Posted by
flagwaver on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 12:46:33 AM
To most Christians Matthew 7:15-20 conjures up images of people like Jim Jones, Syung Yung Moon, Joseph Smith, or David Koresh; wildeyed prophets, mystics, and poseurs claiming to be the Christ. And this type of charismatic leader that willingly leads people to destruction, both spiritual and physical, is to be considered a threat. But there are other, more subtle threats to the Body of Christ that we let into our lives and never think twice about them, but they are just as destructive as the aforementioned charismatic deceivers. They are the feel good, inspirational preachers that have come into vogue in recent years.
I am talking about people that have huge mega-churches, claim to be pastors for 5000 member congregations, and only tell people that God is going to give them something. You all know the type, and most of you have probably felt the same twinges of disgust and dismay that I have as you hear them speak. They are the ones that never alert their flocks that sin actually exists, or that man is fallen and in need of redemption. They are loathe to tell their flocks that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23) or that not everyone that cries "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom of God (Matt. 6:32).
No, these preachers are more concerned with singing some Pollyanna song that in Christ all is sweetness and light. They are preaching the message that everyone is supposed to be rich, and if you're not then there is something wrong with your walk with God. They have turned God into a heavenly ATM...just walk up, say the magic words, and God will make all your dreams come true! Need a job...call on Jesus! Need a new car...call on the Lord! Need a mate...just dial up God's dating/marriage service! No waiting, no lines, operators standing by!
They refuse to tell their flocks the truth, which is that walking with God is a hard road. Don't believe me, then go read Matthew 10: 34-38 and see what Jesus had to say on the matter! We are going to be persecuted, hated, reviled, and despised by this world because we have put on Christ; life does not get easier for the Christian...the reward just gets sweeter!
But too many preachers nowadays will not say this to their flocks. I suppose they are afraid that they will lose members, and in so doing lose some prestige...and maybe even a few dollars. Too many mega-church preachers glory in the riches of the world so much that they have lost sight of the Gospel they are supposed to be preaching. They enjoy jetting around the country, living the high life, writing books, selling tapes, and basically living the lives of successful businessmen. Now, don't ge me wrong here; I have no problem with a person that makes money doing what they are good at. I do have problems with those that are making a profit on the Word of God!
Bear with me here, because I am about to start stepping on some toes. And I am sure that I am going to mention some people that many of you like, respect, and probably have bought some of their merchandise.
I am tallking about people like Bishop T.D. Jakes. Now, I cannot say that he is not a man of God; as a matter of fact I believe that he is a gifted preacher. But when was the last time that Bishop Jakes did anything for free? Bishop Jakes always has some inspirational message, "Woman Thou Art Loosed" or some such, and he is always willing to share it...for a small fee. Maybe it's just me, but I have yet to read the passage in the Bible where the Lord tells his prophets to give this word to the people...for a small fee! If you have a truly inspired word from God that is going to benefit the Body of Christ you have a duty to SHARE it, not charge your brothers and sisters to hear it!
And I am talking about my least favorite, Mr. Pollyanna himself: Joel Osteen! This character, as far as I can tell rarely even mentions Jesus when he gives his inspirational messages. I say inspirational messages because I have never heard him preach the Gospel to anyone. I have heard him talk about how God is going to make you rich, how you should always smile in the face of problems, and how you should have a positive outlook on life. Maybe, maybe this is true, but what does that have to do with the Gospel?
This is a man that just last year could not say that non-believers would not go to heaven! He was so interested in being P.C. and nonthreatening to the world that he denied the very words of God! John 14:6 says quite simply, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me." Now take a look at what Osteen said to Larry King at this site: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0506/20/lkl.01.html.
Any man that would deny the truth of Christ cannot be trusted to lead a church full of impresionable people!
I do not mean to just rag on these gentlemen, because there are more out there just like them. They just happen to be the biggest names in the game right now. And that is the whole problem; preaching the Gospel has become more of a hustle to these people than a calling. And that is why I chose to write this particular entry at this particular time...someone had to call this spade a spade.
Folks, the Gospel of Jesus is very simple and can be neatly summed up thusly: Jesus was born of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit, was crucified on a tree to redeem men from sin, He took the power away from Death, Hell, and the Grave, He rose after 3 days, He ministered to his flock for 40 days, He ascended into Heaven, and He is coming back. Simple, succinct, and powerful.
So the next time you find yourselves listening to Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, or Ken Copeland, listen to see if the Gospel is being preached. If it is not, I suggest you turn off the tv, open your Bibles, and reacquaint yourself with the Gospel.
That is the best way to combat and avoid the influence of these ravening wolves.