Our perception of church has extremely changes since the foundation. What the early believers endured would have shocked many today. And instead the church as a whole has turned from its original purpose and expression to become something of a modern counterfeit.
Therefore because many do not have an authentic model, many have perceived the faith under the example it has been shown. And that of a contaminated faith with a wavy foundation. So how can it recognize when something is off? The Pastors are not training sound doctrine. But only that which tickle ears and sounds pleasing.
[2Ti 4:3] 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
We have turned from conviction to felt-good emotionally inspiring sensationalism faith that allows sin and tolerates worldliness to look like the world it once counted as an enemy. Pastors often falling into fellowship with municipalities and networks. And having recognition in the community. Why? Because of compromising. And having a watered-down gospel that is palatable to all.
[Rom 8:7 KJV] 7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
The church is manifesting signs and wonders to prove the working of the Holy Spirit, rather than the test of fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5). It is not testing the spirit, but accepting every movement as a manifestation.
[1Jo 4:1] 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
WOF Positive affirmation and speaking into existence what is expected, like conjuring a genie. You will get the spirit. Just not the spirit you expect.
[1Th 5:21] 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Doctrines are twisting words and mixing interpretation with fable. Different doctrines and versions of the gospel.
[Eph 4:14] 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
There are deceptive cunning devices to sow doubt of the faith. To even claim Jesus never existed. Or present a different Jesus than is His true nature and character.
[2Co 11:4] 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].
And the church has become a comfortable venture to provide entertainment. Rally up excitement rather than encourage one another in sound doctrine of the faith and remind one another the coming Day, while rebuking when necessary, and reconciling some back to the faith.
And we are guilted into providing salaries and supporting the building projects and funds so the Pastor has a place to work.
[Act 7:48-49] 48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven [is] my throne, and earth [is] my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what [is] the place of my rest?
[1Pe 5:1-4] 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over [God’s] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Some have turned away from the faith.
[Act 13:8] 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
But we are encouraged to hold the hope of the gospel which is preached to every creature.
[Col 1:23] 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.