The Great God Entertainment by A. W. Tozer The only power God recognizes in His Church is the power of His Spirit, whereas the only power actually recognized today by the majority of evangelicals is the power of man. God does his work by the operation of the Spirit, while Christian leaders attempt to do theirs by the power of entertainment. Bright personality has taken the place of the Spirit's influence, but only what is done through the Holy Spirit will abide eternally.

For centuries the church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was, a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from eternal realities. But of late she appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great God entertainment, then she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his trifles.

Christianity is so entangled with the world that millions never guess how radically they have missed the New Testament pattern. Compromise is everywhere. Evangelical Christianity is now tragically below the New Testament standard. Worldliness is an accepted part of our way of life. Our religious mood is social instead of spiritual. We have lost the art of genuine worship. We are not producing holy people. Our models are successful businessmen, celebrated athletes and performers. We carry on our religious activities after the methods of the modern advertiser. Our homes have been turned into theatres. Our desires are worldly, our literature is shallow, and our music borders on sacrilege. And scarcely anyone appears to care.

How I wish one of you would shut the temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered. I am not pleased with you, says the Lord Almighty, and I will not accept your offerings. Malachi 1.10.