“There are those who hold the social and humanitarian ideal for the church. They put the Lord’s church on the same par with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Y.M.C.A., etc. To such folk the church’s main concern is not to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth and thus prepare souls for the eternity beyond, but transforming the world into a better place to live, putting the emphasis on the NOW instead of the hereafter. In the average religious institution today one can get anything from a sandwich to a sermon.”

“Recreational features are prominent. Swimming pools, gyms, reading rooms, and the like are a major part of the churches today. As a result of this ‘social gospel’; the churches are filled with lost church members. If Christ were to enter some of the church buildings today He would start throwing out things just as He did long ago when He entered the temple and overturned the money changers and drove out those that were making God’s house a house of merchandise.”

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Clearly Authorized:

• Evangelism
• Benevolence For Needy Saints
• Edification of the Local Church

The burden of proof for anything else falls upon the spender (read Col. 3:17).
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Editors Note: The previous quote is from Bob L. Ross, via The Gospel Visitor. While I do not agree with Baptist doctrine, he brings forth some very important points in this quote. Overall the church’s mission is spiritual in nature, not physical. The church is to save souls, not feed bellies. The church is to edify, not entertain. The church is to be a light in a dark world, not a recreation center. In light of today’s apostasy in this area, please think on these things!