Is it me or does it appear that the world has forgotten that the things of God and the world system are in direct conflict of each other and cannot be combined?
From the music to the leadership, this has been the norm and it is continuing to pick up momentum and most seem to be turning a blind eye to it but can’t seem to figure why the church is declining, the neighborhoods, communities, cities, kids and country are suffering because of it.
Pulpit authority, homosexuality, single pastors, divorced pastors, co-pastors, the holy ghost in leadership, adornment, prosperity, law vs. dispensation of grace, children of Israel or body of Christ, Jew or Gentile, tithing vs. giving, and appearance are just some of the many issues that many say is so controversial but if you research the scriptures, you will find that the bible addressed each and every one of these issues in a clear, concise and candid way in which you would almost have to pay someone to get you to not understand what God says about these issues.
The moment you compromise the Word of God you invite and welcome in Satan to do what he chooses on the matter and it won’t be long before you see the end results, which is always negative or contrary to what God wants.
Looking at shows such as the “Preachers of L.A.” and “Preachers of Detroit” clearly show that folks have lost their minds when it comes to kingdom work and the line which was as dark, black and as bold as Arial Black or Impact fonts, to become somewhat skewed and grayed out to the point that you have to strain your eyes to see its faint existence.
It’s like looking at one of those magic eye books which you have to train your eyes to look beyond the obvious to see the true picture or looking through fishing nets. You can see through the holes but parts are missing and you have to use your imagination or experiences to complete the picture.
God’s Word NEVER allows for us to add or take away anything. Read Rev 22: 18-19 and 2 Tim 3: 16. Probably the most disturbing part of the Detroit show was when the musician thought that he could go toe to toe with the brother that has the street ministry and is in the pulpits preaching and teaching the gospel.
Ok, you write lyrics and because you drop a few Jesus lines and some hallelujahs here and there you call it gospel music.
Therein lies one of the biggest problems in the church. The “Praise and Worship” part of the service is one and a half hours long and the message is the microwave drive-by because now everyone has sung themselves happy, eating those sweet pills of emotion and ain’t got time to even pay attention to the most important part of the service—the preached unadulterated Word of God. Everyone looking at their watches and the church clock and giving pastor the eye like hey, we got it.
While music is a very important part of any service, I have yet to come across any passage of scripture where someone played, danced or sung their way into heaven or discovered which one of the disciples/apostles were musicians and sang the people saved.
Music has never and will never save you and it’s not a knock on it but it has to be placed where it belongs. But because music pulls on those emotional heart strings, we gotta headline them because our delivery ain’t good enough to draw the people to the altar.
Whatever God has purposed, He has already provided provisions and a pathway to achieving it. That is one of the most important reason a preacher/pastor should be married, middle-aged, have raised HIS own children and his wife and children must be faithful in all things. Read 1 Tim 3: 1-9 and Titus 1.
The more we continue to compromise the Word of God and the order and hierarchy pre-established by God Himself, you can’t expect to see changes we desire.
You can’t decide to run things your way and feel that God has to bless it. Proverbs 14: 12, 16:25, 21: 2-3.
Well, there is a very well-known story in the bible that addresses this particular issue, 1 Samuel 13: 8-14; 1 Samuel 15.
In a nutshell, God gave King Saul specific instructions as to what He wanted Saul to do. King Saul decided instead to do what he wanted and thought because he felt that the end product was to glorify God that it didn’t matter that he disobeyed God and His commandments. Well, as Samuel explained to King Saul before demoting him, it doesn’t matter what you plan to do in the end, you were given direct specific instructions by God on what to do and it didn’t include you improvising or adding your feelings or opinions.
As a result of King Saul’s disobedience, one of the most used scriptures was spawned: 1 Sam 15: 22-23; 22 Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and Teraphim (household good luck images). Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
The mark of an effective leader, not great leader, is the ability to be flexible, adaptable, listen, and be willing to change and ALWAYS follow the Word of God.
