CHRISTLESS CHRISTIANITY (Part 1)

Calling The Modern Church  Back from The DARK ABYSS

THE STORY OF THE PAMPHLET

Recently, in the town where I live, I stopped at a four-way intersection and encountered a group of young people in blue t-shirts handing out pamphlets to all the motorists. Curious, I glanced around, trying to figure out what they were promoting, but nothing immediately gave it away. My first thought was that they were advertising a product or a local school. When one of them approached my window, I politely declined the pamphlet and continued on my way home.

I was pulling a trailer that day, and when I arrived home, I discovered that one of the young people had placed the pamphlet in my trailer. This struck me as odd—perhaps they were particularly eager for me to know what their message was about. I picked up the pamphlet and gave it a quick glance. To my surprise, it wasn’t promoting a product at all—it was an invitation to a church service happening the next day.

At first, I thought it was simply something I wasn’t interested in. But then, something about the pamphlet bothered me. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it at first, but then it hit me…

Before I continue with my story, I want to show you the pamphlet itself.

Take a moment to look it over…

Nowhere in this pamphlet was Christ mentioned…! There is not a single reference to Jesus or the Gospel, except for a tiny quote that says “Amazing Grace” and a “cross” as part of the logo. That is the closest this pamphlet comes to saying anything about Christ…!

The entire pamphlet was filled with flashy images and catchy phrases about the church’s activities and events, but the very One the church is supposed to be centered around—Christ—was completely absent. It was like reading a secular advertisement. I began to wonder if this omission was accidental or intentional. Regardless, the message was clear: this church was promoting itself and its activities, not Christ.

Without even attending the service, I realized the sad truth. If the church’s promotional material was anything to go by, then anyone attending their service would likely encounter programs, entertainment, and human efforts—but not Christ.

What a sobering reality…!

Now why do I share this story about the pamphlet…? Because this pamphlet tells the story of a vast segment of the modern church – a church full of activities, but void of Christ…

IS IT POSSIBLE…?

Can a church or ministry be bustling with activity, full of life, yet devoid of Christ? Could it be that the passionate worship, powerful sermons, and vibrant outreach efforts are all just a façade—masking a deeper spiritual emptiness? The truth is shocking: YES, it is entirely possible…

THE FAÇADE OF SUCCESS

Imagine a church with dynamic leaders, powerful music, stirring prophecies, and thriving ministries. Their reputation is impeccable, finances are strong, and the calendar is packed with events. Yet, behind the scenes, Christ is missing. His teachings, character, and presence are strangely absent from the very place and people that bear His Name. This is the unsettling reality of what we call Christless Christianity.

THE DANGEROUS COUNTERFEIT

Christless Christianity is a dangerous counterfeit—a form of faith and excitement about Christ that looks and feels genuine but is hollow at its core. It thrives on outward appearances: emotional highs of worship, polished “sermons”, promises of prosperity, a focus on self-fulfillment rather than Christ’s call to self-denial, and a heavy emphasis on the miraculous. Churches caught in this web may do all the “right” things, but the most vital element—Jesus Christ—has been sidelined.

BUSY BUT EMPTY

The issue isn’t just that these ministries are busy; it’s that they are busy but spiritually empty. All the projects, services, events, and claims of supernatural manifestations—while impressive—are distractions if Christ is not central. The Apostle Paul warns of this very danger, speaking of those who have “a form of godliness but deny its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). Contrary to what some movements might claim, this “power” refers to living a life of obedience to Christ, not the ability to perform signs and wonders.

For a church to claim the label of Christianity while lacking Christ is a grave deception that ensnares both leaders and congregants alike.

A CHILLING WARNING

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus delivers a chilling warning:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and in Your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.’”

How can so much apparent devotion fail to translate into a true relationship with and a following of Christ? The answer lies in the essence of Christless Christianity—a form of faith that prioritizes outward performance over inward reality and transformation.

THE CRISIS OF A CHRISTLESS FAITH

Christless Christianity is not just a sad reality; it is a crisis. The consequences are devastating—lives are led astray, hearts remain unchanged, and the true gospel of Jesus Christ and Christ Himself are pushed aside. What happens when Christianity no longer centers on Christ? When the Savior is replaced by entertainment, success, and worldly ways and pursuits?

A SOBERING REFLECTION

As we confront this question, the answer will lead us to a sobering reflection on the state of the modern church. Without Christ at the center, all the busy, flashy, and successful endeavors amount to spiritual emptiness. The core is missing, and without Him, everything is in vain.

ASPECTS WE WILL COVER

In this article, and the follow-up sections, we will take a deep dive into the critical issue of Christless Christianity, exploring several key aspects:

• Christless Christianity in the Bible – How Scripture reveals this dangerous condition.

• What Christless Christianity Looks Like Today – Identifying its modern-day manifestations.

• The Path to Christless Christianity – Recognizing the red flags that indicate a shift towards spiritual decline.

• The Snare of Technology – How modern advancements can distract from true discipleship.

• The Deeper Issue – Uncovering the heart of the problem beneath the surface.

• The Remedy – How we can return to being a Christ-centered Church.

Let’s dive in and confront this pressing issue head-on…

NOT STRANGE TO THE BIBLE

BUSY… BUT DEAD…!

The phenomenon of Christless Christianity is not a modern development; it has taken on many forms throughout history. One striking example comes from the early church, specifically the church in Sardis, which is described in the Book of Revelation.

THE CHURCH IN SARDIS: A CASE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH

In Revelation 3:1-6, we see a church facing this very condition. The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive and thriving. They were admired by neighboring congregations and seemed deeply connected to Christ. To all appearances, they were successful and flourishing—a congregation that others might look up to and wish to imitate.

However, Christ’s diagnosis was starkly different…

OUTWARDLY ALIVE, INWARDLY DEAD

Revelation 3:1 says:

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”’

Despite their impressive reputation, the reality was tragic. Most members of the church were spiritually lifeless, severed from Christ, the true Source of life. While they maintained the outward appearance of godliness, beneath the surface, there was no genuine connection to Christ. What seemed vibrant and successful from the outside was, in fact, an illusion—mere religious activity, devoid of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

THE DEPTH OF SPIRITUAL DEATH

When Christ described them as “dead,” He wasn’t merely addressing their lack of excitement or relevance in their gatherings. His rebuke cut far deeper, pointing to the severed state of their relationship with Him. The Greek word for “dead” used here refers to a “corpse,” highlighting their devastating spiritual condition. The church was filled with those who, despite external appearances, were spiritually lifeless—spiritual corpses in the eyes of Christ.

A CHILLING WARNING

Not everyone in Sardis was lost, but many had already been spiritually compromised. Their lifestyles were defiled and evidence of their imminent spiritual death. Christ issued a chilling warning: many names had already been blotted out from the Book of Life. This grim declaration revealed the severity of their falling away—being spiritually dead meant being erased from the Book of Life. They were lost.

HOPE FOR THE FAITHFUL REMNANT

Yet, there was hope for a faithful few. Christ commended those who had not succumbed to this spiritual decline, reassuring them that their names were secure in the Book of Life. These individuals were promised eternal salvation and would be counted worthy when Christ returns.

CHEAP TALK…

The rest of the New Testament repeatedly warns about those who profess faith and life in Christ but lack a true, transformative relationship with Him. Despite outward spiritual appearances, these individuals remain spiritually dead. Let’s explore key examples where Jesus and other New Testament writers address this issue, exposing its seriousness.

EMPTY CLAIMS OF DISCIPLESHIP

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus issues a sobering warning:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven… I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”

This passage highlights the difference between mere lip service and true discipleship. Outward religious actions, even miraculous works, cannot replace the genuine relationship and obedience Christ requires.

THE FINAL JUDGMENT: TRUE VS. FALSE FOLLOWERS

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the final judgment, where He separates true followers (sheep) from false ones (goats). Those who failed to act in love towards Him are condemned:

“Depart from Me, you cursed… for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink.”

This emphasizes that outward appearances of faith, without tangible acts of love and obedience to Christ, are meaningless.

OBEDIENCE OVER WORDS

In Luke 6:46, Jesus challenges those who claim to follow Him:

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”

This reveals the heart of Christless Christianity: words alone mean nothing without obedience. Merely professing allegiance to Jesus, while neglecting His commands, is empty.

PAUL AND THE TEST OF TRUE FAITH

The Apostle Paul echoes this theme in Titus 1:16:

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”

True faith is revealed in how we live, a life that reflects allegiance to Him personally. Merely claiming to follow Christ without living in alignment with His teachings and commands is hypocrisy.

JOHN’S CALL TO AUTHENTIC OBEDIENCE

In 1 John 2:4, John similarly stresses obedience:

“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

Knowing Christ is demonstrated by obedience to what He said in His Word. Empty words without action expose falsehood.

A FORM OF GODLINESS, BUT NO POWER

Paul further warns in 2 Timothy 3:5 about those who have a “form of godliness but deny its power.” These individuals may appear spiritual or religious, but their lives lack the true transformative power of Christ.

FALSE GOSPELS AND TEACHERS

The New Testament also warns about false teachings and gospels. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul warns about those turning to a different gospel, declaring that anyone preaching a false gospel is accursed. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 11:4, Paul warns of those preaching “another Jesus” or a “different gospel.”

FALSE PROPHETS AND DECEPTION

Matthew 24:24 and 2 Peter 2:1-3 caution against false prophets and teachers who lead people astray with deceptive words. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:15-16 that we will know them by their fruits, calling for discernment between true and false teaching.

THE REALITY OF CHRISTLESS CHRISTIANITY

Christless Christianity manifests in false gospels, teachings, empty performances, pretense, and most importantly, a sidelining of Christ Himself. The New Testament emphasizes the need for genuine faith rooted in Christ, lived out through love and obedience to the LORD Jesus Christ, and inward transformation of the person by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ. Without this reality, all outward spiritual activity…, is dead…

To be continued in Part 2…