Charles H. Spurgeon had no use for churches that sought to entertain the masses rather than preach the pure Word of God. Spurgeon's observations are just as timely today as they were more than a century ago. To wit:
"An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, so gross in its impudence, that the most short-sighted can hardly fail to notice it. During the past few years it has developed at an abnormal rate, even for evil. It has worked like leaven until the whole lump ferments. The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing, than hinting to the Church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them."
"Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr roll."
"Again, providing amusement is in direct antagonism to the teaching and life of Christ and all His apostles. What was the attitude of the Church to the world? 'Ye are the salt', not the sugar candy - something the world will spit out, not swallow."
"I do not hear (Jesus) say, 'Run after these people, Peter, and tell them we will have a different style of service tomorrow - something short and attractive with little preaching - we will have a pleasant evening for the people. Tell them they will be sure to enjoy it. Be quick, Peter, we must get the people somehow!' Jesus pitied sinners, sighed and wept over them, but never sought to amuse them."
"Lord, clear the Church of all the rot and rubbish the devil has imposed on her and bring us back to apostolic methods."
Make sure - very sure - that you and your church are feeding sheep, and not just amusing goats.
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