By: Randall E. Pickens, Sr.
In a recent time of prayer, I asked God, “why has the church universal lost its place in the life of so many professed Christians?” The answer came quickly and frankly startled me! It’s as if God was waiting for me to ask and was ever so quick to answer! The answer was equally shocking. He said, “they want me to serve in their house but they don’t want to be servants in mine”! I knew in my heart exactly what He meant.
If you listen to the conversations and especially the prayer request you will see a definite pattern. You begin to see that God is being treated like a servant. We petition Him to meet our every whim. I call it the “give me Jimmy’s” syndrome. The emphasis is on what God can do for them not what can I do to promote His kingdom. It’s all about “THEM” and not “HIM”. And then, there is that wondering soul who comes to the church to get funds for food, fuel or lodging but they can’t stay to hear the word taught or a sermon preached, they must be on their way to meet a fabricated deadline of some sort. But of course they know “YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE CHARITABLE“, how could you dare not be like Christ, a servant?
Then there are those who would have you pray for them to find a new or better job but then because it requires them to work on the sabbath, they can’t attend church. Or, I need transportation but instead of settling for a car that meets the basic needs and fits the budget they must have all the bells and whistles which then depletes their income so that they can’t tithe or be charitable. Now, they need to work overtime to pay for it and all those other things that they just must have. Then of course, we must have that new home with all the amenities and then all the paraphernalia required to maintain it. So, now they are so stressed and over worked that they can’t sleep or their health starts failing and of course God must heal them so they can serve the kingdom that owns them!
Now, if you have stayed with me this long then I am encouraged because there is hope for you! However, I know by now some have already become offended and are now “searching the internet” for the feel good message that promises for $25.99 that they will share with you; “10 steps how to get more out of your relationship with God!” Through faith of course and the $25.99 gift contribution!
I am so glad that God’s truth is really FREE.
I am sure I am not the only person that has noticed a lack of commitment and servitude from the congregants of the modern-day church. I must say, I don’t hear much being said about it in the pulpit nowadays. I suppose they are fearful of offending people. Unfortunately, those who are offended are those who really need to hear the truth but instead they get more of the same. What they need to hear is the real truth of salvation from sin and the results of sin. Many pastors and sermons would pass for a “motivational” speaker or “get rich scheme”, if you will just purchase my book or CD you can know the truth! Well, they are truthful about getting rich but it is they who get rich not you!
Statistics show that church attendance has fallen off from our parent’s days to present. In fact, there seems to be a trend in the religious communities to try entertainments and attractions that will draw the younger generations to the church. If you don’t have flashing lights, sound boards and low hanging cloud cover then you are old fashioned. I listen to lyrics and notice some songs don’t even mention the name of Jesus and certainly nothing about his sacrifice for their sins. Some would even pass for a secular love song or Rock & Roll hype.
I mean, does the average Christian even acknowledge they are hopelessly bound by sin without the redemption of the blood of Jesus Christ. Have they ever asked the question; what must I do to be saved? Do they care that they have totally and completely blown off a relationship with the awesome creator of the universe? Do they know that this day their lives could be demanded of them? Then what will you offer in exchange for our soul?
Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mar 8:35-38 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
God wants you to receive His son Jesus; The ultimate sacrifice for your sin. The remedy for the unrighteous nature of man and a promise of an eternal disposition in his Kingdom that He has built for you! But He will not be your Butler! He is not your Sugar Daddy! He is your God! We must worship him in Spirit and Truth! He is our Lord; we must submit to Him and serve Him! We must acknowledge him in all our ways! We must deny ourselves and follow Him!
I would like to recommend an article I wrote some years ago named:
If you’ve come this far, won’t you spend just a few more minutes and hear what a life in Christ really implies! If you need further assistance, please send me a email at sofmblog@gmail.com. We really want to hear from you! IT’S FREE to you but it cost HIM His life… selah
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