As it is written in Isaiah’s pages, Yahweh gives a clear and direct understanding of who He is and what His interest are (Isaiah 58:6-7). Among them, He made explicit and unmistakable reference toward the kind of justice that He requires. Not the kind of “social justice” perversion that post-modern society defines today from cultural depravity and socialist ideologies. Instead, He insists upon a justice that frees and supports the poor, abused, disadvantaged, elderly, disabled, orphans, widows, incarcerated, homeless, and so forth. Among those in the faith who rely upon their religious programs, ceremonies, fellowship, offerings, and practices as a cover for the absence of attention in these areas bring sure “critique” or condemnation. Most notably, among religious institutions, or churches that operate as a business for profit where resources and costs become placed around membership, social programs, private for-profit charter education, visitations, and community status.
Where there is an absence of outreach, missions, the gospel, and discipleship, that is the type of religious conference, institution, or “church” that has set its course to become partially effective for the Kingdom at best. As it is written, “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him (Isaiah 53:6)”; we witness self-directed endeavors contrary to what God requires.
Instruction on ethical and moral living is also a chartered priority within the Church. To the extent that it teaches about the righteous behaviors of its members, guests, and the community at large. Free from cultural influences, the local church is to attend the words or instructions of Jesus, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you… (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus modeled love for the oppressed, afflicted, and lost. He did not provide guidance about the market development opportunities of the temple or local synagogue. Among numerous churches today, a relationship with Jesus is secondary or incidental to its overall aspirations. A casual survey across various prominent church websites reveals a collection of family events, life groups, movie nights, volunteer preparation classes, membership classes, fundraising events, devotional sessions absent the Word or exegetical attention, and community development on behalf of a city or town. Look for how many times a reference to Jesus appears on the local church website or its social media presence.
Finally, observe how many times the worship service music and selection focus on how much God has done for the congregation member, rather than Yahweh and who He is. Specifically, about what He is like and how worthy He is of our praise and adoration. If a pattern over time appears prevalent, compare the emphasis between the two, and you have a significant indicator of who and what the church prioritizes.
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