The greatest problem in the American church is that we are the
Laodicean church! The most prominent message I hear today, especially by
Christian Television and media is the “Prosperity” Gospel. It’s all
about blessing, breakthrough and the pursuit of personal satisfaction.
Apparently the sign of God’s blessing is money, jet planes, impressive
homes and big buildings. Who Knew?
We fear struggle more than we
fear The Spirit. We fear losing money more than we fear losing our
anointing. We fear losing our prestige more than we fear losing our
voice. We fear losing our tax exempt status more than we fear losing the
presence of God.
Meanwhile, race wars are breaking out, our
cities are being destroyed, our citizens are being murdered, our
officers are being mowed down in the streets and our babies are being
killed in the womb. Evil is redefined and legislated to be
righteousness and the righteous are viewed and portrayed as hapless
idiots.
We stand as a Christian community, wringing our hands
and saying, “I don’t understand why we are not respected and honored
like we used to be. Why won’t anyone listen to us?” We attempt to
bolster our waning influence through boycott and forcing the legislation
of morality, instead of allowing God to create a moral revolution
driven by The Spirit of God, in us, through us and into the conscience
of our country. Political expediency is, seemingly, easier than
Spirit-driven transformation. (Oh, and hopefully it won’t affect our
bank accounts. Because, after all, calling sin sin and calling out for
repentance may negatively impact our finances, P.R. and very thorough
marketing plans.) Where do you suppose this is all heading? How’s it
working out?
The media on the right and the left are putting forth a racist, evil
and deceptive narrative of events that seem designed, purposefully, to
stir up abomination, anger, hate and division. Sadly, the Christian
community is, by and large, getting sucked in hook, line and sinker. By
all means, we need a few more posts, articles, commentaries and sermons
from inside the Christian church that explain why the Whites are wrong,
the Blacks are wrong, the Latinos are wrong, the Bora Borians are wrong,
the Gilligans Islanders are wrong, the republicans, the democrats, the
government is wrong...and on and on. I know this is true because CNN,
MSNBC, Fox News, E.S.P.N. and that really smart guy on public access
told me so!
What we really need is just a teeny weenie bit more
media parroting hatred and division from those who claim to be a voice
for Christ. (Oh and we need some more supposedly theologically sound
discussion of why the things God calls sin aren't REALLY sin. That one
news interview with that one college theology professor from that one
college explained to me how what the Bible says isn't really what it
says. I'm glad that confusion got cleared up. Also, eliminating the
truth of God's Word will bring the people running and the money
flowing. Woo Hoo!)
Is all of this the message of The Gospel?
Does it matter? Is this the message that will facilitate revival and
release an awakening of The Spirit of God? Is this the message of The
Apostle Paul who said:
Galatians 3:26–29 (NLT)
26 For you
are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who
have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting
on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free,
male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that
you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his
heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.”
And yet, the
united voice of the Christian church seems to be more attuned to being
en vogue than being a voice. Jesus is knocking at the door church! It’s
time to let Him back in!
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