It is shameful when a pastor, clergyman, bishop, priest or some of the television evangelists preach sermons to congregations having itching ears rather than preaching truth of the full Gospel message, having sound doctrine that teaches Jesus Christ came to earth and gave his life for the sins of mankind. They try to appease liberal minded people in hopes of befriending them, while being extra careful not to step on anyone’s toes, such, that the dollars keep flowing in at offering time or the pledges of money to T.V. broadcastings continue.
If there is any validity to what I have just written, then shame on these so-called “teachers” that put more emphasis on tickling the ears of the laity than listening to their own conscience. They have fallen into the trap with modern day believers that want the church to line up with their lifestyle rather than lining up with God’s expectations.
People inherently are looking for a religion that suits their fancy and not critical of the things they want to do. They get upset when preachers point out their shortcomings, yet they deceive themselves into thinking that all is well and that by playing church they will make it into heaven.
(2 Timothy 4:3-4) “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up to themselves teachers;” v.4 “and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
Very seldom do we hear hell-fire and brimstone messages that were once preached under the anointing of the Holy Ghost when old time religion was a way of life. Sermons preached from (Galatians 6:7-8) are far and in-between, which taught that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.
This is a very unpopular message for some modern day church goers that believe their system of doing things is the only way to find happiness and a fulfilled existence. Even songs with lyrics referencing the blood of Jesus have been omitted from some newly printed church hymnals. A ‘bloody religion’ is neither politically correct nor acceptable in some circles.
Our nation has become so politically correct, paranoid, and overly cautious to not offend certain people, organizations and other beliefs, that this misnomer has found its way into churches that once taught that there is no other way to make heaven except through Jesus. Heresy is taught instead by popular demand. These teachers should be ashamed of themselves. The sad part is that the people listening to this sacrilege are being deceived. These lies will ultimately cost them their soul at the end of life’s journey.
(Jeremiah 23:1-4) “‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ says the Lord.” vs.2 “Therefore, thus says the Lord God of Israel
There are some leaders that are so wrapped up in themselves that they fail to recognize their own short comings. They draw a handsome salary, yet spurn the needs of their congregation by taking so many paid trips that the flock seldom sees their face.
When they are away it is like leaving the sheep with inexperienced shepherds that run in the opposite direction if confronted by hungry wolves; causing the sheep to scatter. This ought not to happen. Where are the deacons and church elders? Do they not have a voice in such matters? Why are they not speaking up on behalf of the congregation that pays the pastor’s salary?
Where is the dedication and concern that pastors once had for their flock? It seems that their ministry has become cushy; just a job with less and less responsibility, because of the lack of accountability. They delegate to subordinate ministers to give themselves more time to golf, go to the gym, and eat lunch at expensive restaurants; all paid for by the church via an expense account. Something’s wrong with this picture.
Sheep need a shepherd that will love and give their life for them if necessary. If I have a spiritual need, I want the pastor! I should not have to wait three or four weeks for their return to talk over my problems. It is not the sheep’s responsibility to take care of the shepherd by catering to their every whim, spoiling them with gifts, trips, and special offerings to foot the bill for their lavished lifestyle, while they draw a weekly check, yet failing to attend to their flock as they ought. The flock needs the shepherd’s protection, not the other way around! Thank God it is not all pastors that fall in this category. The few that do will answer to God.
Give me a man or woman that earnestly seek to allow God and His message to come forth, and I will show you a person that positions themselves second to God’s desires. Give me a person that preaches with conviction and the anointing of the Holy Spirit and I will show you a person that preaches without fear or favor. Give me a pastor that cares for the membership of his church, as if they are family, and I will show you a person that knows how to love. Give me a dedicated pastor that desires to win souls for the kingdom of God
When is ‘old time Pentecost’ going to become a reality in today’s church? When are we going to start expecting the gifts of the Spirit to become active again in the church body as in times past? When are we going to wake up and become the Christians that God expects us to be?
We can point our finger at the pastor all day long and complain until we are blue in the face about the conventions and sabbaticals they take, but until we take it upon ourselves to stand in the gap where we are needed and stop complaining, things will more than likely remain statuesque.
We can make a difference in the house of worship by bringing church with us on Sunday morning; being fired up by the Holy Spirit and primed by God to share blessings of overflowing joy to those we meet when we walk through the church doors.
We can also become an example to loved ones by showing Christ in our actions and the words we speak. Why wait for someone else to have a Gethsemane experience and pray the night through on behalf of the Church like Jesus did? This event was recorded in (Matthew 26:36) of the New Testament. Let’s face it, revival starts at home. It begins in me and it can start in you if you are willing to be used of God.
If we sequester ourselves more with God and allow His Spirit to work in and through our lives, the pastor would stick around for fear of missing the move of God in the services, because of our obedience and contributions to the services.
We have only ourselves to blame for the lack of God’s movement in our midst. I look into the mirror and remember my first encounter with the Holy Spirit and the zeal that I had when I became a Christian. I walked in power and spoke with authority as the Holy Spirit prompted me to share Christ with sinners and to show God’s love to them.
We should ask ourselves these questions. Has the flame gone out within my spirit? Has the expectation of miracles fallen by the wayside? Am I cold as ice and blame everyone else for the shivers?
We had better shake ourselves from the slumber we are in and wake up from our complacency. We need to put away crassness and the disposition of a ‘ho-hum’ attitude. It is time for the pity-party to end unless you want a form of godliness, while denying the power thereof to take control.
We should resist becoming derelict of duty and shun the temptation to gossip about the problems in church, and hold our pastors and God’s programs up in prayer. We need more of God to withstand the things that are coming upon the world.
(II Timothy 3:1-6) “Know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” v.2 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” v.3 “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, v.4 “Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, v.5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.”
Yet, for all of these words I have written, who will see the need to act upon the knowledge they now have and determine to draw closer to God? I hope it is you. If you are just getting by spiritually, I pray that the Holy Spirit shakes your world and causes you to do something about your situation, instead of looking to someone else to bring revival to your soul. Let it begin in you. Others will be blessed, because of your tenacity and positive, spiritual influence.
God bless you as you bow before the Lord and repent of your critical spirit, if in fact you have one. Might you have a passion for sinners like never before. I pray that the Holy Spirit reignites the flame in you for lost souls; and may I too put into practice what I have just written, and become a part of ‘old time religion’ once again.
Papa Boyd
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