WAR ROOM
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WAR ROOM
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It's becoming increasingly clear that writing these posts are becoming an exercise in stepping out in faith, not that God will bless my efforts, but that there is a reason I have the perspective I do and that I have a way of communicating it. Misunderstanding is inevitable; assumptions are made on my part as I explain things; assumptions are made by the reader about me. But I preface this for the reason that as I engaged in a few conversations on social media regarding Charlottesville, that one post stood out to the point I felt led I couldn't not address it as it relates to pastors.
In this debate over the past 24 hours, people have come out and condemned the act and actions of violence. And rightly so and I'm there. People have called for the church and Christians to speak up and stop the insanity in their circles and communities at a more local level and I agree. But one sentiment I'm sure didn't sit well. In fact, my perspective probably made people think I was off in my faith or my politics or life in general. What I attempted to convey, as I've stated numerous times, is that Christianity and the church needs to speak the truth; wherever we can as we engage the world around us. But society keeps removing God from the picture and the conversation. Abortion? Nope... it's woman's rights, leave her alone. Marriage and sex? Who cares as long the love is real. Finances? The church just wants your money. One way to God? Yeah, right. The authority of Scripture? You mean the archaic book written by dead men? The church speaks and the world says, "whatever." Then tragedy strikes. And any statement that sways the slightest bit from anything other than 100% agreement or 100% agreement with a caveat is met with contempt, intolerance and name-calling... often the very thing they'd rather not hear, but have no problem stating. And it's followed with, where is the church and why aren't Christians speaking up, speaking out and teaching and preaching on these matters and how to handle them? If you don't believe me, then you missed what I read yesterday (and what prompted this focus). Essentially, it was the sentiment that if your pastor didn't set aside their summer sermon series and speak to the issue of racism and the tragedy in Charlottesville, that perhaps it's time for you to consider attending a new church. Shortly thereafter, was a post of how white leaders should not trust their instinct until they talk with leaders of color; that they will seek the counsel of leaders of color and listen to their counsel and will act on the counsel of those leaders. Write and repeat 100 times if necessary. Literally. My first reaction to these were simple. First, it proves my point that people want to be telling the church, Christians, and/or it's pastors what they should be speaking and when, even within the church itself. Secondly, what happened to seeking the counsel of the Holy? Let me be clear, I'm sure some communities are in a place and position where yesterday's sermon might needed to be abandoned in light of this tragedy. But enough to recommend changing churches because every church in the nation didn't follow that advice? Yes, there's a benefit to sitting with the leadership and pastors of other races and ethnic groups and speaking up against racism of all kinds from all groups, political and otherwise. But shouldn't such times like these draw the church and its' leadership first and foremost to the throne of God, in a broken and contrite heart for the evil of humanity and seeking the face of God as to how He would have us speak to both the congregation and the community? These are serious times, with serious problems, and whether they are caused by the millions or the hundreds, if we don't deal with them as we feel directed by God, through the leading of the Holy Spirit and the authority of God's Word... then trying to solve societies ills through the efforts of fallen people are futile. On this surreal #seniorPastorMonday, pray that pastors of all denominations, from every community would indeed, seek the face of God and FIRST. Pray for wisdom, especially for those in communities where the struggles and challenges of society may be more prevalent in their congregations. For all of societies ills and issues, may the church once again, as it seems I've stated for days and weeks on end now, remain committed to speaking the truth and in a spirit of love; even in light of being misunderstood or risking being on the "wrong side of history." Pray once again, that God would move on the hearts and minds of the hearers; that when pastors and Christians speak, the Holy Spirit would do the miraculous. May the "whatever" attitude cease, in order that lives may be truly transformed by the power of God... not for a religious ideology or political cause, but for the sake of eternity. For if any man seeks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously. God help us; To speak light in the darkness. Not for the sake of popularity or approval of men, But for the purpose of pointing people to Christ. For we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Daily. - PNC
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AuthorJust a man, attempting to fulfill God's plan. Husband, Dad, Dreamer. Blogger. Archives
February 2019
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