America's "Pastors"

1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Aren't we clever? We can make up little skits and prepare nice, helpful messages and bring thousands into the church building. Because we're bringing thousands into the church building, how many of those are true converts? How many are added to THE Church? How many are walking in truth and holiness? We may have several thousand on our roll, but how many are listed in the Lamb's Book of Life? I guess it's not for us to know here and now. I do know that the Lord adds to THE Church...not man. Man just packs the building.

I've seen and heard a lot of America's Pastors lately saying things that are completely un-Biblical. They are redefining “spiritual” or theological words; claiming other ways to salvation apart from Christ alone and even making statements that God is completely happy with who you are and how you live (this last statement made to a crowd of non-believers). I don't argue that men like Rick Warren and Joel Osteen (the two I've seen most) aren't highly energetic, persuasive people. I don't argue that they are not talented people. I wouldn't even argue that they haven't helped thousands of people find better lives for themselves. But to market themselves as preachers of the gospel? This is heresy! Motivational speakers? Certainly! Self-help teachers? Sure. Humanistic teachers? Absolutely. They are teaching humanism in the highest form.

As they continue to water down the gospel, saying that you can simply add a Jesus to your life that's completely satisfied with who you are in your current state of sin and that he wants to reward you with prosperity, they are changing the face and heart of Christianity for the world to see. It's obvious why we are being mourned for by churches in persecuted countries. They are redefining words like sin (now it's like a candy coated cereal treat; not really good for you, but completely acceptable), holiness, sanctification and on and on. Those who only drink from this well will continue to thirst.

As the above passage states, when we bring our wisdom to the table, it is true foolishness. When our marketing geniuses develop a ploy to pack the seats, it's utter nonsense to the One who sacrificed Himself for our sins. How does Jesus feel when we change His message...His story. When we feel we need to massage the gospel so that it's not as offensive? This is the most cherished, loving and merciful message ever! God has given us the recipe to change lives. He has given us the words to speak. We have the power of God. So why do we come up with catchy themes, shocking language and giveaways (seriously, I saw where a church was giving away two 52” flat screen TV's just for showing up for church; another church up here gave away a pick-up truck last year). I'm convinced that it's not our jobs to get people into our buildings by any means necessary. I believe it's our job to preach the true gospel of Jesus Christ and let the Holy Spirit motivate to change lives. Let the Lord add to THE Church. As for these hirlings, they have made and continue to make a mockery of the church and the sacrifice that Jesus made.