The recent downfall of yet another “mega” leader in Gateway Church, Oklahoma, is in the news a pastor charged with pedophilia (minor) inappropriate sexual contact. Unsurprisingly, in 1982 Harris was accused of molesting a 12 year old at a church in Texas from which he resigned his pastorate.1
That’s the issue with pedophilia, these predators may relocate but they will always reoffend. The only way a child rapist will stop is a genuine encounter with the Creator collapsing to his knees in genuine repentance.
WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?
False conversions, period. There are so many who profess Jesus that have never really died to self and been reborn in Him.
False teachers. Those who teach a feel good, syrupy message in strong contrast to the hellfire and repentance the Lord Jesus taught. The Gospel of Jesus Christ burns the conscience and causes sinners to squirm under conviction that they are hopeless sinners in need of a Savior.
False messages. In America many buildings doing business as churches teach lies, i.e. New Apostolic Reformation, Name It & Claim It Blab It and Grab It Prosperity, Emergent, Purpose Driven, Manifest Destiny, Contemplative, and on and on.
Proclaiming the Bible from Genesis to Revelation as written in authorized KJV or 1599 Geneva is rare. Messages about repentance and holy living are considered non-PC and passe. In the temples men build unto themselves, a more palatable message that strokes the sinner’s flesh and tickles the ears of lukewarm pew occupants is the fare of the day.
Johnathan Edward’s Sinner’s in the Hands of An Angry God would be rejected. Charles Spurgeon’s Turn or Burn would no longer fill a valley with men and women gathered to hear. Modern hearers are far too progressive and tolerant to abide the proclamation of the entire counsel of Christ’s Word. The eternal truth that hell fire awaits every soul that rejects Him is too caustic to the fallen ear and will not bring in the revenue.
A biblical gathering is small and the bishop knows their fellow believers grasping the responsibility of being an undershepherd entrusted by the Good Shepherd to feed, guide and counsel His flock. Making disciples and replicating more is the reason for small meetings to teach and instruct others to do likewise.
Gatherings are edifying to the saints and a stranger can walk in off the street to sit under the same instruction to the saving of their soul or depart back out the door. The world has movie theaters, operas, theme parks, and bowling alleys it is starving for salvation and overindulging entertainment.
WHO ADDS SOULS TO THE BODY OF CHRIST?
I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)
God the Father draws souls to God the Son in an amazing, awe-inspiring, nuclear warhead transformation that replaces a sinner’s granite heart with one of flesh sensitive to God.
The disciples and apostles gathered in their homes. Small gatherings in buildings where time was spent with Yeshua the Word studying to bring a message to gatherers. Hell was preached as was repentance, service, and outreach which all flow from redeemed, grateful souls who know they are called to serve their Master not impress a board of directors.
Conversely, the corporate 501(c)3 model, majority headed by Freemasons, is more like a theme park complete with smoke machines, kicking a bible as a football during halftime to draw crowds, rock songs Highway to Hell, etcetera.
THE SNARE OF PRIDE – MEGA NUMBERS GAME
“Woe unto you when all men speak well of you: for so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26).
There’s wisdom in the admonition, “Do not believe your own PR.” There was never supposed to be “mega” church where the perspective pastor ala Rick Warren goes door to door in a neighborhood inquiring what people want at church meeting.
SCANDALS
There has been Ravi Zakarias and others caught up in affairs that have caused them to leave the ministry. Others have been accused of spiritual abuse and controlling, manipulative behavior.
But is there any worse a betrayal than a pastor engaging in pedophilia against a church goer? What a violation!
The recent scandal involving Robert Morris who has been charged in Oklahoma with touching, viewing a minor in a sexual fashion brings a few thoughts to mind. Who knew? When? Was it overlooked, or minimized, so as not to upset cash flow? Did a board of directors issue a warning rather than report the crime to law enforcement?
Just a few questions.
Be sure your sin will find you out. (Nu 32:23)
Hidden sin whether pedophilia, DV, adultery, substance abuse will be revealed. Paul exhorts to “put on Christ and give no provision for the flesh” (Ro 13:14) … further he tells us to beat it (flesh/lusts) into submission and make it our slave. Indulging the flesh is destructive and sexual sins, as all sin, is rooted in pride. The ability of our deceitful hearts to justify is staggering. We are in a spiritual battle pressing from outside the body originating with the fallen realm, and an internal battle in which the spirit man obeys the commands of God, but the flesh screams for dominance and this war will be waged until death or glorification.
THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS
Then came there a certain Scribe, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whethersoever thou goest.
But Jesus said unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests, but the Son of man hath not whereon to rest his head. (Matthew 8:19-20)
A scribe, religious leader and lawyer, has an established job, home, community and valued that likewise we. Interestingly, Yeshua makes it clear that to follow him could mean leaving everything – home, family, career – picking up our cross and walking wherever he leads.
We have a disease that must be excised! Ministry “success” is not a stadium filled to the rafters raking in millions in tax free income. It floods me with righteous indignation. Jesus did not die for the churchianity portrayed to the world in America! He is returning for a Bride without spot, wrinkle or any such thing. That requires a separation from the world, a yearning toward holiness (not perfection as promoted by religion), a pressing onward despite whatever trials come.
JUDGMENT MUST FIRST BEGIN
For the time is come, that judgement must begin at the house of God. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them which obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarsely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (1 Pe 4:17-19)
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