"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV)
Well, probably some people are going to be offended right at the start with what I'm going to say: It's kind of a well known thing that if a church has too many people going to it (Maybe it takes an arena to hold all the people,) then most likely they're telling people what they want to hear and not the truth that they need to hear. If you're speaking the truth of the gospel, if you're seeking to please God then guess what? You're going to offend people! If nobody is ever offended by your message, then something is wrong.
Let me explain. These churches that never offend anyone, they either change the Word of God to fit peoples' lives instead of helping people change
their lives according to the Word of God. Or they just don't really get into certain deep or "controversial" subjects. They're afraid to
speak out and offend anyone. Maybe they don't want to come out and say, "abortion is just plain wrong," or maybe they're afraid to say,
"homosexuality is a sin." They stay away from anything that might offend, because their goal isn't really to preach the gospel it's to fill
that church and get as many donations as possible. Nothing against donating to a church, they need donations... But that should NEVER effect the message. Any
church that lets the money take priority over the message you need to stay away from. Not all big churches are bad, but you should be able to tell if
they're trying not to offend anyone. In doing that they've already offended the one that matters most, God!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this message and for all things. Please forgive us of all our sins as we forgive all those who've sinned
against us. Help us not to offend you and help us to never be ashamed to share your message. In Jesus name. A-men!
