The State of the Church

All around me I see and hear people who are called "pastor", "bishop", or "minister" speak from the pulpit of a church espousing the same words that a few years ago were what motivational speakers and psychologists said. Now it is the fodder of these religionists who claim to be men and women of God.

What ever happened to preaching the Word of God and using the Holy BIble as a reference?

What ever happened to calling sin what it is and declaring righteousness and righteous behavior/lifestyles instead of endorsing a permissive lifestyle?

If you listen to radio and television you will hear everything except what we heard a generation ago. The very same messages that Bro. Vince and I preached years ago are still true today....the message has not changed. Then why are these individuals who proclaim to be ministers of the Lord no longer (or not) preaching the Gospel?

Let me hear your thoughts.

Has the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed, or have we allowed a sin-filled world to change our proclaiming of the Gospel?

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rick Tallent on January 10, 2010 at 12:41am: With this final entry, I will close this topic as it has taken on a life of its own that was not intended.

First: The intent of this discussion was not and is still not to demean or belittle other "ministers".

Second: The intent of the discussion was (and remains) to draw attention to the growing trends of false and misleading teachings and the accompanying doctrines of demons.

Third: The continued discussion was for the express purpose of awakening us from our slumber and taking notice of how the "spiritual termites" continue to chew away at the truth, and yet despite the obvious, many of our fellow ministers continue to become infatuated with these pop-culture 'doctrines' and abandon the truth. Why? Because it is not popular to stand for what is truth among a crowd of liars.

Fourth: I am certain that some who have read (including some who have commented) feel that I am trying to be judgemental. I am NOT. I am only pointing out a problem and offering that the solution is STILL the TRUTH of the Bible, and that if we as "Watchmen" do not sound the trumpet, then we are no different than the false prophets.

If I have offended you, then I apologize and ask your forgiveness. If the Word of God has offended you, please take it up with the Author and Finisher of our Faith as I am not responsible for what The Book says. My responsibility ends with preaching the Word of God, rightly divided.

As I said, this is my final entry concerning "The State of the Church." I will remove the discussion completely in a few days so as to not be an offense.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kathleen Coleman Olazaran on January 15, 2010 at 8:04pm: I am blessed to be at a church that doesn't offer riches, but warns us of struggles ahead. They dont tell me that there will be no pain, but that God will be there to comfort me. I live in Houston Texas where one of the biggest churches are Lakewood with preacher Joey Olsteen, and although he has the softest spoken voice, he is primarily preaching manifest destiny except he uses God instead of focus. He preaches that if you have faith that something you desire will come to you then it will, and if you are without money, to have faith and it will come to you, as long as you focus on the positive. It scares me, because before I rekindled my relationship with God I saw a video called "The Secret" and it says that if you focus on your desires and replay the images that you will one day achieve those results through manifest destiny. You just cant tell GOD what you want and expect him to do it! It's GOD!!! We aren't supposed to do good and be charitable because we want something in return! It's out job to do right by God. We can't expect payment from God. You just can't bribe God with faith.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rick Tallent on January 16, 2010 at 1:40am: I'm glad someone else understands what I am trying to address.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kathleen Coleman Olazaran on January 16, 2010 at 2:45am: Thank you.... I though it was well written and easy to understand. Thank you for writing it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tommy C. Seay Sr. on January 17, 2010 at 10:17am: God bless you brother Rick,

It is obvious that many in today's churches are in a state of backsliding from God. They did not leave the church, they've only left the faith. Paul warned that this time would come, saying, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith (not from the church), giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron" (1 Tim 4:1-2). The Body of Christ will always be pure. "Every sin that a man doeth is without the body." (1 Cor 6:18). One of the great deceptions of Satan today is making religious people believe that they are in a relationship with God, when in reality they are on a none-stop flight bound for hell.

In order for revival to begin it must first start in the pulpit then out to the pews. Leadership must be revived before the children can be.

God bless; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larnette Salley on January 17, 2010 at 3:15pm: Bro Talent and to all. Greetings in the name of the Lord. I am excited to hear that there are some concerned about the state of the church. I thank God for eyes that see and ears that hear. I thank him for his faithfulness, and his Great Wisdom. The state of the church was a issue with him when he sent an angel to John on the Isle of Patmos. To address the church concerning its state. He revealed what was at work then and what is at work now. John said that I was in the spirit, thus the Lords message was sent in the spirit. I have heard the bible teachings for over 35 years now. Never have I heard the things that God is revealing now. The spirit is saying to those who are not bound by the deception to come and see. Many of us are beholding what is going on. But God wants us to know why. Not our explanation of why, but his explanation of why. He would that we understand what, who, and why. Just as Daniel who in the spirit was given the dream but did not understand the things that he was seeing. The things were shown to him in the spirit. God sent forth his angel to explain the meaning. I had the opportunity to do some traveling and during my travel I noted that the Lord was leading His people into much prayer, fasting, revivals, etc. Those I noted that were in the spirit were being prepared. I have spent years warring in the spirit, but in 2007 the enemy stepped up his attack. In late 2007, all of 2008, and all of 2009 I have lived a constant life of prayer, fasting, watching and clothing myself with the word of God. I was attacked in such a way that I had to move deeper into the spirit of God. Once I began to go deeper into the spirit, finding what I needed to continue to stand, God began to reveal things that I had never heard taught. He began to reveal the mysteries. I have learned what I am fighting, who I am fighting, in an up close and personal way. I have received help of the Lord, in such a personal way that I have been strengthened and encouraged to help as many as I can. It has been extreme battling day and night. But God is faithful. I have received much. The battle is not over, but I know I can abide faithful unto the end. I am endeavoring to obey the Lord and fulfill the commission he has given to me. My commission is to address the 'State of the Church. I hope to share in the future with the fellow laborers in Christ. Amen.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larnette Salley on January 18, 2010 at 8:31pm: Jezebel taught the church of Thyratira to commit fornication and to eat meat offered to idols so they would not have the power of God in their lives. The church of Pergamos also had people present in its congregation who were holding the Doctrine of Balaam who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before Israel. These people in the church,Christ testified were seducing the people of God to fornicate, sin, eat meat offered to idols and break the commandments of God. Just as Balaam knew that fornication and breaking the commandments of God would render the people of God powerless before their enemy and told BaIac how to defeat the Children of Israel. Men crept in the Church teaching the doctrines of devils, operating under the spirit of witchcraft, divination, and other abominations. Caused the people in the church to be in trouble with God. Jesus sent his angel to tell them that he knew what was going on and admonished those who had detoured from the path of righteousness to repent. God knows who, and God knows how. Many are beholding the work of Satan ( the dragon who gave his power to the beast) in the church. They have entered into the controversy about the State of the Church. But God has been over a thousand years aware of the move of Satan at this time. And his people clothed in white has the power of God to withstand being wept away with the tide. I thank God that I know the power in keeping the commandments of God. . " Power to live above sin, power to lay hands on the sick, power to cast out devils, power to bind up the broken hearted and let the oppressed go free, to break every yoke. God has given power to do what He has commissioned us to do. I have had witches to attack me on my job, in my home, across my computer screen. But God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power. Whatsoever I bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever is bound in heaven is bound on earth. I was sent a message by God one morning as I was being attacked and harrassed by the spirits of witchcraft. He said "I will make myself a name!" He said Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew me as GOD ALMIGHTY. He said "But Pharoah don't know who I am. Pharoah had surrounded himself by witches (sorcers, magicians) observers of time, diviners, He may have called them his wise men. He wanted to know "who is the Lord that I should obey him." The witches showed their power, but God showed them how it is done, He made himself a name. By signs and wonders. He has commissioned me to teach the word of God with signs and wonders following. The Lord of host is His name ( defined-He that does things in grand style). He said I will harden Pharoah's heart. Pharoah couldn't use common sense. For those who exalth themselves in the craft. God said I will make myself a name. The antiChrist will exalt himself in the craft (see Zacariah) Showing great power, working miracles. But God said he will be thrown into the Lake of Fire ALIVE. Give Glory to God. All glory belongs to Him who liveth forever and ever. For every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that HE IS LORD. Amen. Amen; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Frank Nelson on January 20, 2010 at 9:45am: "How great is His name..." and "Bless you in Jusus name!"...

The problem is, that's not the truth: Jesus is not, nor was it ever the name of the messiah.

There's only one name given unto salvation, according to Peter who was filled with the Holy Spirit when he said it in Acts 4:12. ONLY ONE NAME GIVEN - and that name was Yahshua, which means YAHWEH IS SALVATION.

'Jesus' is an inacurate Greek form and there's no salvation in it.

Just thought you might like to know what His true name is....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larnette Salley on January 21, 2010 at 9:05pm: I have accepted the terminology that I find in the KJV of the Bible. I find that the demons and spirits of witchcraft can't stand certain terminology. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, and praise and adoration to God Pulls down strong holds. God has sent me many angels to help me in this fight. He has made known His will to me. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess. I noted that you spelled His name Jusus. And another person recently sent me a message spelling his name Jusus. Error?
A word that God sent me today was. That He shall fight against them with the sword of His mouth.! Who shall withstand the Lord in the Day of His Wrath. God has declared I will make myself a name over mine enemies! Every knee shall bow, even them that crucified Him. Amen.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larnette Salley on February 7, 2010 at 2:42pm: Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus.
In this communication you wrote Bless you in "Jusus" name. Who is Jusus? I had a spirit of witchcraft speak the name of "Jusus" to me before I sent him to burn in HELL. Who is Jusus?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Larnette Salley on February 7, 2010 at 2:46pm: Greetings in the Name of the Lord,
In the above communication you said Bless you in "Jusus" name. Who is Jusus? I had a spirit of witchcraft speak the name Jusus to me before I sent him to burn in HELL. Who is Jusus?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Frank Nelson on January 22, 2010 at 5:06am: No, The messiah's names are NOT many according to scripture. He was given one name in Math. 1:21 and that name was originally Yahshua. He has many descriptions, such as Wonderful, Councelor, Prince of Peace, etc. but only one name - according to scripture.

The more people buck up against the truth of that name and what it means, the more they tell on themselves - that they are not of the truth or followers thereof. And if a nobody like me can see that, then what about our Creator and Savior? Do you really believe He'll give or has given His glory to another name, in direct contradiction of the scriptures He Himself moved men to write? Peter FILLED with the Holy Spirit said plainly that there is ONE name given unto salvation - not many - ONE, and that name was YAHSHUA, which means YAHWEH IS SALVATION. Now that's either the truth or it isn't.

The Creator said He would not give His glory to another name. Now that's either the truth or it isn't.

Now you all can try all you want to to justify yourselves, and verbally jump all over me and damn me to hell and whatnot; but you will not be able to stand before your creator and be able to truthfully state that nobody took the time to tell you the truth about His name. It's been told to you and it's verifiable information.

The ball is in your court. If you want to argue against the truth, that's on you, not me. All you're doing is telling on yourselves and showing what's really in you - and so far it ain't lookin very good....; ▶ Reply to This