Posted on 07/01/2015 1:18:54 PM PDT by Gamecock
I predict the catholics will be hit first then Southern Baptists.
Organized religion in America is BIG business. Yep it’s about BIG money, prestige, and prosperity. Who would want to listen to some humble street preacher preaching the gospel and thumping an old tattered Bible when we can turn on our TV anytime 24X7 and hear a rich and prosperous preacher, complete with Brooks Brothers/Armani suit, Gold Rolex, a private jet, and many theological degrees preaching how GOD wants us to be rich and prosper (like them) and how a small love donation to their ministry will bring us abundant blessings or a Mercedes Benz.
No it’s the image and name that drives us. We look away as the poor nameless preacher struggles to preach to us and be heard over the crowd. He may look like he just got out of jail or is fixing to go there. That’s not the level of fellowship we expect. He doesn’t have the image of the rich and prosperous TV preachers who lead their congregations to achieve worldly goals and sell them unsound doctrines from the solid oak pulpits of their earthly cathedrals.
I don’t believe Jesus taught we have to be rich and prosperous to enter the kingdom. In fact, I believe he taught just the opposite. His reference to the rich man, the eye of the needle, and the camel comes to mind. Rich or poor, they ain’t taking it with them. And besides, it’s only theirs to keep for a short while.
I would not be surprised if Jesus will say something to the prosperity preachers like: “Depart from me, for I knew you not” and they will respond: “But we preached in your name”. But to the humble street preacher he might say: “Well done, faithful servant”.
They all labor in the Masters vineyard, but we are to know them by their fruits. If you are lukewarm, then it’s going to be much harder to separate them, but then isn’t that what Jesus is going to do when he comes again?
In the meantime, all preachers (not just the few) should be teaching their congregations sound biblical doctrine, teaching what GOD has said about abortion, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and other abominations. These are the core topics that need to be taught in today’s world. If we want the other, let us seek the wisdom of Dale Carnegie, not the likes of a few Reverend Ikes. People want to hear GOD’s word. Feed them, not fleece them.
We know there is to be a falling away of the church in the latter days. Do not let yourself be deceived by worldly opinion and become desensitized to GOD’s law. No matter what you think, GOD is sovereign and will not be mocked. Flee from those churches and preachers who do not preach the truth.
Pimpin’ the Bible, is the reason. No biggie, until Dad comes home.
If you are ashamed of me before man then I will be ashamed of you before the Father.
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