masika Posted June 11, 2008 Report Share Posted June 11, 2008 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? (Don't rag on other denominations!) How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? There is much we can glean from the seven letters to the churches in Revelation chapters two and three. They not only cover the broad spectrum of professing Christendom at any given moment (from Christ's perspective), they also show the progression of the church age: starting with Ephesus (the churches in the time of the Apostles, the first century churches), to Laodicea (the end-time lukewarm churches). The true danger in professing Christendom is not the atheist or agnostic who doesn't "believe in God", nor the Satanist or New Ager who is fully against God, nor the true fundamental, Bible-believing Christian (as the media would like to portray), but the lukewarm believer. It is easy to determine where all of the above stand in relation to Jesus Christ and the things of God, but the lukewarm believer is half-in half-out of the world; professing to be saved, but living like the Devil; proclaiming to believing the Bible, but picking and choosing what parts they will accept from it and explaining away the rest; claiming to believe in Christianity, yet denying the fundamentals; claiming to believe that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour, but yoking up unbelievers of all stripes. That is the danger in Christendom! The true believer won't be sidetracked by what is obviously, openly against Christ, will embrace what is faithful to the things of God, but will sometimes be deceived by the counterfeit that is out there. And there are many in the lost world who will detest the lukewarm "Christianity" that they are familiar with, and will perhaps never get saved. Just like we want to spit a lukewarm drink out of our mouths, even so the Lord Himself will spit out these lukewarm professors unless they get right with the Lord. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsdaddy4441 Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Most churches are apathetic because the membership has failed to grasp what it really means to be sold out to Christ. We have made "church" simply a segment of our lives rather than having Christianity as the core of our existence. So, "going to church" has replaced living a Christ-like life. And, since we see no real benefit in "going to church," we are not disposed to do much about inviting people to join us "at church." Our friends, seeing very little proof that Christianity means much to us, are not inclined to give up their Sunday mornings to "go to church" and live their lives without God the rest of the week. Without good Christian leadership in our churches and self-discipline, today's Christians will not break their apathetic lifestyle. People will go to hell (and, some of those will be people who are "in church" every Sunday) because they are not exposed to the life-transforming power of the Spirit of God. His love for us must make a difference in our lives; we must love Him enough to want to please Him and we must fall on our faces in awe at His wonderful grace. Until this happens, we will continue to play at church, compartmentalize our lives, and waste the opportunities that God has given us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gideona Posted August 9, 2008 Report Share Posted August 9, 2008 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? One reason that I observe why Christians tend to be apathetic is due to creature of comforts that they have. Another reason is financial and physical problem. These are just some of the reasons why we tend to become wishy-washy in our spiritual life. On the other hand, it is only through surrendering our lives fully into God's hands that we can combat spiritual apathy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randall greene Posted October 2, 2008 Report Share Posted October 2, 2008 The People go to church for their childerns, parents, or because it is the right thing to do. They should be going to spread the word of God. New christans are taught is all you have to do is belive in Christ, not that ther is work involved. When people first come to Christ they need to be schooled in there mresponsbilties as a Christan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurf1948 Posted January 5, 2009 Report Share Posted January 5, 2009 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? They are not living the Christian life or doing the work Jesus has planned for us. They go to church on sunday then the rest of the week they live a life of this world not of God. Thier bible sits on a shelf. People don't see Jesus in them. We have to give our self over to God he has to be the ruler of our lives we are slaves to him. We must know his word and what he wants us to do and follow his commands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ising4ujc Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? They are a "hotbed" because of greed, not following the Word, selfishness, sexual immorality, it seems everyone "bickers" over whose faith or church denomination is better than another person's instead of understanding that because you belong to a different denomination than your own doesn't mean that you are not saved and can't minister the Gospel to others. We can combat spiritual apathy by staying focused on the L-rd, praying, reading and studying the Word, and loving our fellow Christian and non-Christian, and by treating them with respect and dignity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delivered Posted June 18, 2009 Report Share Posted June 18, 2009 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? Paul tells us in Romans 3:20 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue D Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Sue D. Why are so many churches a 'hotbed of apathy'? Possibly because lots of churches don't teach Bible any more? The Holy Spirit convicts through His Word. Also we have it pretty easy in the United States -- no intimidation about our going to church or Bible studies as other countries do. Most every one has at least one Bible in the house -- life is easy. How to combat apathy in churches and ourselves? By getting back into Bible on our own and not just in church -- Be more willing to speak up for Biblical principles -- don't just wait for 'someone else' to be vocal. Realize that people are really going to eternal hell if they don't accept Christ as personal Savior. That there really Is going to be a judgement day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpha1 Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Although it is easy to just sit back and do nothing, another factor is the sense of hopelessness. For example, we despair of the problems created by drug addiction, the crime and suffering it creates, the inability of law enforcement and judicial systems to make any effective progress in stemming the tide of the addiction among our outh. Or the problems of AIDS everywhere, but especially in Africa. We often think that as individuals, we cannot do anything significant to change the situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
royk Posted September 30, 2009 Report Share Posted September 30, 2009 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? With focus on the Lord, and not what fellow church members might be doing, this "saves the individual" also that person has a responsibility to let his or her light shine for Jesus. Our job is to be faithfully busy in His work, joyfully prayerful, and listening for His command. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ritad Posted February 10, 2010 Report Share Posted February 10, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? We are all so caught up in ourselves that we don't even recognize a lost and dying world all around us - one without God and hope. We are in a comfortable position of apathy, and we salve our spirits with self-proclaimed goodness rather than sincerely seeking the Lord's will and path for us through prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commissioned Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Many churches are a "hotbed of apathy" because they fail to be "salt," and "light" in the world. We can combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves by going out into the community/world and be the witness that we are called to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the prophet Posted March 27, 2010 Report Share Posted March 27, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Many churches get caught up in the religion aspect of the church--the rituals and tradition and externals. They may be blinded by the social aspect, by the beautiful building, or other elements that are only the visible trappings of the church. The real church is inside of each member's heart--the invisible Christian Church, where the Holy Spirit dwells and makes his presence felt. James says our faith must be an active faith, showing fruits of faith, acts of Christian love and kindness. To prevent apathy Christians must get involved and not become complacent in their faith, merely attending church once a week. The most vibrant and alive churches will mirror the early Christian church depicted in Acts where people also met during the week, shared in each others' joys and sorrows, and gave generously of their time and talents. God wants daily visible involvement from His church members, just as, in the Old Testament, He received daily offerings and sacrifices. We should be bold about our faith also and look for opportunities to share our faith with the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted April 8, 2010 Report Share Posted April 8, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Many churches act as social clubs. People go there, not to worship, but to be seen, to gossip, to meet business contacts, and many other reasons, except to worship and glorify our Lord. There is often infighting and conflict as people try to get positions of authority. So in the end we are no different from, for example, our local tennis club. I’m sure unbelievers must look upon us as a bunch of hypocrites. One way to combat spiritual apathy is to surrender all to Jesus. We must make Jesus first in our lives; no matter what. We need to be on our knees more often. If we want to draw closer to God we need to be reading, studying, and meditating on His Word. It is also important to confess our sins consistently, permitting God to cleanse our lives, so that we can have a greater fellowship with Him. Once we realize our need to often confess our sins, we become spiritually alive and sensitive to any thought, speech, or action that is not in accord with God’s will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marloes Posted June 27, 2010 Report Share Posted June 27, 2010 People want everything on a silver platter. When you have to do something yourself, all effort will be too much if you don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l.a. Posted August 11, 2010 Report Share Posted August 11, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Many times, within the church, we can be judgemental and bigoted. We gossip and cause strife, non of which shows any characteristic of Jesus. It is written that they will know we are His 'for their love for each other.' These are some of the things practiced in church today that must be recognized as spiritual apathy. We must then ask for forgiveness and repent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PASTOR D Posted August 18, 2010 Report Share Posted August 18, 2010 It appears that their love for Jesus is not fervent enough to suffer the persecutions that may result - also it seems that the church is reluctant to do anything that would upset the society that they live among. . . . The Lord admonished Joshua and the children to be strong and very courageous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramon Posted September 23, 2010 Report Share Posted September 23, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? (Don't rag on other denominations!) How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Answer:Apathy-Lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal; indifference.;Lack of emotion or feeling; impassiveness. Apathy can be caused by a lot of things: 1.Ignorance,or lack of Understanding-When the congregation lack understanding how to apply the Word of God in their life,what are benefits and pitfalls of Christian life,then it breeds lack of interest..You dont want to learn what you cant understand. One of satan oldest weapon is deceitfulness and lies.He use this against Adam and Eve,and he is still using this trick today,and If you dont know the Word,then you are easy prey to the devils wiles. How to combat this?By bringing the Word of God to their level of understanding,explaining the scriptures and encouraging,and guiding them to be pro active in scripture,or study of the Word.Encouragement,or exhortation is one of effective way for congregation to stay focused.(Hebrews 3:13-But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin). 2.False Doctrines/Teaching-When the church is riddled by False Teachings,and Human doctrines,other than Christ Jesus. How to Combat this?-To be deeply rooted in the Word,and remain steadfast in union with Christ.The Word will expose False teaching and doctrines.Anything that is contrary to the Word of God as it was written is not true. We all know that we are all save by Grace through Faith.(Eph 2:8-9- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast). Other people just stop there,and declare that it is all you need.To be born again, and be a disciple..PERIOD. This kind of doctrine will only cast apathy to the entire church.However Jesus said in John 8:31- Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. If we notice in this verse Jesus said this TO THOSE JEWS WHICH BELIEVED HIM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABS Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Spiritual complacency means you are either moving toward God or moving away from him. Churches are caught up in the air of political correctness, not wanting to hurt feelings and watering down scripture to accomodate any and everyone, basically turning church into a social gathering instead of a fueling station. The age of our times has crept into the santuary. Most parishoners feel it's okay to be part of the whole philosophy of "whatever." They maintain the church to maintain an image - I go to church to say I went to church - I give only what is expected and leave with a clear mind that I did as much as the next guy. Where do I stand? Stuggling with it all, but fighting it all along the way. Trying to stand tall and put on that armor of strength, reading the WORD of truth and incorporating discernment in my choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara A. Lee Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? Churches are a hotbed of apathy because the members don't want to take the initiative to do what is right. We look to one side or the other, saying "I don't have time for this" or "I don't have time for that"... If people would get off their duff and do some things the churches would be thriving. Instead we are all going about putting eachother down. We don't think so and so can do a good enough job so we decide to find someone else only to find out that so and so didn't do such a bad job afterall. It all boils down to trust and faith. I know I can't sing, so I don't even try, but I do do good on the computer. Ask me to make flyers or bulletins for the church and I will gladly do it. I leave the singing up to the ones that can do it. People are ashamed when they can't do certain things that is asked of them. No I am not saying you shouldn't try but when someone quietly tells you that "Hey that was ok, but we think so and so can do it better" don't get all bent out of shape. Go with the flow. That is the way we can combat it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlite80 Posted October 26, 2010 Report Share Posted October 26, 2010 Churches have become apathetic to God and His move especially in these last days as Jesus prophesied some 2000 years ago. The church has allowed itself to get Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gusta Posted November 12, 2010 Report Share Posted November 12, 2010 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? How can we combat spiritual apathy and insipid witness in ourselves- we need to really get into God's Word and rely solely on God and Let His Spirit guide us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lion of Grace Posted January 6, 2011 Report Share Posted January 6, 2011 I really think churches become apathetic when they turn from the Bible and from Jesus. Jesus taught us our purpose and how to live. He also showed us grace and love. When our minds go to the million other things that "religion" looks like or forget to be humble in who we are and what He has done for us....then we become cold in love and with no love we become selfish, inverted and we don't joyfully live truth. Without a constant abiding in Christ, we loose the power within by THE HOLY SPIRIT. And we are pretty inept as "just people." How can we combat this? Through prayer, asking the Holy Spirit for help. Through washing in the Word. Making time with God a first priority. We come to know Him and abide in Him these ways. It's through the joy of the Lord we get our strength. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Smith Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? I once was a member of a church that felt its sole purpose for existence was to keep things as they'd always been, all the while the next generations left the church, as the older folks die off. They succeeded in keeping things the same as they'd always been, but all that remains now of that church is a small portion its former self. The church that I now attend is also small portion of its former self, but is a forward-looking church, and suspect we'll be okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammie7 Posted May 14, 2011 Report Share Posted May 14, 2011 Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? We becomw apathy people when we forgot our first love for God. I was just thinking about people who come to chruch like it is part of a there lofe but the love of God is not in there heart at all some of them of you are not in touch with the spirit you would think that they are doing this form the heart but they are not the love for God the zeal alot of people have lost this some christain have lost it to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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