Discussions: Backsliding & Hypocrisy in Church

Today, we had two discussions during cell group.

Discussion 1: What are some of the reasons people leave the Church/ GOD?

Some answers include:
(1) They feel not so cared for as compared to when they were spiritual infants.
(2) Due to poor time management, they feel that the Church has taken up much of their time.
(3) Wavering faith causes them to fall easily, back into the World.
(4) They lose focus in life – skip Ladder of Success classes etc. Possible reasons of skipping classes could be indolence & incorrect learning attitude (e.g. so what if the pastor who is teaching is boring? It’s all about your attitude. It’s your choice.)
(5) They have yet to fully experience Jesus’ Resurrection.

I do not think these reasons are wrong reasons of leaving the Church/ GOD. But it is worthy to look into these responses, to address to such concerns.

My question to myself and to all believers out there is hence, ‘How do we as believers ensure we do not fall away’?

There is no absolute right or wrong answer. Personally, I’m stubborn in nature. Once I’m convicted to do something or of something, I will go all the way. I am convicted that JESUS Christ is my Lord and Savior of my life. I refuse to acknowledge JESUS since I heard of Him in primary school. Friends brought me to Church since Sec 1 to Uni Year 1, when I finally accepted the LORD (look, how many donkey years that is). I know the Lord personally, through personal encounters with Him almost everyday since day one, through my quiet time via mediation of the Word and prayers. I can feel unloved in Church, I can be so caught up with busy schedule…. BUT nothing will rob me away from the experiential fact that JESUS resurrected.

What about you? Please don’t undermine this question. I’m very certain at a point in your Christian faith, you will be challenged to give up on GOD, especially when disappointments pile up. Whatever that is to come, I tell you, JESUS Christ is the one and only true GOD.


Discussion 2: Why should I become a Christian? The worst hypocrites are in Church. – says a pre-believer.

Let me share some of my thoughts and insights from ‘Answers & Reasons’ by Josh McDowell & DonStewart.

It must be admitted that there has been hypocrisy in the church, and today we are not exempted from people who are hypocritical. A hypocrite is an actor, one who puts on a false face. He says one thing but does another. However, jus because the church contains hypocrites does not mean that all Christians are hypocrites. With every example of hypocrisy that can be pointed out in church, a counter example can be pointed out showing people who are living consistently with the teaching of JESUS Christ.

It is important NOT to confuse hypocrisy with sin. All Christians are sinners, but not all are hypocrites. There is a misconception that a Christian is a person who claims that he does not sin, but the truth is that to call oneself a Christian is to admit to being a sinner. [1 John 1:5- 2:2]. In fact, the Bible denounces hypocrisy very clearly. [Matthew 23:15]

Christianity does NOT stand or fall on the way Christians have acted throughout history or are acting today. Christianity stands or falls on the person of JESUS, and JESUS was not a hypocrite. Hence, it is incorrect to try to invalidate the Christian faith by pointing to horrible things done in the name of Christianity. We do not come to church because Pastor Khong preaches well or because of that cute guy in church. We do not skip church because a foreign pastor is invited to speak today etc. We come to church solely because of JESUS. To worship Him, to exalt Him, to hear the Word preached. If your faith is dependent on church friends/ leaders/ pastors, it is very dangerous. Humans can fall. But only JESUS is infallible.

The non-believer cannot be excused from believing just because it is possible to point to those who simply pretend to be what they are not. Hypocritical Christians cannot be excused on the basis of not being perfect because of the terrible effects hypocrisy has.

People may claim it’s true, yet have lives inconsistent with their claim, but this does not necessarily mean Christianity is not true.

Question: How then do we ensure we are not hypocrites and we do not stumble others in their belief in JESUS Christ?

I believe we need to desire and yearn to be the salt and light of the World. Let’s be mindful of our actions, our speeches. We need to continue to do good works for we are GOD’s workmanship, created to do good. Let’s not get weary of doing good, because in due time, we will reap what we sow.

Blessed week ahead!