We are an Exceptional Bunch

Warning: You will not like this. I don’t like this. If it is false, ignore it. If it convicts, let’s do something about it.

What is wrong with the American church? Are we not an exceptional bunch? After all, in the American church, what the Bible says applies to everyone, except us.

In the American church, it is okay to store up for retirement, worrying about what we will eat and wear tomorrow.

In the American church, it is okay to take care of me and my own and let others – even the brethren – fend for themselves.

In the American church, it is okay to make our plans (e.g. career, standard of living, leisure activity) and expect God to bless them.

In the American church, it is okay to promote our programs more than our God.

In the American church, it is okay to turn a blind eye to the debilitating sin of our brothers and sisters.

In the American church, God is forever for us regardless of our concern for, or obedience to, His desires and expectations.

In the American church, we are not required to be disciples of Jesus Christ to enjoy the benefits of heaven.

In the American church, ministry is the responsibility of the hired hands, and an option for everyone else.

In the American church, it is okay to avoid danger – even when that means ignoring injustice.

In the American church, we are allowed to cover our light with a basket in secular, or otherwise uncomfortable, settings.

In the American church, we turn to our government to protect us, secure us, and empower us.

In the American church, we celebrate a nation that looks more like Babylon than does any other nation on earth; and we believe God will bless it.

In the American church, we blame Satan and the world for our low estate, seemingly ignorant of our responsibilities as disciple makers and agents of transformation.

In the American church, the systems and treasures of this world are preferred over those of God’s kingdom.

In the American church, individual rights are more important than submission to authority.

What is wrong with the American church? Simply put, we are an exceptionally deceived bunch. Our brothers and sisters in less exceptional conditions are concerned for us. From an Indian evangelist (via Open Doors):

“They (western churches) have managed to turned a dangerous God into a safe one…instead of a God that burns with fury against hypocrisy, idolatry and injustice, they have a God that turns a blind eye to all our faults, just keeps on loving us with a disinterested air, and seems not to care whether we stand out for him or not.”

God have mercy on us! Open our eyes to our true condition! Lead us to fear Your fury! Lead us to mourning! Lead us to true repentance!

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob

P.S. Most who read this far will likely assume that Satan is the primary source of our deception. That too is a deception. Our #1 enemy – our carnal mind – would have us blame the one who must flee at our resistance. In the meantime, hidden away, it rationalizes and excuses our ungodly behavior. We are our own worst enemy.

inLight Adventure – Sharing the Father’s Focus

To the beloved, whom I love in truth:  I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers; just as you walk in the truth.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  Romans 8:5

Let me ask you a few starter questions:

1. Does God care more about the United States of America than His Son’s Bride? Which do you think He thinks about most?
2. Why would God make something great again that has become the idol of His people? How will the average Christian respond if He does not?
3. Will Jesus Christ – the wisest of all disciple makers; and the builder of His church – make or build on a faulty foundation? What does a solid foundation look like?

I think we can all agree that, in these days, much is hanging in the balance. Something is very wrong; and most of us have a strong sense of urgency to fix it (whatever “it” is), before something really bad happens.

A Storm is Coming – Ignore the Dates

“Ignore the dates.” That’s what I should have said… from the very beginning.

I really don’t want to get into what drives men to box God into a date, or follow those that do. A friend of mine recently commented that God cannot trust us with such things; we tend to take too much credit when we guess it right.

What I need to do is apologize. I need to apologize to anyone that has been negatively affected by anything I have shared that suggested that I, or anyone else, had inside knowledge of God’s calendar. I am sorry.

I tried to keep this from happening. I really did. However, comments I have received since the passing of September 13th indicate that I failed. I am sorry if I have caused anyone any harm (e.g., distraction, doubt, discouragement). Please accept my apology.

Now, if I may, let me clarify where I am with all this storm business.

Storms of Many Forms

There are at least three kinds of storms that we should be aware of. First, there is the storm coming to America and the church that resides here. Chaos and lawlessness continue to increase. No one has a legitimate solution to offer. The fact that certain dates have come and gone should not affect our level of concern and preparedness.

Second, there is “the” storm that will come at the end of this age. I do not believe that the storm we are about to experience will be the Great Tribulation. However, the soon coming storm will certainly prepare us for the last great one.

Lastly, we should recognize that most have experienced, or will experience, storms in their life (e.g., loss of employment, house fire, death of a loved one). These storms are more focused – on individuals, families or fellowships. However, they are just as useful to God and His purposes in the earth. He works all things to our good. It helps – really helps – if we are prepared to make the most of His good in the storms.