The Issue God Encounters With the Preachers-Part Eighteen

The Altar Has Become a Stage, and Worship Has Turned Into a Vocal Performance

I grew up hearing that the altar was a deeply sacred place, so holy that anyone who behaved improperly while standing on it risked bringing a curse upon themselves. Yet today, some people no longer treat it with reverence. What was once regarded as a holy altar has, in some places, become a stage where people perform physical exercises.

In earlier days, I often heard singers say that on a certain day they would “go to worship God.” But today, in some places, worship seems to have shifted into a display of vocal skill accompanied by dramatic singing techniques.

I have written everything above as a human being observing what is happening, but with a deep sense of fear. Just as the Israelites were left with religious rituals while God’s presence was no longer among them, I fear that those who call themselves believers, some even holding positions in the church, may keep the name and the rituals of Christianity, while the Spirit of God is no longer dwelling within them.

Conclusion

In 2024, I was blessed to be visited by a respected believer. In our conversation, he told me: “In 1985, God told some people that difficult times were coming—times when the spiritual standards of the Holy Spirit within the Church would drop below zero (0). But God also told them not to leave the Church, because He was preparing to pour out His revival once again.”

Today, Preachers seem to have one foot in, one foot out, hesitating to speak the truth plainly, fearing they might lose the honor they hold among people. Teachers of the Word, I am afraid that those who come after us may never know the true fear and holiness of God. And yet, I am also hopeful: even though we are in a season of spiritual coldness, God is near, ready to pour out His revival upon His Church.

Therefore, teachers, warn the people and tell them: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16a), and tell them that:
“The glory of this latter house will be greater than the former,” declares the LORD Almighty, “and in this place I will grant peace.” (Haggai 2:9). But also tell them:“Wash yourselves and make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; stop doing wrong.” (Isaiah 1:16)