"And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" And they answered and said, "John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again." And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God." But He warned them and directed them not to tell this to anyone, saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day."
Good Morning beloved,
We welcome you to worship today in the name of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The longer I live the more I come to understand what a privilege it is to worship the Lord, and realize the profound impact He has had and continues to have on my life, it is an experience that nurtures my soul daily. I often find myself in moments of deep reflection, seeking solace and praying as our Lord prayed as He hung there on the cross, bearing the weight of humanity's sins, recognizing that people often act out of ignorance, ‘Father forgive them for they do not know what they do.’ As I was preparing for this message, there has been something else that has been laid on my heart, something I believe must be addressed.
Allow me to begin by saying the act of forgiving, can be difficult, but it is essential, necessary on the path towards healing and reconciliation, allowing us to see beyond our own hurt and recognize the humanity in others. Forgiveness is not about excusing or condoning harmful behavior. Rather, it is about acknowledging the hurt and pain we've experienced while consciously choosing to let go of the negative effects those actions have on us, opening ourselves up to inner peace and emotional freedom. Ultimately, forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, allowing us to move forward. And, in Matthew 6:12, Jesus teaches us to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." I believe indicating that forgiving others is not merely a noble act but a necessary component, intrinsically linked to receiving God's forgiveness ourselves, as seen in verses 14- 15, "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions," serving as a reminder that practicing forgiveness is a two-way street.
There's no doubt that we live in a world where reconciliation and forgiveness is desperately needed, it's obvious conflicts and misunderstandings are prevalent. Violent acts, including heinous crimes such as sexual molestation, murder and mass shootings have increased to levels that defy comprehension, with some areas reporting increases of over 30% in just the past several years. It's as though the human heart once simmering with hatred, resentment and anger, is literally erupting with uncontrollable rage, that if not brought under control will lead to irreversible damage, and society as we now know it is going to self-destruct. As I reflect upon my life, I cannot recall a time when I’ve ever seen so many people so angry over such a wide array of issues, which is fueled by an epidemic of extreme narcissism, where everyone has an opinion about everything and worthy of attention, therefore everybody is obligated to listen to them because they are the most important person in the universe, convinced everything is expected to revolve around them. If you doubt what I'm saying, just get on any social media platform where these digital arenas amplify this sense of self-importance and entitlement all clamoring for their moment in the spotlight.
And, Heaven forbid that somebody dares to offend them by expressing an opinion that disagrees with them, you have just given a bunch of spoiled children, each wanting your own way, a legitimate reason to be enraged, justifying their right to unleash a torrent of wrath. And because the church is ultimately a place where sinners collide, each wanting to have our own way, we are all guilty of crossing boundaries in the way we deal with those who have been hurt by our actions, fundamentally damaging the relationships that are essential to the ongoing life of a healthy church. Never is a person more like Satan than when he is consumed by pride, lashing out at those around him, since sin can and does obscure our perception, seeking to prioritize our own desires at any cost, we have tendency to shift the blame onto those who have been wronged, rather than to seek resolution considering other alternatives with grace and understanding to mend the fractures within our family of faith. I believe this accurately describes the much of church today, motivated by pleasing ourselves rather than God, sadly the church becomes a battleground for personal ambitions and self-interest. Sin will always seek to defend itself.
Consequently, we are never more like Christ than when we forgive, loving those who have wronged us, therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge that the primary mission of the church is to cultivate the spiritual growth and well-being of all its members and to proclaim the Gospel to the lost. This involves creating an atmosphere of collective worship and ultimately unity within the church, rather than catering to the personal preferences of a select few, failing to give others what they need at the time they need it, grace, mercy and compassion. James 4:17 teaches us, "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." I believe the greatest challenge in lies in how we choose to deal with those who cause the offense, by redirecting our focus away from self and personal comfort to a more God-centered approach in order to cultivate a spirit of unity. Isn't that what our Lord's teaching in John 13:34-35, is all about, loving one another sacrificially as He has loved us, so that all men will know that we are His disciples?
Harboring bitterness and resentment is not healthy, making every conversation an opportunity for defamation and slander, it imprisons people. Forgiveness, however, requires intentional effort and sometimes the cost comes at a premium, but is it necessary for the greater good of the family, it is the same in the Body of Christ, God's family, to which we all belong. Allow me to remind you that our suffering, regardless of how painful it may be for us personally, pales in comparison to what Christ endured for us. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:21, we are not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. At the end of the day, it's not about us; it is all about Christ, it's His Church, He is in charge, we’re there to be worshipping and exalting Him, not the other way around.
That said, I am appalled by the depraved practices that are occurring in the church today; it is utterly unconscionable that many pastors refuse to address these issues, sidestepping them, sweeping them under the proverbial rug, as if it doesn't exist because of their complexities. Frankly, I believe, that if it hasn't happened to them, many of them simply do not care or if it has happened to them, they want to pretend it didn't. In order for me to address them all effectively would quite possibly require more time and messages than God will allow me time remaining on this earth for, nor would it prove to be beneficial for the church, so if these very important matters are going to be addressed from the pulpit, it must be handled in a reasonable, yet I pray, an effective way.
Allow me to begin by unequivocally stating that all sin is a sin against God, and if we neglect this fundamental Truth, we have already succumbed, losing the battle against sin before we even begin. And, as many of you are already aware, I have frequently addressed the topic of sexual impurity; fornication, adultery, homosexuality, transgenderism numerous times, and while these issues, are critical and demand our attention, they are not the focus of this message. This message is different, and, as uncomfortable as it is for us all, despite its discomfort, I believe that it must be addressed. Today I want to talk about pedophilia. Pedophilia is a horrible sickness by which an adult is sexually attracted to a prepubescent child, committing heinous sexually abusive acts against them, violating their tiny, little undeveloped bodies before they even understand what sexual anatomy is, which as we know, includes our genitals and reproductive organs. Engaging in pedophilia, whether the physical act or the collection or distribution of material, is not only a sickness, it is a deviant, unnatural behavior, a criminal offense imposed upon children, punishable by law, it is a very horrendous sin against God.
We cannot afford to be deceived, continuing to fool ourselves that all people in the church belong to Christ when in fact, the evidence is more than obvious, that they do not. Tragically, that includes many who, week after week, stand in the pulpit, while committing heinous acts against children and God. Since it is a forgivable sin, we must confront them, we must expose them and we must remove them from their positions, and if necessary, cut them off entirely from the body of Christ, if there is to be any hope for their eternal soul. I want to state this very clearly, lest there be any confusion or misunderstanding, these people are not saved, they are not redeemed, nor are they children of God, destined for heaven. They are wretched, vile sinners on their way to Hell, destined for eternal torment and torture because their deviant sexual proclivities.
Make no mistake, pedophilia is running rampant in our culture today, our families, our schools and unless you been living under a rock, you are well aware that pedophilia is literally devastating the church, at an alarming rate. I do not believe we can allow ourselves to reach the point where we have become calloused, completely disconnected from the catastrophic long term effects that pedophilia has on an individual, insensitively shifting the blame and inadvertently, the responsibility to deal with this egregious sin onto those who it has been imposed and the long-term psychological and emotional damage it has on their lives. If we allow ourselves to do that, we are complicit to this crisis, and everybody associated had ought to examine themselves.
Quite frankly, if you are a pastor, who has been entrusted with the privilege of feeding and responsibility of protecting the flock of God, and the duties of a pastor, which involves not only teaching the congregation, administering baptisms and communion, training others for future ministry, but also diligently praying for them as well as pastoral care. Should anyone of you neglect the responsibility to compassionately, and personally care for those who are struggling with the impact this atrocity has on those suffering in silence, often leaving scars that persist throughout their entire lives, not only this atrocity but any other, I sincerely and strongly encourage you to re-evaluate the important undertaking of call to the pastorate, according to Scripture and not your own personal delusions. A pastor is no more or no less important than the people they serve.
I believe that in order to effectively care for and protect the flock, you must be aware of the state of your congregation, that includes considering their spiritual and physical needs and the challenges they face and be ready and willing to serve them and thereby serving God. Tragically, there seems to be a great deal of confusion about the pastor's role to serve the church and the congregation today, which unfortunately, often becomes just another unending list of ministerial duties and assignments. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus reminds us that He did not come to be served, but to serve. And, in John 13:15-16, He says " For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him." And in verse 17, He reminds us, "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them." Allow me to bring to your attention, before making these profound statements, Jesus humbled Himself, washing the disciples feet. John 13:14 says, "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." Christ gave His life for you and me, and yet, some of you imagine yourselves to be too important to reach out to someone whom you know is struggling? How dare some of you to think that the role of a pastor stops with a thirty minute message and a regular Bible study. James 1:22, reminds us as true believers about "deceiving ourselves," by becoming hearers of the Word but not doers.
According to Paul in his letter to the church at Galatia in chapter 6:2-3, we are told to "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself." And, in Ephesians 4, we are commanded to walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, doing it with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love."
How far are you willing to go for the good of the church, for your brother or sister in Christ, so that they will know their life is important you, those who will someday be your joy and crown? Are you willing to sacrificially love one another, bearing one another’s burdens, denying yourself and take up your cross? Or are you simply content to reap the benefits of those who freely give themselves, laboring for you? We're all tired, we're all weary and we all want our rest, our comfort, I assure you that will all come when we live again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to our conversion and justification, is the greatness of His resurrection power is at work in us who believe. I fear that some of you have not fully trusted in Christ alone, surrendered to His Lordship with your whole heart, you have compartmentalized your life, reserving certain areas for yourself, areas over which you still desire to be Lord.
In Proverbs 12, Solomon the son of David tells us that "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is senseless." He's a fool. Then, in Proverbs 17, we learn "A rebuke goes deeper into one who understands than a hundred blows into a fool." Listen, I do not thrive on confrontation, I don't enjoy going twelve rounds with those who continue to defend Satan's lies, but I do love you far too much simply to write you off and allow you to perish in your sin. Even though that would be much easier for me to do, however, that is not what ministry is. John Owen, the Puritan, reminds pastors, whether one is a brand new pastor, a seasoned shepherd, everything hinges upon faithful gospel-proclamation. Sadly, far too often, the pastor becomes so preoccupied with raising funds for the next church project, whether a renovation or a church plant, that preaching the Scripture and caring for the flock takes a back seat, studying the Word and praying for the needs of the congregation gets pushed aside amidst meetings, classes and other competing demands of ministry and we end up recycling a message from long ago, hoping no one will notice or worse, using AI programs to write much of the message for us. That's part of the deception of the enemy. To put it in terms that are easier to understand, the focus becomes on ones self, our busy schedule, our needs rather than those who our Lord has entrusted in our care that He so loves. We must understand and define the nature of the office of pastorate as clearly defined by our Lord in John 21, "Tend My lambs, shepherd My sheep, tend My sheep." This is our responsibility even when we're feeling overwhelmed and our lives have become more difficult than we’d ever imagined; we must feed the sheep that need feeding, shepherd by lovingly searching for the lambs who have strayed or lost, or tending to the needs of those who are hurt or wounded, desperately in need of a shepherd’s tender loving care, with kindness, gentleness, and humility with the tender grace of Christ. Just as He has loved you.
I’m not entirely convinced that everyone in ministry has recognized the need of dealing with the sexual chaos that exists in our modern day, although many make it a massive undertaking to confront the LGBTQ movement. I believe that there is something happening much closer to home that makes the challenge far more difficult, something that exposes the utter weakness of the church, something that has undercut biblical morality and has been increasing over the past several decades.
Assuming that there are some of you who are still sympathetic with the dire importance of the concerns that I'm addressing here, let’s not deny the facts of a very troubling reality, there has been a steady stream of men who have rendered themselves unfit, disqualifying themselves from ministry, due to their own sexual misconduct. Even more disturbing, these are not isolated cases but rather a recurring theme that has been documented across various denominations, affecting not only the individuals involved but also leaving a trail of collateral damage that extends to their families, congregants, often creating a sense of isolation from their spiritual family as they deal with the fallout that many experience; the loss of trust, leaving some to question their beliefs all together. Or far worse, accusing them of not living up to the biblical definition of being a "good Christian," and calling them divisive for not participating in the activities of the church that is tragically failing them.
I believe that it is our collective responsibility as the Body of Christ to confront and deal with these challenges, holding each other accountable, rather than simply ignoring issues and hiding behind Scripture to justify focusing on our own needs. If that's you my friend, you are a significant part of the problem. This misguided approach to ministry neglects the essential task of caring for those who are wounded and in need of spiritual care of a trusted shepherd. When we allow our pride, personal biases and feelings to overshadow the needs of any member of our family who is struggling with grief or hardship, ignoring their plight by quoting Scripture without compassion and empathy, we end up contradicting the very essence of our calling. Studies have shown that when congregational members feel unsupported, they are more likely to withdraw from church activities, which only exacerbates their suffering.
It really doesn't matter how long you've been a pastor, how many degrees you have hanging on your office wall or the number of post-nominal letters are after your name, you are not above being struck with the heavy handed blow of correction of the Lord Jesus Christ. By abandoning her real task to proclaim the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, thereby joining forces with Satan, the church has left humanity to its own devices, and as we can clearly see, that simply does not work. As a result, the church has become a laughingstock, with no moral credibility to speak of, no authority on which to stand to confront the sins of the culture. I understand that some of you will probably become outraged, but this is no laughing matter, it is a very serious issue and it's time that we as ambassadors of Christ take responsibility for our own actions. Does not 1 Peter 4:17, say, "For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 3:15, that the church of the living God is to be the pillar and support of the truth. May I just encourage you to set aside the other demands that may be weighing heavily on you and for focus your attention of those who are looking to you for their care, those whom you claim to love, before you have nothing left to look at but the wreckage? We have sinned and there's not going to be an easy fix, it has taken decades of oversight and neglect for us to reach this pathetic current state of collective failures, addressing them to restore the integrity of the office will surely demand more than just our careful attention going forward. However, we have to start by calling for the repentance and resignations of every pastor who has built their ministries on lies, deceptions and half-truths, which is a dereliction of duty. I believe that once we have dared to undermined the integrity of the Bible, comprising absolute Truth of God with human philosophy, essentially rendering the Holy Scripture a useless document, there can be no other place to start for such a gross breach of the pastorate. It is crucial to understand this is not an assault on any particular pastor or ministry, however, it is a direct assault on the spirit of our age. Personal accountability often induces a rather pathetic response from those who are spiritually impoverished, trapped in their sin. The answers to these satanic problems cannot be resolved within the minds of sinful men, it requires divine intervention.
Let's pray
Heavenly Father,
Father, we thank You for power and the clarity in which Your Word speaks to those who have ears to hear, let us hear it well and we earnestly pray that You would work mightily in the hearts of those who will fail to accept responsibility of their actions or in some cases, inaction. Father, we confess, the massive task You have set before us is beyond our human ability, we desperately need Your guidance, Your direction. We also know, that we can no longer afford to avoid the battle, we must gird up our loins and stand firm on the Rock, the Cornerstone of our faith and proclaim Your sacred Truths against the lies of the present age until our dying breath. Help us O' Lord to rise to the challenge, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. It is in His precious Name we ask and pray these things.
Amen.
Today's Message: To Whom Do You Really Belong?
Open our Bibles with me please and turn them to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses eighteen through twenty-two. Luke 9:18-22. I do realize that due to my long winded introduction, we are running significantly behind, but it's long past time for these very crucial matters to be addressed, if there is ever to be an end put to this religious indifference, it will require patience and perseverance, we need conviction. I am called to tend the lambs and feed the sheep, therefore, I refuse to pet the goats by catering to itching ears in order to appease anybody who doesn't truly love Christ, or His Word, the stakes are just too high. Genuine believers understand the importance the Truth, throughout history, the true church has always rejected heresy. While superficial false Christians will always defend false doctrine. Sin will always seek to defend itself.
Since I do want to at least get this message started, which will allow us to lay the groundwork, ensuring that we have a clear starting point and then, we'll pick up the rest next time. As always, I would like to encourage you to follow along with me as I read these verses to set the text in our minds, as we prepare our hearts for the Spirit of God is saying to each of us. Luke 9:18-22.
"And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" And they answered and said, "John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again." And He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God." But He warned them and directed them not to tell this to anyone, saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day."
Let's look at verse 18, "And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" For centuries, there have been countless numbers of people, scholars, theologians, believers and unbelievers alike, who have ventured to offer their opinion to the answer of this question, including some who may not fully comprehend the depth of the question, often sparking theological debates.
However, getting the answer to this question right, is not merely an academic exercise, it can have a monumental impact one's future, heaven or hell. An incorrect answer, an indifferent answer or no answer at all, will forever change your eternal destiny, underscoring the critical nature of this profound question. The answer to the question is not complicated, it's actually quite simple and straightforward, if you believe what the Bible says in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which provide a clear and unequivocal revelation of Jesus's identity, asserting His role as the Messiah and the Son of God, there's no way to escape knowing the true identity of Jesus and you will have eternal life.
However, if you dismiss or willfully reject what the Bible says, you're already hopelessly lost in your search for Who Jesus is. Like many today in the church, who have an erroneous or misguided perception of Who Jesus Christ is, believing He is far too loving and much too accepting of sin to ever punish anyone, tragically, they are spiritually blinded, and I'm sad to say, leaving them unprepared for the stark reality of the terrifying Judgment that awaits. Those who choose to over emphasize Jesus's compassion and grace while neglecting His teachings on repentance and accountability, will regrettably discover a very unsettling revelation, because it's repeated throughout the New Testament over and over again, including the testimony of Satan, who comes to tempt Jesus in the wilderness and says to Him, "If You are the Son of God ..."
The word "if" is the Greek conjunction "ei," frequently appearing in teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, often translated as "if" or "whether," primarily used to introduce a conditional statement for the sake of argument, viewed as factual. There's a great deal of confusion in the church about a number of things, even though the Scripture is clear. For example, in Genesis 1:27 it says, "And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." And marriage is described as being between one man and one woman. Yet, today, there still seems to be confusion regarding this issue, even though the church has always understood it, because of corrupt teachers who have manipulated the Truth. God's Word commands sexual purity and that you abstain from sexual immorality and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching. Those who continue to give themselves to the practice of habitual sin and assume they will take part in the Kingdom of God, are horribly deceived. Tragically, Hell will filled with people who have a wrong view of Who Jesus Christ is.
In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul writes, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." The term "arsenokoités" has been a subject of significant debate and controversy, translated homosexual, which has historically referred to a sodomite, anyone who engages in a specific type of sexual activity deemed immoral or unnatural, more specifically those involving same-gender partners, considered to be an abomination to God in Leviticus 18:22.
The problem is with modern interpretations using a much broader understanding of the word have placed the emphasis on the exploitative or non-consensual nature of the acts, rather than solely on the gender of the participants in the acts. This shift in perspective aims to foster a more inclusive attitude and accepting toward homosexuality and LGBTQ rights. However, in ancient texts, it was clearly understood the prohibitions against specific sexual practices, particularly those that were considered against the natural order of God's design of male and female. The term arsenokoités comes from the root words arsén, meaning male and the word koité, referring to a place of lying down; a marriage bed, highlighting the sacred union between husband and wife and warning against committing sexually immoral acts defiling the marriage bed.
Unrighteous is of course referring to a life of habitual wickedness, without Christ's righteousness we have no hope of meeting God's perfect standards, and all are in violation of His divine Law. We can never be righteous enough on our own. As Paul reminds us in Roman 3:10, "There is none righteous, not even one." The Gospels were written so that you might believe, any pastor that downplays the proclamation of Scripture in his ministry, is an attempt to destroy the Scriptures is a satanic enterprise. Everybody wants to believe that Jesus is something other than Who He says He is, that's the reason for everything I preach, so that you might hear the Truth and believe. It's not complicated, the Truth must be preached, even if they ban us from social media, even if they confiscate our pulpits, even if the arrest us in the streets, we will preach the Truth in prison. And, if they kill us, we will go to heaven
May it be so..
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
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