed to my development as a well-rounded person. It is with fond memories that I share my deep appreciation and love for one who has invested so much in me. Being in her presence was punctuated with laughter and sublimity. There were times when it was necessary to scold, direct, and counsel me with love and compassion as she instilled guiding principles for my enrichment.
The qualities that defined her were rooted in her belief in God. She never compromised her conviction, and she was always ready to defend and express her position. She had an unshakable faith in God, from whom she drew her strength.
The principal building blocks and the primary ingredients that have formulated the moral and spiritual foundation in my life must be attributed to the invaluable role that my godmother played in my life. With distinction, she left indelible imprints of godly virtues in my life. No material value can equal the love, gifts, and blessings that she showered upon me. Her impact in my life is reflected in my work as a person, a pastor, an author, and all that I have become. This amazing woman has served as a good soldier, and she is being rewarded with all that God has prepared for her. She will always be remembered. Her legacy will affect many lives in this generation and beyond. Thank you, Goddie. Vicariously, your life is extended to many people, whom you have touched by godly virtues. The true beneficiary of the deposit that you made in my life extends to all those I serve as pastor, friends, and all who will read this book.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The task of writing, The Church in Transition was a challenge. It became larger as I began to gather material and share it with friends. It was a bird’s-eye view of the changing church’s landscape, which I thought was lurching onto an unfamiliar path, with unintended consequences.
My wife, Marilyn Gore, must be mentioned for her priceless contributions, nuggets, ideas, patience, and encouragement, which she gave when I needed a pillar to lean on.
Some people’s quotes did not make it into this book, but their suggestions were incorporated to produce the final document.
I want to say thanks to all of you.
INTRODUCTION
The ideal vision of the church is to see wholeness, peace, and tranquility. The epic message it offers is the essence of truth, faith, hope, and love for all mankind.
With such a dynamic message, the church should turn the world upside down, and people of all races, nationalities, and persuasions should gravitate to the church and discover God’s never-ending grace. However, a compelling argument is that the main thrust of the church has been overshadowed by doctrinal differences, infightings, and operational contradictions by the clergy, the laity, denominations, and religious affiliates. This unfortunate spectacle within the church has created much confusion among adherents and observers. As a result, severe damage has been done, and it has cast shadows on the integrity of its leaders, pastors, workers, and the universal church.
There is a quest for a united church, which functions with all the spiritual characteristics that reflect the image of the church as an organism. The church that Jesus promised to build is strong enough to go up against the gates of hell, and resolute enough to resist the influences of social pressure, and political interference.
There is a consensus that the church is losing ground and influence in the traditional areas of setting high moral standards and social guidelines. The surrounding wall of security that has barricaded the onslaught of every imaginable foe is being breached from within. The fault line is being established by egoistic, individualistic, and noncompliant ministers and laity, who are trending toward a new-age message, compromising standards, and questionable operational practices.
My research has suggested that other church leaders have made similar observations among their peers but have chosen to remain silent. Covering up the wrong that is within is not healthy for the body. Healing, growth, and strength can only begin when affected areas are not allowed to fester and contaminate the entire body. The church must be free from all appearances of evil so that it can maintain its reputation, position of strength, and influence in society.
Bad behavior within the hierarchy of the clergy has caused great harm to the church. The results have led to serious compromise of essential standards, and erosion of guidelines, which are the nuts and bolts of the body. That divide encourages soft presentation and watered-down messages, which attract those who are surface Christians, who do not have firm roots or foundation to withstand the perils of serving Christ. There is no room for weaklings and cowards in a walk with God, and certainly, there is no place for those who only settle for the status quo.
Jesus told Peter to launch out into the deep. Christ was emphatic about the requirements of following him. One must take up the cross and be willing to endure hardship along the way, ruffle feathers if you must, and propel oneself into the flurr