The Motivational Feel Good Gospel

Dear reader, we live in an age when the truth is often obscured or mixed with error to deceive the unaware. This weeks entry will attempt to tackle some (but not near all) of the issues facing the Church today. Most of our points here will be in 'bullet' form so please be forgiving of the style. We suggest you read all of the scriptures quoted in context, so please at the very least read the chapter that they are from. If you don't have the time to read the whole entry, just look up the scriptures offered here and do your own study. Thanks for your time and we hope the Lord blesses you as you open your mind to the truth that is in Him.

We feel especially qualified in discussing many of the topics here because we fell for the WOF teachings, prosperity gospel, Norman Vincent Peale, power of positive thinking, 'blab it and grab it' type teachings etc etc etc... but the Lord has disciplined us and called us to a study of His Word and the 'scales' are beginning to fall from our spiritual eyes. We believers are all alike, that is, everyone who is called by His name needs to learn not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). As you read these points keep in mind we are talking about an inordinate focus; we are certainly not arguing against legitimate faith in the power, mercy and provision of God. Also be aware the lines between some of our points will overlap. Lets begin.

Many preachers in our churches sound more like motivational spruikers than ministers of the Gospel. It's seems their message is focused on:

• What God can do for you. How many times do we have to hear a sermon or teaching on how to get our prayers answered, how to be wealthy, how to be well, how to get something from God etc etc. We rarely hear what our obligations are and they are myriad but consider just this one small piece of scripture and look in His Word for others; Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect Romans 12:1-2. Do you think we can achieve this by treating God like he is some sort of vending machine in the sky?
• Being seeker-friendly & culturally relative. We have stated before that it is not completely 'evil' to be seeker-sensitive, but when that becomes the norm in the church, then we are at risk of losing our 'saltiness' (Matthew 5:13). In recent weeks we have seen reports of; nude church, pole-dancing for Jesus, multiple examples of worldly music used in church services (some from occult sources), prize give-aways for attending church and the list goes on and on but I hope our point is made. You see brothers and sisters, we are salt & light (Matthew 5:13-16 and we are not supposed to be like the world around us and it is especially disrespectful to the Lord if act in a worldy manner during church or church associated events ministries. What does God say: They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them 1 John 4:5. We are not of the world.
• Feelings/experience. It is a very sad indictment against this 'new' (its not so new, some of it has its roots in the ancient Gnostic teachings) movement that many are placing the realm of experience above scripture. Feelings or experiences are not of themselves something 'bad', but when the focus is on them, they are what people will follow/believe. Rather we are to be led by the Spirit and to let God's Word to be our guide. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit Galatians 5:25 & Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path Psalm 119:105. If you cannot 'feel' something, it does NOT mean God is not there and if you are only going to church once a week to get a 'recharge', you might need to examine yourself. We are approaching 'shaky ground' when we place experience above the Scriptures. This does not mean only our experience but also that of others; for example, when people write a book about having been to hell, do we then treat that like it is scripture or do we stand by what the Word says about the subject?
• Finances. What does the Bible have to say about wealth? People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction 1 Corinthians 6:9, & from the Master Himself; It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God Mark 10:25. We must be careful not to fall into idolatry with the consistent push of the 'prosperity doctrine/gospel'. We are not all going to be wealthy, no matter how much we 'demand' to be financially blessed.
• Being positive. Don't be fooled, this focus on being ever positive and never negative has crept into our culture in the last 50-60 years through positive thinking proponents/business motivators via New Age type teachings which have their roots in eastern mysticism. How much do you think of what the Old Testament Prophets had to say would now be considered "negative"? 95%?. Research for yourself the roots of this lie...start with the author Norman Vincent Peale. We used to be part of the leadership in a church where the pastor's sermons and lifestyle seemed to be focused more on this author than on the Holy Scriptures. It sounded good to us at the time but lead us astray for many (wasted) years. Some years earlier I had worked for an organisation who promoted this type of think and grow rich type philosophy and it didn't even occur to us (being very naive) that something was wrong when this attitude permeated our church.
• Positive affirmations. The continuous repetition of affirmations or prayers won't get you that new car, whether you can "smell that new interior" or not. Continuously proclaiming things about yourself do not necessarily make them so. In fact, we are warned not to partake in this "pagan babbling". And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words Matthew 6:7. Avoid this heresy. Simply let your needs be known to God through prayer and be mature enough to accept His response.
• The power within. We need to be careful when we are told to release the power within. Do not misunderstand this point; I mean when we are encouraged to reach into ourselves for the answers/solutions/power. What does the Word say about our hearts and this practise? The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 & But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves 2 Corinthians 4:7. Don't fall for it, it is a con.

• Focus on the self How often do you listen to your pastor/preacher/teacher and the focus is on themselves. I, me, me and God etc etc. Not only do they focus on themselves, they encourage the listener to do the same. He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves Psalm 66:7 & For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life Galatians 6:8. Pastors please point your flock to Jesus by your words and deeds. Be the servant of all. Like our saviour.
• Signs & wonders. Many false, many with no Biblical precedent, most untested; this tends to bring true miracles into disregard/disbelief/bad repute. Caution is suggested in this area since we do not want to disrespect the work of the Holy Spirit but we are warned to test the spirits to see whether they are from God; 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. So we must pray for discernment, learn to discriminate [not such a bad word as the social engineers of this age might have you believe] and make correct judgements (1 Corinthians 2:14 & John 7:25). We know many people who have been/are willing to accept almost anything that comes across the pulpit/TV/Podcast/Book without checking it against the Word and keep in mind our earlier statement about our qualifications in this area.

So often then, the message is anything but the weightier things of God and it is rarely the full counsel of the Holy Scriptures. So how does God's Word address this type of attitude, this inordinate focus on the items in the list above? Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians said "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready" (1 Corinthians 3:1,2). These then are very worldly or fleshly traits. Worse still, some might be operating under the influence of the enemy; The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons 1 Timothy 4:1.

If you are in a fellowship which focuses on the above items, and they are claiming to demonstrate the power of God, please understand you are more likely to be witnessing the works of the flesh rather than those of the Holy Spirit. Worse still, you might be witnessing demonic power. Don't take my word for it (Acts 17:10-11), check your Bible and compare it to what is happening in your church.

Do Not Mention Sin

Here's a 'novel' idea for believers to discuss; sin! We are hearing of more and more Pastors/Preachers who refuse to mention sin from their pulpits. Some of these head the biggest congregations in the World. Perhaps that's why. "We mustn't have the flock and seekers feeling uncomfortable"; even if it is for their eternal benefit. Anyway, moving on from 'fantasyland' and moving into reality, lets take a brief look at what God says. Since there are so many verses to choose from and this is only a blog entry and not a thesis, lets look at just a couple of aspects of this topic.

The word sin is mentioned several hundred times in the Bible in English. In its Hebrew and Greek original forms, over 500 times by my reckoning (check for yourself, for example in a Strongs Concordance: Hebrew: Strongs no:02403 "Chatta'ah" & no:02398 "chata'". Greek: no:266 "Harmatia" & no:264 "Harmatano"). Amazingly, when you include allusions to sin there are many more mentions of the topic in the Bible.

Here are just a few verses that mention our unmentionable word. Please take the time to read them in context, lets say at least the chapter they are taken from. They are not chosen completely at random but neither am I trying to show anything other than the fact that it is a common theme in the Bible and is mentioned by all the major characters within it.

• The Lord: And the Lord said, "The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave" Genesis 18:20
• John the Baptist: The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
• Jesus: Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” John 5:14
• Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin John 8:34
• Stephen: Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep Acts 7:60
• David (as quoted by Paul)“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.” Romans 4:7-8
• Paul: What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Romans 6:15
• James: Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin ^[p]is accomplished, it brings forth death James 1:15
• Peter: and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed 1 Peter 2:24
• John: but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin 1 John 1:7
• Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin 1 John 3:4-5

Did you notice that among the very small number of verses listed here, some could not be counted as 'negative'. Romans 4:7-8 is a good example. So why not preach on the topic? Here what we think, and we have decided to offer our thoughts in the form of our first poem.

It seems to me that so many preachers are preaching a message of grace & forgiveness without referring to the fallen state of people because they want to remain 'positive', seeker friendly & don't want to put the flock to flight. However, should we ignore the example Jesus has set?; These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come. Then He said again to them, "I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come." John 8:20-21.

Furthermore, we must not preach forgiveness without explaining what sin is and that everyone has sinned. If we preach forgiveness without this, what is the listener being forgiven for? By the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we offer salvation, but salvation from what? What do the Scriptures say? "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. Explain to them that they have sinned and they will be more able to understand clearly the offer of God's gift of salvation and the price Jesus paid.

I think we have stated our case despite the fact we could refer to so many more points within the Holy Scriptures but let's finish on this encouraging passage which just happens to mention that word. You know what it is don't you?

But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15: 54-56.

The Joy Of The Lord

There were three separate returns by the remanent of Israel from Babylon: the first lot was accompanied by Zerubbabel  (Ezra 2: 1-2); Ezra led the second group (Ezra 7:6-8) and a third group with Nehemiah (Neh 1:1 & 2:11). With each of these returns, different stages of rebuilding of Jerusalem occurs. First the alter of the Lord and the foundation of the temple is laid (Ezra 3) followed by the completion of the temple (Ezra 6: 14-15) and finally the walls and gates of Jerusalem (Neh 7:1). During the rebuilding period, the Israelites faced opposition, taunts, and threats from their enemies to discourage them. So, when all the work has been completed and the jobs assigned and the people are settled in the surrounding towns or in Jerusalem, all the people assembled as one to hear Ezra who was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses… as he had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel read the Book of the Law  (Ezra 7: 6,10 & Neh 8:1).

Ezra read the book from daybreak till noon (imagine if a pastor tried to pull that one off in a modern assembly...) to the people, who stood up to listen. Then Ezra praised the LORD and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground (Neh 8: 6). Next, the Levites read and explained from the Book of the Law giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read (Neh 8: 8) At this point, the people begin to weep and mourn, as they understood the words of the Law. Nehemiah (the governor), Ezra (the priest and scribe) and the Levites who were instructing the people, told the assembly not to mourn and weep but rather to go away and celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them and that the joy of the LORD was their strength (Neh 8:10,12).

We decided on this topic because we wanted to have some understanding of the often quoted verse the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh 8:10b). Now we strongly urge you to read Ezra chapter 7 and Nehemiah chapter 8 in their entirety. In fact, we should always at the least read the chapter of any verse that is quoted because we can gain a better understanding of the meaning by the context.

So what can we take from this? Perhaps in part we learn here that reading God's Word (and having its meaning properly explained) can lead to conviction and Godly sorrow. But because we serve a merciful God, the story does not end there. This conviction should lead to repentance, and following this repentance,  joy, and thus the joy of the Lord becomes our strength. What do you think?

Special note to all pastors/preachers/teachers: please preach and explain the Word of God to the flock which will allow them to experience the true joy of the Lord!