From My Perspective - - -

There are different times and issues that require more than – “we’ll pray about it” – or – “we’re working behind the scenes” – or – “we have contact with those on the inside…” Some of that may be true but these are statements and indications by some who are involved in mega-churches in the country. These type comments make it seem like a choice has been made, namely, to remain silent. Are they making the correct choice? Some of those responses sound pious and “Christian”, but are they actually more politically correct than not? Have they allowed themselves to be convinced that “we don’t have a dog in this fight”? Are the mega-churches allowing themselves to be “used” (or abused) by politicians for political purposes and ends? Has the Church allowed itself to be gullible rather than standing on principle and being defenders of the faith? It appears they have preferred the former rather than the latter.

Some of the Headline stories in the Christian Post indicate how churches are involved in secular happenings. (1) NYC Churches Shut Out of Public Schools Starting Sunday By Nicola Menzie – “Although the New York State Senate has passed an amendment that would reverse the New York City Board of Education and Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to evict nearly 70 churches from the public school spaces they have been renting, the deadline for departure remains this Sunday, Feb. 12.”  In a story brought to the forefront by the Roman Catholic Church – (2) White House Defends Contraceptive 'Compromise' Amid Uproar By Napp Nazworth – “White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew appeared on four separate talk shows Sunday and said that the change to the birth control mandate offered by President Barack Obama on Friday should put the issue to rest. Republicans Rick Santorum and Paul Ryan, however, criticized Obama's proposal as not a genuine compromise.” (3) Michelle Obama Visits Fla. Mega-church; Urges Religious Groups to Fight ObesityBy Anugrah Kumar – “First lady Michelle Obama Saturday visited the Florida mega-church where one of President Obama's spiritual advisers is the pastor. She encouraged faith-based groups to join her campaign against obesity, saying your bodies are temples given to you by God." And (4) NJ Mega-church to Sing Adele, Bruno Mars, Cee-Lo Songs By Brittany Smith – “Liquid Church, one of New Jersey's fastest growing mega-churches, will be singing Grammy-nominated pop music during the months of February and March at its Sunday morning church services”! Are these the things that the Church of any description should be doing?

One wonders whether or not Jesus Christ – the Head of the Church – as He views The Church – of which He said: “the gates of hell shall not prevail upon it” – would be pleased or displeased with what the church stance is today? Has the culture been allowed to impact the church or has the church allowed itself to be come so impotent that it can no longer impact the culture or world today? If we inserted churches of today into Revelation 2 and 3, what would Jesus Christ say about these groups and their choices? Would it be Revelation 2:4-5, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lamp-stand from its place, unless you repent.”? Or will it be Revelation 3:8, 10-11 – “I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name…Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”

The problem and condemnation are stated plainly in Revelation 3:15-16, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot…So, because you are lukewarm…I will spit you out of my mouth.” Don’t let Jesus Christ find you as one who is tasteless so that you become a pool of expectorant at His feet. Embrace and do the words of Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Consider these things with me!