What Has Happened to Preaching on God's Plan of Salvation?
Glenn B. Ramsey

“I really can’t remember when I preached a sermon on the ‘plan of salvation’; all our folks are already Christians, so there is no need!”  This statement was made to me by a preacher of the Gospel as long as 20 years ago!  Evidently many other preachers besides that one followed the same general procedure.  This is evident because so many today who are “in” the church (?) do not even know what is required of man to be saved.  This is a regrettable and terribly dangerous situation.

Brother T. W. Brents began his book, The Gospel Plan of Salvation with the following words:

Are you “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, one without God in the world?”  If so, we propose to assist you in arriving at a knowledge of your duty, in order that you may become citizens of God’s government on earth—children of God’s family—members of Christ’s body, the church—that you may escape the punishment of the damned, and secure for yourselves the favor of God and the bliss of heaven.
  —The Gospel Plan of Salvation, T. W. Brents, Gospel Advocate Company, Nashville, TN 1966, Page 7.

The apostle Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).  A careful reading of the sermons that were preached during the lives of the apostles shows that mankind was always “told” about his need of salvation from sin and was also “told” what to do to be saved!  What can be more important than that?

It may appeal to the “modern” mind set of audiences to deal with some of the “loftier” things of our existence (social turmoil, international crises, crime, etc.), but if one solves all these things and is still unsaved, what is the benefit?

The Gospel preacher who is faithful to his calling will never suppose that he knows better how to convert people than the Holy Spirit does!  The Holy Spirit directed the inspired preachers of the New Testament days, and the Holy Spirit, through His Word, directs the faithful preachers of the Gospel today.

Consider the writings of the apostle Peter in II Peter 1:12:  “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.”  All, who are longing for heaven, love to hear the preaching of the Gospel of Christ that tells them what to do to be saved.  Those who have already obeyed these instructions delight in hearing them again and again.

When Paul was instructing the Romans he said, “Know ye not, that so many of as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:3-6).

Had these Romans forgotten that they had been saved by obeying God’s plan of salvation?  Perhaps they had not completely forgotten, but they had put this wonderful event so far back in their minds that they needed to be reminded again of their salvation.  They needed to be “told” that because of their salvation they had greater responsibilities in living for the Lord.  These Christians at Rome had obeyed from the heart that “form of doctrine” that had been preached to them.  They had become free from sin and were Christians (Rom. 6:16-18).

Is there a need to continue to preach God’s plan of salvation?  Yes.  This need will continue as long as there are men in this world!  Anyone who “scales back” on the preaching of God’s plan to save man is violating his calling as a Gospel preacher and is allowing people to go headlong into eternity without knowing what to do to be saved.  If Gospel preachers will not preach the plan of salvation, people will not hear it.  No denominational preacher even believes God’s plan for salvation, much less would he preach it!  The so-called “world” religions do not even believe in Christ, the Son of God.  They will not present God’s plan of salvation!  Gospel preachers, “preach the word” — and that word includes the instructions from the Bible about what man must do to be saved.

Editorial

What has happened to the morals of our nation?  There was a time when divorce and remarriage was a tremendous disgrace both to the innocent party as well as the guilty.  In those years it was unthought of for people to live together out of wedlock.  If a woman had a child without being married, she was considered a woman of very low morals and rejected in society.  Homosexuality was so disgraceful that the word itself was hardly ever spoken in private much less in public.  Truth and honor was very high on the list in those years.  What has happened to people in general when it comes to ethics and morals?  We know for sure they have not gone up but have been in a downward spiral for four decades plus.

What about the religious world in the past four decades?  It is sad to say but true to life that religion has been led by a very liberal and worldly society for the past several years.  Even denominational preachers used to preach against divorce and remarriage in no uncertain terms.  Nowadays one hardly ever hears them preach on the subject.  They used to preach against gambling and dishonesty, but such is not the case today.  We can remember very clearly when the sectarian preachers used to let the fire fly on modesty in dress, but today the theme is seldom discussed in their pulpits, and when it is, it is very weak.  The religious world about us is very much like the civic organizations, which are given to gatherings and social events more than anything else.  Denominational religious bodies are given to weight control programs, athletics, entertainment, going places and seeing things, how to make money, how to manage, building a better self image, serving the needs of the people, and many other like subjects instead of Bible teaching and Bible preaching.  So the religious community has been on the downward road led by Satan himself.

How has the church of Christ been doing in these years?  Not so well, if we will be downright truthful about the matter.  Denominationalism, disregard for the Bible, soft and general preaching and teaching, open fellowship, denial of God’s plan to save, corruption in worship services, denial that water baptism is necessary for salvation, teaching that the church of Christ is another denomination and was started by Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone, uninformed elders, misinformed preachers, fellowshipping the denominations, and a whole lot more is tolerated in the brotherhood.  If one stands up for the old paths in these days, he is labeled an extremist, a Pharisee, a bigot, or some other reproachful slogan but of course one must keep in mind that this is done “in love and good taste” by these kind-hearted and ever-to-be-adored brethren.  They remind us of alley cats that get along with their kind, but let one come through that is not of them, and he will get the kind of treatment that Saddam Hussein has given to those who disagree with him.

The “in” thing today is you preach and teach what you like, and I will do the same and leave each other alone.  There is so much compromise and politics in the church today that it is deplorable.  Most preachers are not men but pygmies.  They are not led by Christian principles but by “What is it going to do for me?’

Their god is their belly (Rom. 16:18), and they use “good words and fair speeches to deceive the hearts of the simple.”  I had an opportunity to visit the churches in the New England states just a few weeks ago.  Much work has been done by faithful brethren to help the churches in that area of the world.  This work was done in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.  But the sad thing about that area of the world is the liberals have come in and taken over many of those churches, so only a few remain that are faithful to God and His holy word.  The only thing we will be able to do in the future for the church of Christ in the New England states for the greater part is establish new churches and build new buildings.  The liberals have taken over, and like the Christian Church in 1906, they will not give up the buildings as well as the church members unless they must do so.  This is a very sad picture, but it is a true picture.  Sadder still is that the church of Christ is greatly like this throughout the United States and the world.  It can truly be said that we have drifted away from God and the loss is and will be gigantic.

There is still a glimmer of hope in my heart for the Lord’s church.  If the preachers and elders who know better along with all the members with the same knowledge would repent right now, then we could save a sizeable portion of the church at this late hour.  Will they do so?  We doubt it very much.  Let all of us pray that God in His providence will bring about the desired things in harmony with the Bible.
—Malcolm L. Hill

Where is the Preaching Against Denominationalism?
David Hill

The  question is, “Where has all the preaching against denominationalism gone?”  It is not implied by the question that no one is preaching against denominationalism for many faithful preachers are still preaching just as they have for many years.  They are affirming the one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (Eph. 4:3-6) just as they have for many years.  These preachers are not just at Tennessee Bible College, for there are still many who are willing to speak clearly and stand by the simple teaching of the New Testament just as many did who have gone before.  May God bless each one that remains with health and strength to continue for many years as in keeping with His will and design for mankind.

With that said, it must also be observed that many have ceased to preach against man-made churches and beliefs not found on the pages of the New Testament.  How could this be?  Why would a Gospel preacher stop declaring the glorious Gospel of Christ and turn instead to a doctrine of men?  It is certainly a disgusting decision (II Pet. 2:20-22).  I am not sure I know all the answers for why, but I believe some things can be discerned from the New Testament and some from observation.  Jude points out that immorality is a part of false teaching (Jude 4-7).  Further, greed causes false teaching and false teachers (Jude 11; II Pet. 2:15).  Paul said that individuals would influence false teaching and the development of false teachers by their desire to have their ears tickled (II Tim. 4:3-4).  So the crowd and the popularity that goes with it does have an effect on preaching.  It is self-evident that the morality of the nation has severely declined.  Marriage, divorce and remarriage are rampant in every community.  The use of alcohol and other drugs is as prevalent as it ever has been in our history.  The result is while individuals want to hold to some form of religion just as Israel did in the long ago (Jer. 7:8-11), they don’t want too much.  Their hearts cannot be in it.  Therefore, preachers that tickles their ears with lessons on positive self-esteem, money management, weight loss, and prosperity are greatly desired by many, rather than one who will teach and make application from the Word of God.

Further, when the youth are reared with teaching materials in Bible class and youth programs that emphasize denominational practices and scoff at the New Testament traditions, then you have those people who grow into adulthood and desire to hear denominational preaching and teaching.  Why?  Because it is what they have been taught all their life.  Let’s face it, when one’s job is on the line and the salary is good with great benefits, it is quite hard to preach against the practices of those who are paying you so well.  However, if one loves the Lord, he will preach the pure Gospel, convicting those who are in sin.  It may mean moving from time to time, but God said He would never leave us nor forsake us.  Endurance is required by both the hearer and the preacher (II Tim. 4:3; Matt. 10:22; Rev. 2:10).

I have not understood how individuals could leave denominationalism in obedience to the Gospel, and suffer the persecution that comes from family and associates only to return again to it.  It is perplexing that families would work hard to train their children in the way of the Lord only to send them off to a “Christian” college that would wreck their faith and turn them back to denominationalism.  All the above is happening today in great numbers.  Why?  Because there is no clear teaching and warning about denominational people among us.

Finally, denominationalism has taken the day.  The big mega-churches are denominations, and the crowd flocks to them.  Thus, people are leaning that way.  Their children may have already gone that way and the preacher just does not want to disturb the water, literally.  He is at ease in Zion and content to preach peace, peace when there is no peace.  Denominationalism is division, and Christ is not divided (I Cor. 1:10, 13); therefore, the faithful servant of God will preach and teach clearly against denominationalism.

What Has Happened to Preaching on Modesty?
Ronald D. Gilbert

The above question suggests that in some areas, the truth on some subjects are no longer preached.  Paul’s admonition in Acts 20:27: “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God,” has been ignored in many places.   Some of our so-called “gospel preachers” today have swallowed the false idea that no negative preaching should take place today.  As a result of this all-positive approach, many things that in years gone by were preached against as sin are no longer condemned in many pulpits.  Faithful gospel preachers today still preach what the Bible says about modesty.  At this point I would like to recommend a tract, one of the finest on this topic I have ever seen, Nakedness and Modesty, by Holger W.  Neubauer.  You can obtain a copy of this tract from TBC free for the asking.

In I Timothy 2:9, God’s word says, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety . . ”  The Bible has much to say about lust.  Dressing to produce lust should therefore be avoided by all Christians.

One of the problems with some preachers today is buying into the false concept of the day that says all negative preaching should be avoided.  The only thing wrong with this idea is that it is not found in the word of God.  Paul told Timothy how to preach in passages like I Timothy 4:6, 16; I Timothy 5:20; and II Timothy 4:1-5.

Many preachers today no longer believe what the Bible says concerning modesty.  They have accepted the false idea that culture determines modesty.  To illustrate this point I cite an article written by Carroll Osburn, “The Texts of Consensus” from his seminar “Women in the Church,” March 7-9, 1997, at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Cultures differ in today’s world.   What is proper?  Linda, my wife, and I have on several occasions had trips together to the Amazon . . . so we get back to the base camp and I’m talkin’ about this and they say, “Well, Carroll, here in this part of the Amazon any woman that wears anything above the waist is a prostitute.”   And I said, ‘Well, does that include white women?’  And they said, “yes, they thought you were travelling up the river with a prostitute.” Now, is our job to go into that village and get the women to wear somethin’ on top?   What do we have to do to make Christian women out of them?  I bet you 99 out of 100 missionaries would get them to start wearin’ a blouse, but is that culture?  What does nature teach you?   That’s the phrase.  “Doth not nature itself teach you that it is a shame for a man to have long hair?” Think about that verse. . . think about how many things we think are religion that are purely custom: dress style, hair style, the way you communicate.

I wonder if brother Osburn goes back to that part of the Amazon again, will  his wife wear clothing?  I wonder what he would do in a culture where people wear no clothing?  Would he preach in the nude to a group of people who were also in the nude?   How would he handle a culture where polygamy was practiced?  If he were a missionary there, would he come home with two wives?  What about a culture where alcohol is drunk at almost every meal?  Culture, brethren, does not determine modesty.   The Bible determines modesty.

Modesty is not the only topic that some preachers have forgotten.  Some of these same men today will not preach lessons on dancing, attending the prom, mixed swimming, boys and girls involved in sports activities wearing immodest apparel, such as cheerleaders, tennis players, swim teams, watching pornography on TV and at movies, songs that promote sex and immorality and other similar topics.  If you are not hearing sermons on any of these topics where you attend, ask the elders or preacher why.  After asking why, and still nothing is done to correct the lack of these types of sermons, perhaps you should consider going somewhere else, where the whole counsel of God is preached.

What has happened to preaching on modesty?  That’s a good question, one that should be answered.   Faithful gospel preachers are still preaching on this and other related topics.

What Has Happened to Bible Debates?
Kerry Duke

“I don’t believe in debating,” a woman once told me when I invited her to a debate.  When I tried to reason with her that debating is biblical, she held her ground and gave reasons for her belief.  Like many people who object to debating, she was quick to debate that debating is not good.  A debate is a debate whether it is formal or informal, public or private.  This woman was involved in a debate whether she called it one or not.  She is like one who says arguing about religion is wrong and then argues with anyone who disagrees with this idea.  Arguing that arguing is wrong or debating that debating is wrong is ridiculous, but this inconsistency is common.

People who say debating is wrong are inconsistent in another way.  They do not hesitate to debate a business owner who has overcharged them.  They do not think it is wrong to debate with friends over which make of car is the best or which ball team is the best.  They do not think debating politics is wrong.  They will debate anyone who does their children wrong.  But they insist that debating over religious matters is not scriptural.  Earthly matters are more important to them than eternal matters.

The apostles were willing to die for what they believed, and we should be willing to die for the gospel.  If a religion is worth dying for, it is certainly worth debating.  Jesus debated throughout His ministry.  He debated with the Pharisees about the Sabbath in Matthew 12:1-8.  He debated with the scribes and Pharisees about their traditions in Matthew 15:1-9.  He debated with the Pharisees about divorce and remarriage in Matthew 19:1-9.  He debated with the Herodians about taxes (Matt. 22:15-22) and with the Sadducees about the resurrection (Matt. 22:23-32).  Paul debated continually.  He and Barnabus had “no small dissension and disputation” with the Judaizing teachers (Acts 15:1-2).  If these words do not indicate a debate, what would?  He debated Epicurean and Stoic philosophers at Athens (Acts 17:18-32).  Throughout the New Testament, Christians are exhorted to defend the faith (Jude 3; I Pet.  3:15).

Gospel preachers in former days were men.  They were not afraid of debate.  They challenged false teachers to set their teaching beside the truth in public so that people could clearly see the difference.  Alexander Campbell at first doubted the value of debating.  After seeing the results of several of his debates, he was convinced that debating was an excellent teaching tool.  Of religious controversy he wrote, “There can be  no real and enduring termination of controversy so long as there are two rival kingdoms on this earth.  There are now two kingdoms which have been at war for thousands of years past, are still at war, and will continue to be at war; till the last act of the last scene of the drama of humanity” (Millennial Harbinger, March, 1857).  J.D. Tant engaged in over three hundred debates and was very effective in teaching the gospel through debating denominational preachers.  In typical colorful fashion, he once said concerning upcoming debates with Baptists and Methodists, “The hair, wool, and feathers are expected to fly!"

Guy Woods engaged in numerous debates and had confidence in the good they do.  When asked which debate on instrumental music was the most informative, he said the Hardeman-Boswell debate was the best ever published.  He then observed, “The impact of this debate in Nashville and Middle Tennessee was far-reaching.  Today the Christian Church, in this area, has drifted farther and farther away from the Bible and toward modernism until its constituents have lost practically all regard for, and knowledge of, the Restoration movement, while more than one hundred churches of Christ in the Nashville area alone, continue to advocate a pure faith and faultless practice in all matters religious” (Questions and Answers, vol. 1, pp.  289-290).  Those words were penned in 1976.  The debate itself took place in 1923.  Since 1976, debating has fallen into disfavor among many churches of Christ, especially debating the issue of subjects like instrumental music in worship.  Now, less than thirty years after brother Woods wrote these words, numerous churches of Christ in the Nashville area have no problem fellowshipping those who use instrumental music, and some are involved in its use.  Debating the issue in former days did lasting good; not debating it (and not preaching on it) and other issues has weakened congregations to the point that little if any conviction against its use remains.

What has happened to Bible debates?  Agnosticism, worldliness, and ecumenical thinking have so diseased society and the church that people don’t know enough or care enough to tell the difference between truth and error.  People are so lighthearted in their religion that they are bored or even irritated at the suggestion of a debate that concerns matters of heaven and hell.  They have been so brainwashed by humanistic psychology that they think soft dialogue and non-confrontational “sharing” is the way to convert people but disagreements will drive people away.  Their moral senses have been dulled by soft preaching and entertaining religion.  Such an attitude might be expected of those lulled to sleep by denominational doctrine, but this same indifference to debate is common in members of churches of Christ.  They have already joined hands with denominationalism in heart and often in practice, so there is no reason to expect that they will be supportive of debating.

Artificial Worship
G. K. Wallace

Artificial respiration is well known to almost everyone in America.  If heart failure is apparent, caused by drowning, electric shock, etc., artificial means are used to restore normal life.  In drowning, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is sometimes used.  To stimulate a weak heart a “pacemaker” is often implanted.  The use of an artificial kidney is a common practice in large hospitals.  These external means are used only when the body is unable to function from within.

In the church we have, as Paul said, “many among you (who) are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep” (I Cor. 11:30).  To stimulate worship some are leaving the word of God and resorting to manmade procedures and devices.  Some time ago, I sat in an audience where the preacher talked about the Lord’s Supper.  It was at the 11 o’clock service.  The crowd was large and apparently very reverent.  The preacher ranted about formality, ritual, and the routine of the services.  He laughed about the “three songs and a prayer.”  He mocked about the general procedure in taking the Lord’s Supper.  He suggested and implied that worship would be richer if only the manner of procedures could be changed.  He thought the worship could be stimulated by artificial means.  No true Christian believes that “three songs and a prayer” is the divine pattern, but he also knows that changing the routine has nothing to do with his devotion.

For over fifty-four years I have taken the Lord’s Supper.  I have met with brethren in school houses, homes, under tents, meeting houses, and partaken the Lord’s Supper almost 3,000 times (having missed it only four times since I have been a Christian).  It had never dawned on me until I met this preacher that I might only be engaging in a ritual.  I did not know until then that the order of the service was what made the hour sacred.  My mind went back to the nearly three thousand times I had taken the Lord’s Supper, and to save my life, I could not remember a time that the order of the hour had anything to do with my worship!  I asked myself:  “Do I need an artificial stimulant for true worship?”

Once a year for twenty years, I have visited the graves of my beloved parents.  I need no artificial stimulant to stir memories at their graves.  I makes no difference from which direction I approach their graves nor through which gate I enter the cemetery.  All of that is incidental to my visit to the graves of my parents.  Now, all of a sudden I’m told by this preacher that if I approach the Lord’s Supper through the same gate I cannot properly remember my Lord.  I thought then, and still think, this preacher had lost his divine sense of direction and needed a “pacemaker” to keep his religious heart beating!

The denominational world has for a long time depended upon artificial means to stimulate worship.  The preacher must turn his collar around, wear a robe, and use a choir as a stimulant.  A youth director of programs for young people recently proposed the college age group gather around the baptistry and sing during the baptismal service and teach the older members how to worship.  The denominations use dark rooms, candle lights, quartets, solos, testify, shout, burn incense, and play the organ.  The organ plays while the preacher reads the Bible.  The organ plays while they pray.  The organ plays while they baptize and during the Lord’s Supper.  The organ plays during the invitation and benediction.  The denominations must have an artificial stimulant for all they do.

There are many in our world who depend on marijuana, LSD, “speed”, alcohol, etc., because they have no inward strength.  The strong need no stimulant.  Only the weak on the inside resort to the use of outside stimulants.  They are not happy to gather about the Lord’s Table and worship in a quiet and simple way.  They cannot depend upon the love of God in their hearts and respect for the Son of God to turn their thought to Jesus Christ.  They must be stimulated by external means.  The denominational world could not save their weak faith by artificial means, and neither can we.  There is just one solution to the question of formality, and that is to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16).  If the word of God dwells in us richly, the order of worship will in no wise affect our devotion.

Weakness of Some Congregations
Malcolm L. Hill

I have noticed noticed for some time brethren who seem to want to do right, but they do not have what it takes to get right.  For example, there are some elders that have taken a stand to a measure, but they have not gone all the way.  They have cleaned up some things, but they have not cleaned up all things.  They have lost several members of the church to liberalism, and those members have left to a sizeable measure but not all have gone.  Why is this so and why have the elders let these members remain in the wrong?  The truth about the matter is that the elders did not run the liberal members off to start with because of doctrinal matter and Bible teaching.  The members that left, in reality, left because of their own choice and personality differences within those congregations.  In other words, the elders did not take such a hard stand against liberalism and fellowshipping the liberals, but their war was over personality conflicts and who was going to call the shots.

How do we know this to be true?  We know it to be true because these churches still have some half-converted members in them, and the elders refuse to approach these weak brethren.  Not only is this so, but most of the elderships have had compromising preachers to come and speak in meetings and lectureships.  They have men like Tom Holland, William Woodson, V. P. Black, Bert Thompson, David Lipe, Cecil May, David Pharr, Ralph Gilmore, and others like them to come and speak.  These men, in actuality, practice open fellowship, and I am ready to prove it so.  Some have told me that such men will not go everywhere and fellowship; thus, they do not practice open fellowship.  This kind of activity does not prove they will not practice open fellowship.  The denominational world that practices open fellowship will not accept all religious people but are selective as to whom they will fellowship.  When we talk about open fellowship, we are talking about going where one pleases instead of letting the Bible be the guide in our fellowship.  If brethren like Bert Thompson, David Lipe, David Pharr, Ralph Gilmore, Steve Flatt, Rex Turner, Jr., Robert Taylor, and on and on the list goes, wish to fellowship those who have been on the Nashville Jubilee with Rubel Shelly, they will and have done so.  This, in essence, is open fellowship.

Now back to the weakness of some congregations.  These congregations I have talked about in this article not only have liberal and weak member still in them, but they also still use compromising preachers and teachers as they please going and coming.  Why do they do this kind of thing?  Because the issue with them has never been a matter of Bible doctrine but a matter of personalities, numbers, and social standing.  Some elders and preachers want to be among the elite, and they wish greatly for a large membership.  The reason they have never completely cleaned house is because they are afraid they will lose a few more members, and they cannot stand for this to happen because they feel that it would be a great reflection on them.  Such congregations are more interested in the glory and honor of men than they are in pleasing the Heavenly Father.

I am thinking just now of a congregation that had a sizable division a few years back, and they said it was over liberalism but this was not so.  The division came over personalities for all practical purposes.  We know this because the present elders have used some liberal preachers for their meetings and other occasions.  The people who left this congregation would have no trouble with the preachers they have used because they are of the same persuasion, and this shows that their problem was not over doctrine.  During the trouble this congregation acted like they were with the good Northeast church in Cookeville, Tennessee and with Tennessee Bible College, but they have cooled considerably toward Northeast and Tennessee Bible College since the trouble has died down.  In fact, they have cooled so much toward Tennessee Bible College and Northeast church of Christ that they are downright cold.  What has happened?  They used us because they needed our strength during their trouble but now they no longer need us.  I venture to say they have told their preacher to “cool it” with reference to us because our stand for truth is too strong for them and the remnant of weakling members that still go there.

Are churches like this pleasing to God?  Indeed not!  In essence they have no conviction for Christ and His Gospel.  Such congregations are self-serving and self-seeking.  They are interested in the mayor of the city worshipping with them.  They are interested in the city policemen attending church with them.  They are interested in the doctors and lawyers attending church with them.  They are interested in the world-acclaimed, bridge-playing, affluent crowd coming to church with them.  They are not very interested in the righteousness of God, His church, and His way.  They are not Bible lovers but glory seekers when all is said and done.