Brothers and sisters, today I bring a heavy but necessary word. Within many churches, practices have taken root that grieve God deeply—practices that are often embraced by sincere believers unaware of their danger. We must ask: if God has clearly shown what He hates, why do we still defend those things? Why do we tolerate what offends Him?

First, consider how faith has been commodified. In many places, the church operates more like a business than a body of believers. Success is measured by numbers and money, not transformation. Giving is pressured and tied to promises of blessing, turning worship into a transaction. This is not stewardship; this is spiritual manipulation. Jesus overturned such tables in the temple because the house of prayer was turned into a marketplace. Grace is free, not for sale.

Next, beware of leader worship. When devotion shifts from Christ to human personalities, faith becomes fragile and divided. Loyalty to leaders can eclipse obedience to God’s Word. Questions are silenced, accountability disappears, and correction is seen as betrayal. Scripture warns against trusting in man rather than God. True shepherds point to Christ, not themselves.

Love without repentance is another peril. A gospel that comforts but never confronts sin allows decay to spread. True love calls for holiness, not mere acceptance. God’s mercy always calls us to change; grace empowers transformation. Without repentance, faith becomes a label, not a living reality.

Many sermons today resemble motivational talks that inspire but do not convict. The cross—the heart of the gospel—is often missing. Without the call to deny self and take up the cross, faith remains shallow and unprepared for suffering. True preaching proclaims truth boldly, even when it is hard to hear, shaping hearts to endure.

Beware of religion without renewal. Some appear holy outwardly but hide unrepentant sin within. God looks at the heart, not just behavior. True faith changes desires and wills, not just actions. Without inner transformation, religion becomes exhausting performance.

Emotion has also replaced truth in many worship gatherings. While feelings can support faith, they must never become its foundation. Faith built on sensation will falter in trials. Obedience to God’s Word must lead, with emotion following. Mature faith trusts God even when feelings fail.

Finally, the gospel itself is being softened to avoid offense. Messages omit sin, judgment, and hell to gain approval. But the gospel is meant to divide, to humble pride, and to save. A church that seeks popularity over faithfulness loses its power. Truth spoken in love alone saves and transforms.

This is a moment for honest self-examination. Is your faith anchored in Christ and His Word, or sustained by emotion and habit? Does your church seek God’s approval or man’s? God desires contrite hearts willing to follow Him on the narrow path, even when it costs.

Hope remains. The Holy Spirit still works where truth is welcomed. Revival comes through repentance and obedience. The future depends on those who will stand firm in truth despite opposition.

May your faith be rooted in truth, your love joined with repentance, your worship grounded in obedience, and your hope rest solely in Christ. The Lord be with you.