But You Did Not Learn Christ In This Way

       I remember meeting a man of God in his office after the Sunday Services in his Church. I, like many others that day needed a few minutes with him. I was there at the instruction of the LORD to deliver a message. As we were talking, one of his Church workers came in and gave him a note. His face lit up, and he was very excited. I saw that there were sets of numbers written. I thought the numbers represented those who gave their lives to Christ, because many came out during the Altar Call to give and rededicate their lives to the LORD Jesus Christ. No! Apparently, they represent the number of people in attendance at each of the three services with the corresponding money collections realised. 

       They were not concerned about the souls that came out hungry for God! I was saddened by their excitement. They were not excited about the souls that came into the Kingdom of God; rather, they were rejoicing about their egos, ranks and bank accounts swelling. This left a lasting impression on me. Thus, when I listen to people of Jehovah talk about the deep desire for an increase in their Churches, Ministries and groups, I often wonder! Sir, Ma, with all due respect, why do you desire an increase in the congregation you have been mandated to care for? Do you care about their souls or the money signs they represent? Where and from whom did we learn such things? 

       Many hide under the mandate given to the Church in Matthew 28:18-20, but actually turn the souls that come into their midst into statistics (Matthew 23:13, 15). When Jesus told His Disciples to go into the world and make disciples of the people, somehow, many in this present day people of God forgot the caveat: "Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:20a). We are to teach and demonstrate what we have seen, heard and handled of Jesus Christ: "Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin]" (Colossians 2:6, AMP). 

       The Disciples, now Apostles, themselves testified: "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20) and "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— ...that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1John 1:1, 3). Even Jesus testified: "Then Jesus replied, “I assure you: The Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does these things in the same way" (John 5:19, HCSB). If this be the case, from whom did we learn the things we presently do? 

       Our desire as people of God should be to please God in our daily living, which is actually our service to Him! Because of these many erroneous indices, many believe they are successful in Ministry. This, they sublimely believe grants them entrance into 'hallowed' chambers, and influence in corridors of wealth and power. This has been erroneously fueled by the notion of standing before kings, your gifts making a way for you, which these people have translated to mean the approval and acceptance of the people of high position in the world and its systems. For this reason, they seek the approval of the kings of the earth and the people. 

       This erroneous teaching is producing a generation that thinks their passage and time through here ends here and will be rewarded here. A generation that claims to serve the God of the Bible, yet has no desire to know Him as He wants to be known! For this reason and more, a generation is growing that will not notice when the devil is finally cast down from the heavens to rule on earth; unable to discern the Truth from something masquerading as truth! They will miss this, because they and their fathers and mentors have forgotten that their living and service is for the Audience of ONE AND NOT THE APPLAUSE OF THE WORLD! 

       Christ, throughout His Ministry on earth, kept referring to Himself as pleasing the Father. He did not come for the approval of men or the kings of men. In fact, He declared to His followers that if they must follow Him, the world would hate them. Today, we want to be loved and appreciated by the men of the world! Many people of God today, have forgotten that we are pilgrims in this world. We must not be like Elimelech, who journeyed to Moab because of famine, to live there for a while. Only for him to get there and decide to settle there (Ruth 1:1-2). 

       Finally, this world, its goods, is not our destination but a thoroughfare to our destination! Howbeit, what we do and how we live here grants us entrance to two realities; an everlasting life with Jesus Christ or an everlasting life in darkness, pain, sorrow and regret with the devil and his hosts. Again, Beloved, that which you believe and are doing, where did you learn it from? If it is not Jesus Christ, it is time to flee the doctrines and ways of evil, as we prepare for His coming. God bless you!