I looked up the origin of the word and found that it comes from the French entretenir which literally means to "hold together." The original application of the word was to the concept of hospitality. It was about making a guest happy.

That should ring a Biblical bell. Isn't there a verse about that kind of "entertaining" in the Bible? Sure enough, Hebrews 13:2. We are told there to (KJV) entertain strangers, and that occasionally people have actually entertained angels without knowing it!

So what does that entertainment have to do with the modern usage of the word? Precious little. From feeding and housing and granting comfort to strangers we have become a society instead that amuses and distracts God's people from the things that matter. How many would skip a church service to be sure not to miss a sports event or scheduled concert?

Unfortunately the "spirit" of entertainment has entered the church. No need to stay at home. We can now bring the culture to you.

Have you been yet to a church where all the lights are turned out during worship, and the focus is on the band on the "stage."? What does that sound and look like? If you weren't used to it or expecting it, you'd think you were in a theater. Since quite often the older folks do not know the words or music to the newer tunes, often they are not singing, so that much of the "action" is under the spotlight now and not in the pews.

In this atmosphere it becomes a little difficult to open your Bible [in the dark] and read from it when the Scripture is announced. But no worries. You can always read your Bible from your smart phone or better yet, from the screen in front of you. Most now leave their Bibles at home...

God gets His work done regardless of all this, but why was it so difficult to open a songbook, lights on thank you, or open a printed Bible in your hand? What was wrong with full-throated praise coming from hearts that cherished the magnificent teachings of the old hymns? Why could we not have passed on this legacy, instead of having the young folks passing to us a totally new agenda?

Just asking. Thank God the youth have joined us. But would they fall away from Christ if they were asked to sing a hymn? Then... (you can finish this thought)

And a warning. This entertainment thing can be taken too far. Smoke and strobh and other methods stolen from the culture do nothing to enhance the Kingdom of God, but serve rather to make worldlings comfortable in a house that was supposed to be a holy place.