BRAINWASHING...cont.

continued:

Though the scriptures thoroughly warn us of these last days, and though biblical correction is badly needed; from many different sectors of Christendom these days is being heard one common cry: “Don’t judge anybody.” Under the guise of “Christian love,” a totally apostate twisting of Christ’s own words ("judge not lest ye be judged") is being used to cover the evil works of apostate ministers, evangelists (modern Scribes and Pharisees) and entire modern “Christian movements.” The accompaniment to this false doctrine, is the preaching of an ungodly, unbiblical type of false “Christian” love, that is perpetuated to eliminate all “dissenters” from within the church and demonize those who stand outside the church, calling the modern Laodicean church back to biblical orthodoxy and into true repentance.

The current spiritual shallowness and hollowness in most of what calls itself the Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Charismatic camps, is being caused by rampant spiritual adultery and idolatry that also plagues our pagan society. (I must make it clear that I am addressing this to the modern, Laodicean church and would never expect non-Christians to conform to or adhere to messages meant for the church). Some ministries proclaim the basics of the Gospel very well, but then violate and compromise the Gospel in everything they do. An ungodly, corporate, business atmosphere pervades the leadership of many churches.

“Looking out for #1,” the “right” to “self fulfillment,” the search for “personal happiness,” and the quest for “success, health and wealth,” GREED and COVETOUSNESS permeates our society and our churches and has infested many apostate “Christian movements.” The Lord Jesus NEVER intended for Christians to accept or tolerate the same ungodly, worldly spirit in the church, that dominates big business. But now many "Christian" movements have grown more worldly and licentious than some corporations. Just take a look at the eccentric antics of many of today's charismatic, T.V. evangelists. Many of them resemble cartoon characters and have become caricatures of themselves. Eccentricity doesn't equal anointing! Some of the worst offenders prance around like chickens with their heads cut off. They worship and fixate on "the anointing" and on "God's anointed" (whom they profess to be) instead of exalting Jesus and thereby edifying the body of Christ. There is a true anointing that flows from authentic servants of Jesus, and there is a false "anointing," that these counterfeit preachers are trying to franchise to you for a certain price (their ministries mercilessly promote themselves and demand your "seed" (money) if you are going to receive "the blessing." They instruct you to "put your faith in faith" instead of in God, and many formerly righteous have been seduced by these LIES. These charlatans are no better than Simon the Magician who was following the disciples around in order that he might steal the secret of God's power. There is an authentic anointing from God that rests on and flows from His HUMBLE servants, and then there are the INTERLOPERS, FRAUDS and CHARLATONS, who may have all of the current "anointed" power lingo, but who are FALSE PROPHETS and FALSE SHEPHERDS. They are performers and grandstanders who speak out of two sides of their mouths. The evil spirit of Simon has taken over many formerly holy churches. A massive falling away from the truth (APOSTASY, 2 Thess. 2:3) is in high gear. And yet, we are to rejoice because this falling away is the final sign of our Lord's return.

In some apostate "Christian" movements, wealth, success and worldly prestige is reckoned as righteousness as long as you slap Jesus' name on it. Our Lord showed His anger with such profiteering charlatans when He violently whipped, chased and overturned the marketing ventures of the Scribes and Pharisees in His Father’s House. There is a perverse mixing (strange fire) going on in some Christian movements, of the holy and the profane. (Christians are to be set apart from they way that the world operates and there is a remnant that is holy— not infallible mind you— but holy. Holiness is a fruit of justification through Christ and obedience to Him and His word). It is no wonder that many of these ancient pagan ideals (idols) have become cornerstones of the worst, modern movements in Christendom (prosperity gospel, name-it-and-claim-it theology, health and wealth crowd). What has happened to the church, is a creeping polarization of many who call themselves “born again” and even “Spirit filled” but who’s lives are so increasingly spiritually compromised that they are losing any figment of biblical adherence and spiritual discernment...they are losing their saltiness and their light! For many, taking on the trappings of being a Christian is nothing more than an extension of their need to feel superior to others.

An elite hierarchy has arisen in many churches and movements that rule the roost through control and manipulation. They hide behind certain favorite scriptures just like early criminals did who sought out sanctuary in the church from prosecution. They are able to rule because their flocks eagerly seek out the counsel of compromised and apostate preachers who basically tell them what they want to hear. They tend to protect themselves by promoting and touting a false "Christian" love that condemns anyone who dares to examine their doctrines and fruits or has the "audacity" to call THEM to repentance. As a result of their cold, false love, their lust for "new revelation," (in certain Charismatic circles) and absence of discernment, and outright demonic deception, a dangerous counterfeit is preying upon many movements.

Please don't lump all Pentecostals into the "counterfeit" category. There are some Pentecostals who are obedient to the word and are holy in their walk, who don't indulge in faith movement abuses. [Though I would prefer to be labeled simply a 'Christian', I use the label of "Pentecostal" to indicate that I believe that what happened to the 1st century Christians, can happen and does happen (though limited) today. It is by the gift of prophesy that I am now writing. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow! It is WE who have changed! It is a dangerous religious lie to proclaim that the power of God and His ability to work miracles and transform lives today ended 2000 years ago. There are many so called "Christians" today who all but believe and act as though God is dead!] I am a Pentecostal who discerns the massive abuses and indulgence of counterfeit doctrine. I grieve over the abuse and heresy I see being preached in the name of Jesus. These moneychangers (wealthy because of their false teachings) have now flooded the airwaves with their bizzarre antics and demonic doctrines. They have done the devil's bidding by obfuscating, and confusing the public as to what real Christianity is all about. By acting like eccentric fools, they have turned off millions of people who might otherwise be open to the Gospel. This slick couterfeit is a pre-emptive strkie by Satan. Satan created a spoof and counterfeit of God's power, using many "ministers" who were ripe to fall and be deceived. Now, all Pentecostal teaching has been smeared with the same brush because of the "Faith Movement"-counterfeit revival. What I discern in areas of the Charismatic movement is that many of them have simply gone too far, and are focusing on God's gifts and power, more than they focus on God himself and have departed from biblical orthodoxy in lieu of emotional experience.

Particularly dangerous are those who have at one time known His presence and His power but like Simon the Magician have attempted to franchise His gifts and His power, which is not possible. Kenneth Hagin, a blatant thief (plagiarist) and his many disciples (Ken Copeland, Fred Price, Crefflo Dollar and many others) and such high profile "faith" healers like Benny Hinn, actually preach two different gospels. Their primary orientation and allegiance lies in the preaching of the most damaging heresy with which the church has ever been attacked.

They attempt to pervert the true power of Pentecost and proclaim that you must have "faith in your faith." To them, "faith" is the universal power source that even God must tap into to accomplish anything, and that we have the same power in our words to create, that God has. In saying this, they claim "god-status." They proclaim that "Jesus died spiritually on the cross and had to be born again in hell." They have taken extreme license in attempting to redefine Christianity for their own selfish gain. Their new doctrines are demonically inspired and are based on perversions and distortions of the word of God. The underlying strategy of the demons who have inspired this dangerous heresy, is to derail the real movement of God by creating a dangerous counterfeit that preys on the innate greed and selfishness in most people. Their dangerous apostasy is founded upon what Satan said to Eve in the garden: "eat of this and you shall be like God." The real insidiousness of their teaching is that they take a certain level of spiritual revelation of God's word and then abruptly twist it to create their own doctrines. They also put their personal revelations above the authority and righteous interpretation of God's word. The "Word of Faith" heresy is the ultimate mixing of the holy with the profane, which is exactly what freemasons also do in their ceremonies. There are sources that claim that Kenneth Copeland, Joe Capps and Oral Roberts are Freemasons. That wouldn't surprise me in the least.

In the "New Wave prophetic movement," which is the current direction that many hyper-"faith"-charismatics have steered themselves, many people covet and are fixated on "personal prophecies." In most cases, this is the practice of itching ears receiving a "personal word" of "prophecy." Although this type of prophecy is biblically possible, it is the over-indulgence and covetous and idolatrous practice of this, that has ushered in Satan's counterfeit. The counterfeit is powered by familiar demonic spirits...the same type of spirits that are behind fortune telling. Immature "believers" are entertained and titillated by this kind of "Christian" fortune telling and obviously many have been deceived into accepting it. In some camps, entire services are dedicated to allowing visiting "prophets" to tell audience members "secrets" about themselves. Again, deceived preachers and "prophets" defend themselves by projecting condemnation onto their critics by accusing them of being "judgmental and unloving."

They project a superficial, sickly, false love, followed by the perversion of “judge not lest ye be judged,” which is a major ploy of Satan to undermine, confuse and destroy (if possible) Christ’s church. It is a covering that has been spread over the eyes of many shallow and immature “Christians,” that allows the “ravening wolves” in leadership to manipulate God’s sheep, in order to maintain “position” and control them. Behind the scenes they act as though the church exists for themselves and their personal enrichment. We are now plagued by the reign of a plethora of little prince “Sauls” who arrogantly go about creating their own little religious “kingdoms.” The fact is that many of those who have been entrusted with leading God’s people have become fat and arrogant and act as though the sheep exist to serve them, rather than the undershepherd existing to selflessly serve God’s people. Many of them in what I call the "hyper-charismatic, Faith Movement" variety, are clearly identified by their overly eccentric, almost surreal rantings and ravings.

The minute that such discernments are brought to such apostate ministers, they go into “damage control” mode and instead of turning the other cheek (if they truly sense that they were “attacked”); they begin a vigorous counter attack, utilizing gossip and innuendo. These modern day “Sauls,” will “hunt down” and demonize every “David” who dares to “question their authority.” They will accuse any brother or sister who “dares to question them, of being an “attacker”...an “unloving divider of the brethren.” (What a privilege it is to be “hunted” and persecuted for being a “David.”)

The Lord has commanded us to “judge righteously” and to go to brothers with whom we have ought or whom we discern are not living or acting according to the word or are teaching a wrong or incomplete word. We are supposed to hold each other accountable and “reprove, rebuke and exhort” when God leads us to do so. Doing this IS NOT a form of condemnation or rebellion but rather an attribute of REAL Christian love. We MUST go to that brother or sister with whom we have concern and either confirm our discernment and hold them accountable or seek forgiveness for harboring a false judgment. In true Christian love, we must not condescend to anyone. However, we must also not have fellowship with those who run roughshod with God’s word. Many previously unacceptable practices and lifestyles are now being accepted in apostate churches and under the guise of “we mustn’t judge anyone,” many imposters have infiltrated our churches and some are even operating as leaders. We must ask those in leadership what they believe in and observe their lifestyles for the fruit of holiness...we are ALL charged with being "fruit inspectors" and that requires the exercise of “righteous judgment.”

The Bible instructs us to “contend earnestly for the Faith, ” and to “know Whom we have believed.” There is a mischievous spirit afoot in these last days that has derailed many a ministry that at one time was orthodox in its doctrines and anointed in the Spirit of God, but who no longer abide in Christ and His word. This doesn’t happen overnight, but in incremental steps. That is a tragedy that needs to be addressed by calling them back to the Bible and back to their first love for Jesus. These discernments are meant for those who desire to worship Jesus in Spirit and in truth. This is a call to authentic and biblically orthodox faith in Jesus Christ. In these last days, much of what calls itself the church has become fat, indulgent and compromised- and is not adhering to the scriptures. In this apostate atmosphere, biblical correction is wrongly labeled as being "negative," and even "divisive," although major portions of the Bible were given by God to bring correction to His people and keep them focused on Jesus and in fellowship with Him. The church desperately needs correction now, more than ever as major portions of the Evangelical, Charismatic, and Faith Movement churches (in particular) are falling away from the truth of the Gospel and even introducing a “different gospel.” This is NOT a condemnation of ANY of these movements but rather an examination of doctrines, fruits and practices. This is a ministry that preaches the Full Gospel of Christ and thoroughly admonishes a loving abandonment to Jesus, the necessity of adhering to His word and being filled with the Spirit (without fixating in an unbiblical way on His beautiful gifts, which are all still in operation today in the body of Christ!).

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Rev. 2:29

My calling is that of a watchman, which is a type of prophetic ministry that proclaims the revealed truth of God's word and how it applies to the last days church, as led by the Holy Spirit. It is the role of watchman when necessary to proclaim:

“Blow the trumpet in Zion and sound the alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS COMING, FOR IT IS AT HAND... “TURN TO ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart and not your garments... Call a sacred assembly; gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children and the nursing babes; LET THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) GO OUT FROM HIS CHAMBER (HEAVEN) AND THE BRIDE (CHURCH) FROM HER DRESSING ROOM.” (JOEL 2: 1, 12,13,15,16)

The biblical, prophetic signs are all crying out that Jesus could come for His Bride at any time! We all need to be “watching and waiting” for Him and filled with the oil of gladness (Holy Spirit). But instead, a major fulfillment that indicates the extreme lateness of the hour, is an intensive falling away from the truth of the gospel or “apostasy,” as Paul prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 as being one of the last signs before Christ comes to snatch (Rapture) His church. I am speaking of rampant apostasies and deception afoot in major portions of what calls itself the “charismatic movement,” the “Word/ Faith Movement” and now what calls itself the “New Wave” of the modern “prophetic movement,” that is chock full of high octane, false prophets, deceivers and charlatans.

There is also plenty of 'falling away' from the truth happening in areas of compromised evangelicalism. There are many evangelical leaders who mix God’s holy word with pagan, psychological concepts and doctrines of demons. Self-righteousness pervades, not unlike that of the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ time, based on half-truths and delusions.

What is clearly the case in both of these major portions of troubled Christendom, is that many idolaters and self-seekers have watered down and misinterpreted the word and as a result have strayed from the truth. Many who at one time walked intimately with God, (who are still saved) but now rarely receive the true hidden manna, which is the deeper revelations of Jesus in His word. In seeking to indulge “self,” many are now straying from long held orthodox doctrines and are simply inventing new doctrine as they please (rebellion against God). In many cases, feeling and experience is replacing the truth of scripture. This opens people up to all sorts of deception.

It is absolutely necessary for the body to adhere to accurate spiritual and biblical discernment in these last, tumultuous days as even some of God’s elect are falling for seductive deceptions (the scripture warns us that this would happen).

This “watchman’s” calling may seem "strange" to cessationists and others who are still trying to decide whether they will even dare acknowledge the realm of God’s Spirit. The primary reason for the gift of prophecy is for the church to receive and understand the revealed word of God (Its deepest meaning). GOD STILL SPEAKS TO HIS CHILDREN! Speaking forth the deeper meaning of God's word and calling the modern Laodicean church to repentance, is EXACTLY what preachers are supposed to be doing but many are NOT hearing from God because they are not really seeking Jesus and HIS truth, and thus many are not proclaiming the deeper truths of our Lord's word. Too many preachers are preoccupied with their OWN "agendas," to preach the real word of God. Many modern preachers are wrongly motivated by covetousness in wanting to see “their” churches expand and grow. These are men that play the “numbers” game and who are driven by selfish motives to get more people in their church. God would love to fill our churches with souls who are dying to hear the real Gospel but the preacher who is motivated by selfishness and covetousness isn’t able to preach the Gospel in Spirit and in truth. This is often an extremely subtle, ulterior motivation, but is revealed in their teaching priorities and “goals“ for church membership. This type of “membership drive” often causes the pastor to water down his message so as not to “offend” or confuse the new, shallow converts. Their wrong focus becomes getting people into the church, instead of nurturing biblically grounded; Jesus focused disciples who would passionately and accurately evangelize friends and families. Biblical, loving and vital Christianity is absolutely contagious, while touting compromised Christianity is dangerous.

Many preachers are preoccupied with merely trying to keep their churches from devolving into chaos instead of preaching the heart piercing, life changing word of God. Most preachers are merely scratching the surface of God's word (though there are several preachers that God has raised up who are receiving mighty revelations and warnings of impending judgment from God). Shallow, half-baked preaching in many corners of Christendom has created a famine for the word. The deepest truth of all is that JESUS IS THE WORD– JESUS IS THE VERY EMBODIMENT OF ALL THAT GOD WANTS TO TELL US AND GIVE TO US! JESUS IS OUR TOTAL PROVISION! (JEHOVAH JIREH) JESUS IS OUR MOST PRECIOUS TEASURE!

A watchman is one who by discernment and by receiving spiritual revelation, (hearing from God through His word and occasionally directly, via prophetic word [completely biblical]) is willing to speak forth God's word to His children and sound the trumpet of warning so that God's people will hopefully take the action necessary to comply with God's commands.

I have encountered some muppies (modern urban Pharisees, many of whom are more like worldly yuppies than like godly Christians) in recent years that were offended by my messages. They protested: "who do you think you are? You have to earn the right to say such things!" They didn’t even disagree with the veracity of my message but questioned my “right” to proclaim it! These were people who are well established “leaders” in their church... who know and believe the Gospel but yet couldn’t confirm the word of the Lord because of the “unrecognized” vessel used to bring it forth! My answer to them is that my primary desire is to PLEASE GOD – NOT TO TICKLE ITCHING EARS!

Some "Christians" are creating a different "jesus" of their own design, a "jesus," that doesn't offend them or anyone else. GUESS WHAT: THE REAL JESUS OFFENDS THE FLESH OF YOUR MIND AND YOUR EMOTIONS! Though it is not my goal to offend anyone. If the truth offends people or makes them angry, it only indicates that they are FALLING UNDER HOLY GHOST CONVICTION AND THAT PERHAPS THEIR GOLDEN CALF IS BEING GORED, especially when they can't identify what part of the message they disagree with but instead just attack the messenger. I truly love them and ask God to forgive them and bless them. I'm not angry with them and would NEVER condemn anyone who disagrees with me (I do reserve the right to be wrong! I am not above reproof).

Recently, while I was channel surfing for some T.V. ministry that was edifying, I heard part of a revealing message from T.D.Jakes, (not someone I usually listen to, nor do I always agree with, nor do I enjoy his “performing”) succinctly described this last hour, lukewarm, Laodicean church. He proclaimed that "the pride of life," is operating on and in the church like NEVER before. With the rampant indulgence of the flesh and the nurturing of giant egos that are prevalent in these "Word of Faith" ministries, I'm surprised that Jakes is so surprised to see this manifest in that movement. I am absolutely aghast at how the "Christian" airwaves are being taken over by idolatrous, prosperity preachin' charlatans. Jakes also said that “things were getting so bad that people (in the Faith Movement) were cutting each other’s throats just to sing in the choir.” Jakes, and other preachers like him have brainwashed his followers into an intense state of self-indulgence of the worst kind. It is a state of spiritual self-entitlement to whatever they can vainly imagine. No wonder that he is now waking up to realize that he has been creating a spiritual monster with his “God exists to bless me, bless me, bless me,” perversion of the Gospel.

Many Spirit-filled ministries are plagued by numerous self-entitled, shallow, pride-filled believers who are striving for "position" and to be recognized and "validated," within the church. Actually, this is the worst type of pride because it is a blinding spiritual pride that the devil can easily use against the body. This is the same kind of pride that got the disciples arguing over "who would be greatest in the kingdom." Spiritual pride can quickly turn into a superior spirit that tries to control, manipulate and dominate others, which is also rampant in the church. We live in the "new age" of "self-fulfillment," which has raised self-indulgence to the level of an idolatrous art form. This is also taking place IN THE CHURCH! Competition for "position," blindly jockeying for gaining even "higher position" and being jealous of others in ministry, is causing a bizarre, circus-like atmosphere in many churches to differing degrees. Many people are blindly motivated by their selfish desires to be “recognized” and “validated,” i.e.: “dig ME... aint I wonderful!” This is the EXACT OPPOSITE of Christianity! This rampant disease within the church indicates a major failure of preaching the true and deep meaning of the cross, and of the need to die to self, and of a gross immaturity in the word. The result, in many instances, is an immature, shallow, self-centered, materialistic, plastic last hour church. Many of whom are looking for "cheap grace," a grace from God that requires no repentance and little sacrifice. Dietrich Bonhoeffer who paid dearly for His faith and suffered in Nazi Germany said, "Cheap grace, is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross." That is the new church era in which we now live, where “mega Churches” are filled to the brim with people seeking out “cheap grace” to alleviate their guilty consciousness. Many are living in a self-made, dream world bubble that is soon going to pop unless they truly repent and find the real Jesus.

Many compromised Christians in our present day, post-modernist, psychologized, pagan world, believe that they can have their “cake and eat it too.” By this I mean that many Christians today do more than just mess up once in a while and inadvertently sin. Many are living double lives... secret lives if you will, that they rationalize away as “forgiven by God.” I have personally experienced the “pathological behavior” of shallow believers that can pretend to be bible-believing Christians one moment and rip your heart out the next. An extremely fierce spirit of compromise is rampant among these shallow believers who merely pose as Christians but in reality live and act exactly the same as pagans. Though our God can and does forgive all of our sins, He does it on the basis that we have purposely turned from our sins and REPENTED. There are many who believe that obtaining God’s grace means that they can have a “little fling” here or there or dabble in occultic circles (hororscope) or even visit pornographic web sites occasionally or oppress God’s people in various manners. Many of these lukewarm are leading a “charmed” indulgent life style and have deadened their consciences and rationalized away the continued practice of their stinky sins. These kinds of “Christians” are merely ‘dead men walking!’ They are creating a false reality (a form of witchcraft) that allows them to commit and practice certain sins and then convince themselves that God’s immeasurable grace will continue to cover them, no matter what! WRONG! God is cutting them just enough slack to eventually “crash and burn” and then hopefully return in godly sorrow, but such men and women are playing dangerous games with God and "God will not be mocked, for whatever a man sows that also shall he reap!" Pastors are often afraid to call such compromised believers to repentance for fear of “political” reprisals. Some pastors have become expert politicians while they systematically compromise themselves and God’s incomparable word, just so they can “remain” in their "positions" and savor “their” “careers.” Serving as a pastor is NOT a “career,” it is a calling from God. (This is NOT directed to ALL pastors. However, if this offends you, you’re probably compromising to some degree)

I have realized that many Christians can and do idolize all sorts of things! ANYTHING can become an idol in our lives (even God’s good gifts!). "Positive, psychologized Christianity," (A MIXING OF THE HOLY WITH THE PROFANE as ALL of the major schools of psychology are founded on PAGAN ideas, all of which deny God’s existence and His ability to change and heal the soul and mind of man) is a major, doctrinal idol in most churches today and is so subtle and so well meaning, as to deceive even God's elect. The tenets of pagan psychology are often used to diagnose, label and “treat” God’s people, in place of spirit-filled men who rightly divide the truth by applying God’s word. When leaders are asked about questionable practices they cry out: "Peace and unity at all costs," (i.e.: “shut up... we know what’s best” which is easily “diagnosed” as SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS and COMPROMISE on their part) which is a major New Age idol in the church, used to club (a "club" is exactly what most churches have become) “dissenters in the church,” who don’t “go along” with compromised leaders. A "go along to get along," "one hand washes the other" idol, (COMPROMISE) also rules over most church leadership. Then, there is the obvious, rampant materialism and "looking out for #1," “superior,” corporate/ business mentality that pervades the world and the church. The lust for money, power, SUCCESS, control and recognition, are not not only COMMON IDOLS in the church, but in some churches, these idols have become part of their doctrine and structure. In the modern ungodly mindset in most of the church, "NUMBERS" of bodies sitting in the pews equates to church "success" instead of "are we reproducing solid disciples in Christ and His word, feeding them and leading them to the REAL MANNA FROM HEAVEN?"

God has shown me that it is possible even for followers that know Jesus and His word intimately, to create an idol out of almost anything. I was guilty (we are ALL guilty of something... we ALL still sin, if we think we are perfect, we have become self-righteous!) of idolizing “truth,” and am still being tempered as to how much God wants me to say and also HOW to say it. The truth can be shared directly in a spirit of love, or it can be wielded like a club and inflict great pain (though there are many who reel in agony if they come under ANY spiritual conviction). Why, there are many that so idolize God’s free gifts (spiritual & temporal) that they have fallen completely into self-deserving, and self-serving, self-indulgences. When we idolize and lust for God’s goodies instead of God, we cross a line that God may allow to be obscured to us (partial blindness) so that we can reap the folly of our own sins and eventually and hopefully repent and return like the wayward prodigal.

The idol of IMAGE, IMAGE, IMAGE, is the cry of worldly men that have conquered or are attempting to conquer, the leadership of most churches. "Image," is everything to muppie church leaders and so are the "perceptions" of the church by the community (creeping political correctness factor). So many large churches now hire "public relations" specialists to "handle the public," and their "outreach," which has become more like a club membership drive, than sharing about Jesus (evangelism). The worship of IMAGE (Image instead of adhering to godly and Biblical PRECEPTS [principals in the word], is everything to deceived people) in modern day churchianity, has put many a pretty politician in our pulpits, who always check which way the wind is blowing before they open their mouths, instead of checking with God to see what He wants him to say or do. "Performance" over ministry, is also a massive idol in the last hour church. This is glaringly obvious in most of today's Christian music. Many (not all) "Christian artists," mimic the cool and trendy styles and sounds of worldly music, while watering down, even obscuring the message of the Gospel, so that the message doesn't "turn the listeners off." Many compromised churches now practice this same "seeker philosophy" (unholy mixture) when it comes to even mentioning scripture and have altered/ curtailed their quoting of the word of God, so as not to offend non-Christians. This type of church is merely a "whitewashed sepulcher, full of dead men's bones!" Many churches today, are nothing but slick performances tied together with ritual pomp, circumstance and pageantry. "COOL" Christianity, is another rampant idol, particularly in seeker churches. It is simply the dumbing down of the Gospel and the attempt of making Christianity, some trendy, (yet shallow) glamorous, “pop movement.”

There is also a large portion of “Christian Pollyanas” (a subtle form of muppie) in the church that have been brainwashed through the pressures of political correctness, into believing that being a Christian means “not having nor sharing a strong opinion.” A product of the “lukewarm,” “Laodicean” church, they look down upon anyone who has a strong opinion that they can’t understand or that they disagree with. Many of these are characterized by a self-righteous, false humility that RARELY opens it’s mouth to CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH, nor defends the helpless, nor is willing to risk it’s own reputation to do or say what is right. “Christian Pollyannaism,” is merely phony religion at best (a “FORM OF RIGHTEOUSNESS”). So many superficial, “Pollyanna Christians,” simply turn a blind eye to the gross inequities and mistreatments suffered by godly Christians and others, and blindly follow the status quo. They are immature Christians who have a completely false “concept” of what it truly means to be a Christian. They believe that Christianity is simply conforming to certain behaviors that most people will find “acceptable” and “respectable.” (This is not a call to Christian "activism," just obedience to God!) God is simply revealing the difference between man’s "religion" and a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus in Spirit and in truth. Many immature muppies seem to believe that Christians are supposed to be "konformists" that never "rock the boat," get involved in controversy, or stand up against the status quo when it means being obedient to Christ!

"That I may know Him...and the FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS..." (Phil. 3:10). There are times when every mature Christian is given the privilege of suffering for Christ and even being treated like a “scapegoat” for our beliefs, but how often do muppie Christians actually participate in the practice of persecuting other Christians because bold faith offends even them? This kind of muppie actually holds themselves to be superior to those "foolish Christians" who are willing to stand with Jesus, often at our own temporal peril.

Christians are not supposed to be angry or argumentative, however, we also need not be silent. Yes, we MUST turn the other cheek when we are assaulted but it does not mean that we cannot be expressive about moral, ethical and spiritual matters in the public forum. Bold faith is rarely silent. Some of God’s people come off fairly strong and that’s O.K.. The Apostle Paul certainly was not a wallflower!

Though I desire to be at peace with ALL people, my response to shallow CHURCHIANITY, is that I MUST SPEAK WHAT GOD HAS PUT ON MY HEART, I MUST BE OBEDIENT TO HIM. PEACE IS NOT POSSIBLE WITH ALL PEOPLE. NOT EVERYONE LOVED JESUS OR COULD FOLLOW HIM AND JESUS NEVER MADE “NICE NICE” WITH PHARISEES, HE TOLD THEM THE TRUTH! WE ARE ALL SUPPOSED TO SERVE GOD, FIRST AND FOREMOST! I HAVE ALREADY PAID A GREAT PRICE FOR PREACHING THE TRUTH THAT MOST OF THE CHURCH DOESN'T WANT TO HEAR AND I WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO UNTIL I STAND BEFORE HIM! I praise God that I AM A NOBODY! HOWEVER, I HAVE FOUND ALL THE WORTH I'LL EVER NEED IN JESUS CHRIST! IF WE ARE IN CHRIST, HE IS OUR COMPLETENESS- HE IS OUR WORTH!

We must call the church to repentance over it's many present failures and indulgences that keep His children in bondage. Most of the church is in as much bondage as were the Israelites under Pharaoh. The only difference is that much of the church has actually chosen to remain in its bondage. The affluence of "good times," has blinded most of the western church to it's own selfishness and decadence. Unfortunately, most of what calls itself the church IS NOT READY TO MEET HIM!

“AND AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, SO SHALL IT BE ALSO IN THE DAYS OF THE SON OF MAN (Rapture), THEY DID EAT, THEY DRANK, THEY MARRIED WIVES, THEY WERE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE, UNTIL THE DAY THAT NOAH ENTERED INTO THE ARK, AND THE FLOOD CAME, AND DESTROYED THEM ALL.”
(Luke 17:26,27)

Regardless of what some people are NOW preaching, Jesus is coming back SOON for His Bride, (the signs of the times proclaim it!) and even if He tarries, we are to LIVE IN THE BLESSED HOPE OF HIS IMMINENT COMING FOR US! DON'T BE LIKE ONE OF THE FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS, FOUND WITHOUT OIL IN THEIR LAMPS WHEN THE MASTER RETURNED, WHO WERE LEFT BEHIND! MARANATHA!

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