The law has been fulfilled in the character of Christ, knowing this character is the secret to a joy filled life. If Christ ever attacked anyone it was the lawmakers not the lawbreakers. Today the Church wastes a lot of time on extra Biblical issues; time that could be used in more edifying ways.

These issues include:

Smoking

Drinking alcohol

Music

Movies

Television

Anything apart from moderation is sinful including these things, but to declare these things in moderation sinful is adding to God’s word. Here is a verse, which is constantly quoted out of context.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1st Corinthians 6:19

This in the proper context speaks of sexual immorality and yet is so often wrongfully applied to other issues.

The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Romans 14:3

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. Romans 14:13

It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. Romans 14:21

In consideration of verse 13 I would say it is wrong to do these things in front of people who really believe they are wrong, but if no one is caused to stumble when and where you do these activities then you should not be condemned for them.

In the following pages I will present more of these arguments against most of the modern day Church.

Let all who desire fellowship and learning have the ability to do so without buying a book or listening to a commercial. I am one pastor who only desires your listening ear, your loving heart, and your desire which we both share to know our Heavenly Father better. This is the way it was when the Apostles sat and shared with each other not one man speaking, but the whole body of Christ conversing as one. The world has changed most of the church into a formal ceremonial type of gathering. We come, we sit, we pray, we listen to the worship band, we hear the sermon, we pray, and we leave until next Sunday or Wednesday etc. I long for the passion that once lived in our churches. We should not be afraid to confess our sins to each other, our pastors should not be afraid to admit they are human. I see discouraged Christians everywhere who feel less then adequate when the truth is all of us are inadequate and need His amazing grace on a daily basis. All have fallen short of the glory of God. Think of me as a child crossing a busy street my father tightly holds my hand leaving me no choice, but to stay by His side in the safety of His presents in the shadow of His love. You are so precious to Him, so fragile, and your hand is in His not His in yours, it is His strength that holds you keeping you from the many dangers you do not even realize surround you each day. I am privileged to be a messenger of this glorious love and a spoon in the hand of God to feed the hungry souls.

A pastor once took offense to something I said questioning if I could speak on God’s behalf. Are you claiming that you are not speaking for Him? If you do not speak for Him I would not want to sit in your church. I only attend God's church where He speaks. Any one who does not see the churches lack of fruit in this country is blind to the fact. This debate took place on an internet forum. I can only speak for what I see and so far on this internet forum I learned that one pastor spends a lot of time getting paid to argue with people. If you defend yourself God will let you, if you do not defend yourself God will. I am not out to make friends as you obviously have seen I only desire to speak the truth. If the truth causes people to angrily defend themselves I have accomplished something good. The truth is we do not go to church, church comes to us. We cannot reach God, but God reaches us and this is the difference between religion and relationship. We have recreated the temple, which God destroyed by introducing extra Biblical traditions into our so-called churches. We have made God out of reach to the average person we teach that God's grace is not efficient. We divide over non-essential issue. Faith in Christ alone is sufficient. Faith alone can change a person; even a little faith (like a mustard seed) can move mountains. Sin is the absents of God, as dark is the absents of light. We do not sin because He wills us to sin; we sin because He allows us to sin. God did not create sin; sin is where God chooses to be absent. In a Christian’s life sin cannot be eliminated, only forgiven. Temptation becomes an opportunity to exercise and strengthen our resistance. Sin is a black background for which God's bright light shines. If God willed for us to exist without sin the HE would have made it so, but God made a choice to extend mankind’s existence beyond the fall!

Is it wrong to give up trying to change yourself? It seems like I am constantly doing things I don't want to do and the things I want to do I cannot accomplish. Our minds are so little compared to God's. We see things through the paradigm of a human perspective. God knows what every man on the planet is thinking at this very moment and the number of hairs on their head. We are very predictable to God like a small child. When God wants us to make a certain choice He preordains events surrounding us to manipulate that specific choice out of us. Paul the Apostle was given a choice to stay blind or go see Ananias, see my point. We cannot predict the circumstances that surround our lives that may push us on to the right path. God says all things work together for good in the life of a believer, and this shows the true fact that God is working around us within circumstances in our lives. God changes our will He changes our desires this is part of the new nature, which was dead, and now God has brought it to life. God says we were spiritually dead before our conversions how can a dead man have a choice. Like I said all of us deserve hell, but God has had mercy on some of us and adopted us into His family. I am not sure exactly what His reason is for choosing us, but I know I have been chosen. I do not judge people as to who is saved and who is not for I cannot predict the future of that person’s life or what God may do. This is not something I made up Romans chapter 9 states this very clear "for Jacob I have loved and Esau I have hated" God is love, but God hates sin and those who are consumed by sin have been punished in the past for it. Without adoption by Christ this condemnation will fall upon those individuals who are not God's children. For there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1. Please understand this is what the Bible says so all this is based on weather you believe the Bible or not. If you believe scripture then you will believe that hell is a place where the worm never dies and the fire is never quenched, where there is eternal darkness and gnashing of teeth, and where there is total separation from God for all eternity. People’s opinions on hell vary, but the Bible's written fact concerning hell does not vary. I know it is inconvenient to accept the existence of hell, but the word of God says it I believe it that settles it.

* Warning the following may be convicting and cause you to look at your church under a whole new light. Please understand that the following thesis refers to most churches and is not a stereotype all.

Proceeding Prayer

I give you my heart with all it’s pain I give you the future of uncertainty that lies ahead I lay all of which I lack upon the promise of your word. All I desire is you all I ask is that you keep opening my eyes and raising my head to your romantic, marvelous works in my life. I surrender my life to your fatherly love, to the peace of your touch, to the joy of your will. Though others may criticize my life I desire only to hear your voice, I desire only serve you. Others chase their dreams, their desires, their goals, but my glory is in your will my Father. I wish I could be in Heaven even now, I wish you would take me, that I would be caught up into the air, into your arms, and shed this body of sin, which so often hinders my vision of you. Sometimes the people who surround my life do not understand the love we share. At times when I lose sight of you I feel so horribly alone. Like a young child who loses sight of his mother I hunger in my soul to be rocked in your arms and spiritually fed. I know you have great plans for my life so I will wait patiently for that day to come. I have a vision of the day when my purpose for living in this awful world is made clear to me. Today I feel like I have a message and no bodies listening to me, I feel like I am not making the difference in this world which I long to make. Like a child who desires his father’s prize, I will earn my crowns and when they are presented to me I will lay them back down at your feet. Today I fight to defend your honor; today I will reveal any lack of reverence for you. When the actions of a Church mock your holiness I will burn with a righteous anger and defend your name. I believe in bringing honor to your name. Make me a light to reveal those who dishonor your name. This is my desire.

The 4 Pillars of the 21^st century Reformation:

                                                 Jesus:

                                                 - Never took an offering or saved a lot of money

                                                 - Asked people to follow Him, but never gave an alter call

                                                 - Took church into society, He never hid church inside building

                                                 - The son of God and the Apostles had jobs and even paid taxes

1. Once again we have turned our Fathers house into a den of thieves. Today we sell Christian books, music, retreats, seminars and many others items. Christian concerts were once free, now they cost as much as secular concerts. If Jesus was here in the flesh, He once again would run thru our temples screaming you have turned my Fathers house into a den of thieves.

2. We have already rebuilt the temple in the corporate Church structure that Jesus destroyed. 200 years after Jesus arose the Church was placed into rebuilt temples that come in the form of our modern church buildings. The lesson against this was taught to the women at the well. John:4:20-24 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Matthew:5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3. Mathew 8:20 Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens, and birds have nests. But the Son of Man doesn't have a place to call his own." Homeless are not allowed to sleep in these church buildings, instead just like in the time of Christ are made to sleep out in the cold. Proverb:14:31: “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor”. I do not believe Jesus would deprive any of the homeless a night’s sleep inside His true Church, but the Pharisees would and do.

4. We have embraced the law of tithing and ignored the rest of the Levitical laws. The Bible says give cheerfully or do not give at all, but churches pressure people to give by putting guilt trips on them or fear tactics. The New Testament does not have much to say about tithing or the other laws in the book of Leviticus, nor does it place people under these laws. Neither Jesus nor the Apostles are ever shown regularly taking an offerings. The closest situation was in the book of Acts when the people voluntarily put there money together.

5. The Apostles and Jesus had trades, yet pastors would rather pressure people to tithe then get a job on the side if necessary. True the Bible say’s “do not muzzle the ox” the apostles were not given tithes in money alone. The Apostles were mostly given hospitalities like food, shelter and other needs. Did Jesus carry a bank account? How much money were the Apostles instructed to bring along on their mission? If society knew what many mega church pastor's salaries were they would be shocked. Many pastors do not share what their salaries are for a reason, think about it. Why do they keep their salaries a secret? Do not the people in the church have a right to know how their tithes are spent?

6. What is the Bible's definition of a good wife in Proverbs 31 and other scriptures? She does not place emphasis on out ward beauty (some church buildings). She does not talk a lot, but instead works hard and remains humble and teachable (some loud mouth churches). Would many American Churches appear as fat, gluttonous, loud mouth brides. Why isn't the American Church suffering much persecution? We see a lack of impact by the Church upon society. Our Church buildings are comparable to the bench on the sidelines of our football games. American Christians are bench warmers, we are afraid of suffering persecution so we stay on the sidelines where we are safe from injury or shame.

7. Churches heap laws on people’s shoulders. Jesus spoke to religionists who had a passion for detail when He said, "Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue, and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone" (Luke 11:42). Jesus saw our tendency to make rules and to focus on "morally correct" behavior instead of keeping our eyes on the bigger issue of why we are trying to be so right. While the Pharisees were big on knowledge carried out to its logical conclusions, they forgot that God doesn't care how much we know until He knows how much we care. It was this greater "why" that the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. . . . If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:1,3).  The Bible is God’s word, but did Abraham have the law or the Bible? No, he only had the faith that God gave him.

8. The Bible says confess our sins to one another, yet today’s church is too image conscious. Pastors and people rarely confess their sins to the church body. Today’s church is a hospital filled with people who do not believe they are sick.

9. We insult the sovereignty of God by using terms like “accepted Christ” and “came to the Lord”. Can a blind man choose? Can a dead man choose? Did Jonah have a choice? Did Saul have a choice? The truth is God chooses us when He opens some of our eyes to His irresistible grace.

10. Many Christians in today’s church see themselves higher then they ought. A Christian who does not completely surrender or a Christian convinced perfection is attainable, is a self-righteous Pharisee. Any person who thinks it is possible to produce righteousness in his or her own strength is stealing glory from God and God shares His glory with no one.

11. The church is partially to blame for the rampant sex in our societies. God made human sexual maturity spawn near 13 to 14 years of age. We on the other hand say to deny these feelings for years. Marriages fail in our society at an alarming rate and not coincidently teens are becoming promiscuous at younger and younger ages. Once married as adults they are expected to change this behavior. Even as near as 100 years ago children never had much time to date or time denying these desires. Most teens were married by 16 years of age. We may never bring early marriage back, but we need to be more sympathetic with our children’s weaknesses. After all even married couples are told not to deprive each other lest they fall into temptation. Being abstinent in today’s society is an enormous challenge. Look at even how many single adult Christians fail to remain abstinent. Reality speaks volumes!

12. How much emphasis does your church put on teens? I have been to many churches and unfortunately it is easier to find a non-christian party on a Friday or Saturday night then a teenage church activity. Why? I hope it is not because teens don’t tithe?

13. Many church staff members or volunteers have lonely children. The fact that any church staff member would put their job before their family is an abomination. Being available to your wife and children is demanded of Pastors by scripture. 1Tm:3:4-5 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) If your pastor’s child was struggling would he go on leave to manage his house?

14. Today’s church puts too much emphasis on numbers. It is not wrong to desire a large congregation if your desire is to truly reach the people of God. When more people are seen as more tithes and offerings or more prestige for the church, this is pure evil. I have felt like a number rather then a human being when invited to even a few home fellowships. It is true healthy churches grow, but not this way.

15. Do we allow God into our agenda? The Holy Spirit is knocking on the door of our agenda. God cannot be placed into a box or a man made tradition. We need to be organized in our church services, but this does not require such rigorous structure or tradition.

16. God directed the past temple builders to make every aspect of the sanctuary simple. We are supposed to worship God without the distractions of material glamour. Look at some of today’s church buildings. Jesus did not have a roof over His head and yet look at some of the buildings pastors have purchased with God’s money.

17. Christian schools are too expensive for many children to attend. Jesus said “Let the children come to me”. Why do churches exploit members through their private school tuition? Is it because they need to make up for lacking tithes and offerings? I do not see enough effort being placed upon government funding of private schools. Why? Is it because the government won’t pay enough to make up for lacking tithes?

18.  Michael Cards wife said it beautifully in a recent interview. “We are not only fighting the education system; there is a whole spiritual void because so many churches are about maintaining an institution and not taking care of individuals. So because we are becoming aware of it, we are all starting to try to pull away and go about life in a different way”.

19. The Bible teaches God’s people to be good stewards; therefore churches need to allow access to how tithes are spent. If tithes are being distributed properly then the church should not be afraid to make this information public.

20. God’s people need to see tithes distributed to the poor and needy. If God’s people see the impact of their tithes they will be motivated to give even more. If God’s people hear from the actual beneficiaries of their tithes this will be a testimony to the church and to the world showing the difference the church is making.

21. Church buildings create a division by preventing Christians from having a full impact on society. In the book of Acts we see the church continuously meeting in public places. The church would have a larger impact if they met in public places visible to the public’s eye. American society’s view of Christians is people who pull into a parking lot once a week and hide behind 4 walls for a couple of hours. Public prayer was a way to get notoriety in the days of Jesus, but today people do not pray in public because it brings them shame. Praying in public today would have the opposite effect it had on the Pharisees.

22. On the day of Pentecost the church was given the gift of the spirit. Many churches believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, yet fail to acknowledge them in weekly services or activities. God makes it clear that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be exercised routinely.

23. Why do many churches seem to lack the passion of the book of Acts? The answer is simple, most people go to church because they feel they have to and not because they desire. The church has reconstructed life under the law and this is the exact religious structure Jesus came to destroy.

24. The word minister means slave. Is your pastor a slave to the church and to society? Does your pastor’s car sit in the church parking lot or does it sit in the parking lots of prisons, hospitals, society’s ghettos, convalescent homes, and homeless shelters? Does your pastor live in a servant’s house and drive a servant’s car? The Bible states pastors are even more accountable to God then the congregation. Is your pastor setting a good example?

25. Is your pastor’s library bigger then his heart. As the Bible says “knowledge puffs up, but love edifies”. Do you leave church feeling encouraged or discouraged? If you leave discouraged then chances are you just heard a sermon from the head and not the heart.

26. Does your church pay taxes? Most likely not. Would you believe that even Jesus said we should pay taxes and not complain when He said “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s”. I would almost rather pay taxes knowing the government does more for the poor and the unemployed then the modern day church.

27. Alter calls many times become a performance meter for pastors’ egos. This is a joke because most people who come forward at alter calls never continue in the faith. Alter calls get Christians off to a bad start by making them think it is something they do as apposed to God choosing them. Many Christians never came forward at alter calls, instead God’s calling upon their lives was revealed in private.

28. Jesus said “let the children come to me”, yet children in our churches are often seen as an inconvenience in our church functions. I believe we should include children in as many functions as possible, especially worship with the church body. Children need to learn to enjoy worship by seeing adults in action. What would Jesus do with the children in the crowds? If your pastor in not willing to share the stage with a few rambunctious little ones, then he loves attention too much.

29. Many pastors fail to place a heavy emphasis on controversial sins in today’s society. The reason behind this could be a fear of offending people, fear of lawsuits, and fear of losing the attendees who pay their salary. The church is suppose to be light which is continuously revealing society’s ills in a loving heart felt fashion. Too many pastors climb on a stage to do a show every Sunday for their congregations. Sunday services in many churches are a show and you pay for your ticket with your tithes. “The love of money is the root of all evil”. Here is a challenge. A rich member who tithed a lot of money and a poor man who tithed little both stopped attending church. Who would get a follow up call first? Would your church even call the poor man or do they want to fill their limited seats with the people who tithe the most?

30. Denominations and Non-denominations are wrong and there are no excuses. The Bible commands that “we do not say we are of Peter or of Paul, but one body”. Proof of this is a catholic church that to this very day claims to be of Peter. The simple fact is united we stand and divided we fall. Imagine what would happen if the church would join forces and become one body. It was foolishness that separated us and is foolishness that keeps us separated.

31. Most churches have a pessimistic view of the world. When we read about world problems we say “well the bible says things are going to get worse”. This is a wrong attitude to have. The bible says we are more then conquerors and that all things are possible for those in Christ Jesus. What makes us think the world cannot get better before it gets worse. Most churches hold this pessimistic attitude. Why polish a brass sinking ship? Is the church really that powerless in the world?

32. Just over 100 years ago the idea of a futuristic tribulation was introduced. Most scholars before 100 years ago actually believed the tribulation was the destruction of Jerusalem and the collapse of the Roman Empire. Read Mathew 24 and you will realize that Jesus told the Apostles plain and clear that they would actually see the tribulation in their generation. Why then does the church over emphasize a future tribulation? I believe they actually enjoy using it as a scare tactic to manipulate believers. There is a short tribulation at the end of the world when satan is given back his full power. These days are full of partys like in the days of Noah and not fear. People do not eat, drink and be merry when they are afraid.

33. Prayer is taught as talking to God, but rarely as listening. In our busy schedule most fail to take some quiet time out to hear from God. Maybe if more people listened to God the church leaders would be kept more accountable.

34. It is not hard to understand the church is in a fallen state. The church throughout history has needed to be revived many times. It seems complacency sneaks in every couple hundred years and some great movement takes place. Look at how many times God’s people in the Old Testament backslid. Usually, the only ways to bring back a fallen generation was to send a prophet and in most cases the prophets were persecuted to death. In other cases a fallen society would be conquered by another and made slaves for a while. What will it take to make today’s church accountable?

35. Today people feel safe if they follow the spiritual majority. In all biblical history the spiritual majority was wrong. From Noah to Elijah; it was always a small remnant of people who were truly saved. This needs to be given a lot of thought by today’s church.

36. Evangelism has been polluted by pride. As Christians we are to first offer our true friendship, then evangelize the unsaved. Today we look at evangelism as a sport. We brag to others about the people we have shared the gospel. Once we get the unsaved into church we sacrifice them to our busy schedule or trade them for prior existing friends. If you are not sharing from a heart of true compassion, the unsaved will usually see right through you. Do not be a Christian clone, but be filled with God’s love and passion for the lost. Most Christian clones only think they are saved. M't:7:23: “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity”. Jesus makes it clear that if Christians do not do their works from sincerity of the heart, they are not truly saved.

Another Reason

It is very interesting when people worship their praise and praise their worship. I see religiousness, as an addiction you reveal the problems of the church and many will go into denial. I see it, as people want their destiny in their own hands so they secure it with works they believe will give them a special advantage over the rest of us. The truth is motivating factors can turn good works into evil through our true intentions. People give for reasons of recognition or to gratify themselves or they think they can impress God and these are all the wrong reasons. The Bible says in that day they will say to me Lord did not we do this did not we do that and then God will say depart from me for I never knew you. You may know God personally and these ministers know about Him there is a big difference. I know about Elvis Presley, but how does that compare to actual experiencing a relationship with Elvis Presley. You have been told that church is a geographical location, but the whole purpose of Christ coming to this earth was to change all that, to bring church to you my friend. Do not be deceived into attending a passionless church when you can experience God by gathering with another believer in the name of Jesus allowing church to exist right where you’re at. The story of Jesus and Samaritan woman in scripture teaches us to worship only in spirit and in truth not going somewhere to find God when God is right here right now. Pastors want you to come see them to find God their job depends upon it. I do not condemn those who attend church let me make that clear, but they should not condemn you for not going. I am a pastor who brings church to people who wish to gather in Jesus name. I do not make money to minister, if one day my imperfect heart does not feel like ministering my paycheck is not a risk factor. I believe in cheerfully receiving food or basic necessities to minister, but a paycheck is taking this a little too far. You shall not muzzle the ox as scripture says because an ox needs to eat and a muzzle holds his mouth shut preventing him. We did not see Jesus pass the hat around asking for money or the Apostles at that, in fact most of the Apostles had trades. I have seen to many huge homes owned by ministers in the Bible belt. I would be afraid to except money in God's name and then lock the homeless out of my so-called church every night like so many pastors do. We have our pretty church buildings, is that what this is about? Jesus did not need a building nor did His followers nor do I. If you are one of those people shame on you, shame on all of you for selling spirituality and turning the house of God into a den of thieves.

I am puzzled at the fact that another doctrine has crept into the church. I had a lot of time to look at the church and be very critical of its mistakes. The leaders in the church have created a Christianity that is out of reach. Every new law such as rules regarding movies, music, television, smoking, worship, morning quiet times or Bible reading on a daily basis create a Christianity that is outs of reach of the average person. Rather than exercising self-control Christian’s distance themselves from things that are a risk to their spiritual well being. The church is lacking the faith in the fruits of the Spirit, one of which is self-control. Why are Christians afraid to be in situations where God promises to protect them. If put this in a word picture the picture would be a football player that is never successful because he sits on the sidelines constantly afraid of being injured so he never becomes a star. When you read the Bible you'll notice that all the great patriarchs took very large risks and had very large victories. I believe the risk-free Christianity that we have created puts the church in a position to accomplish very little. The unsaved individual will look at this version of Christianity and feel like he can never accomplish this sort of lifestyle. The pastors of most churches have forgotten that we are sheep, foolish sheep and we require encouragement and simplicity. I have noticed that most Christians are discouraged and afraid to be honest about their own weaknesses. The last place that we should feel intimidated is in church. Where have all the extra Biblical rules come from? The Christianity most churches are teaching is not a Biblical Christianity, but rather a Works righteousness. Jesus reduced the Commandments to love the Lord your God with all your hearts, minds, and strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. The church teaches Christians not to love themselves, saying to love yourself is wrong. I plead to pastors to stop teaching their points of view and start teaching Gods word. We are not under the law we are under grace all things are lawful but, all things are not profitable. If God is as sovereign as the Bible teaches then he can keep Christians practicing righteousness. The church teaches that God alone is not enough. The bible says faith produces effort and the church says effort produces faith. Pastors do not directly teach all of the things I speak about but they are subtly hinted in the teachings of most pastors. I dare the church to take a poll on how many Christians are discouraged or un-impacted by the modern day Church. I truly believe that most Christians would admit even if they are impacted it never goes beyond Sunday. The evidence of this is the lack of impact on society or in the lack of persecution the Church in America receives. Pastors do not openly talked about there in adequacies this creates a flaw less image; this creates a standard for Christians to follow that is out of reach. Pastors should be the first to admit their flaws so that Christians will not feel like they are failing to live up to the standards of God. The Bible teaches that no man lives up to the standards of God, the Bible teaches that there is not one good man no not one. The Bible teaches our hearts are desperately wicked and deceitful above all things and no one can even comprehend the wicked potential that exists in each one of us. The problem is most Christians somehow believe they are better then the average person. If I were to create a word picture it would be a prostitute standing on a street corner and a Christian disgusted by the very sites of this prostitute. Jesus Christ walked with prostitutes, Jesus Christ was not disgusted, Jesus Christ loved prostitutes and only wanted to love them so much that their lives would be impacted by his love. Jesus Christ said he who is forgiven much loves much. The fact that sinners disgust Christians shows me that they do not realize how many sins God has forgiven in their own lives. I believe it's time for pastors to stop and realize the depth of their own personal sins. When pastors realize how in adequate they are, then realize that God loves them in-spite of their inadequacies the death of Jesus Christ will have a deeper impact on their hearts. If we were so great spiritually Jesus would not have had to die on a cross to save us. When people hear me speak they accuse me of encouraging people to live a life of sin but, if you really are listening to what I am saying you will realize that I have experienced God's love in depth so much that my life has been changed. There was a day in my life when I realized I was not being honest about my hearts condition, and on that day I made the decision to be honest even if that meant doing the things that my heart wanted to do. For two years of my life I did the nightclub seen, I was promiscuous, I consumed alcohol heavily but, I could not run from God because one-day in spite of my sin he would touch my life making me feel his love. At the worst times in my life when I was sinning the most God showed his love to me, at a time in my life when I deserved punishment I received blessings from God. One day I realized that nobody Deserves to experience the love of God, even when we think we are living a righteous life the bible says our righteousness is as filthy rags. All people are incapable of producing good works apart from God. A Christian who does not completely surrender, a Christian convinced perfection is attainable, is a self-righteous Pharisee. Any person who thinks it is possible to produce righteousness in his or her own strength is stealing glory from God and God shares His glory with no one.

All of us are here for a particular reason, but each person’s reasons are not necessarily the same. I can state the general reasons as follows: 1) To bring glory to God.  2) to practice our spiritual gifts to enrich the church body. 3) To enjoy God's creation such as the mountains, lakes, rivers, oceans, and the animals God has given us for pets. 4) For most to marry, bare children, and train them up in the ways of the Lord. 5) Without love all of this would mean nothing and we would not bare fruit in the form of new believers. Unfortunately with all the cares of the world keeping us busy most will not realize the true meaning of life until we are old. Jesus said "If you seek to save your life you will lose it, but if you lose you life you will find it." Why did Jesus say this? Today’s technology has caused us to work harder and see our families less. The cares of the world are the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The cares of the world distract people from the things that really matter such as their families, friends, pets, but most importantly God. All of us will lie on our deathbed someday to weigh our lives in the balance. All of us will stand before God and pass through the fire which will consume those things that are not the meaning of life. Who will suffer the most if there is nothing left after that fire? We will suffer! I saw the movie Instinct yesterday (which is a little too sad for children) and was affected deeply by the truth that movie contained. Last night the TV show touched by an angel carried the same message about the meaning of life. Then I wake up this morning to find this posting on the internet. I told my wife that I would like to die for a purpose like a martyr, because I saw nothing in this world holding me back. This morning God has lovingly spoken through these circumstances, through His word, and through me to myself a lesson. It is good to die a martyr, but it is better to live as one.

What's the matter my friend? Look at stars tonight they shine for you. Go outside when the birds are singing because, they sing for you. When you look in the mirror look a little closer next time and see how beautiful God has made you. (Do you have a dog or cat) with every brush of a cats face against you or every lick of your dog's tongue experience the reason for existence, God's love. You are lucky God is not as hard on you as you are on yourself. Oh my child the love of God is all around you experience it see it with your heart. He is not you earthly father He is your heavenly father and all He desires is your trust in Him! He wants to lead you like a shepherd leads the sheep He loves with all His heart. Today you are the one that has strayed away from that love and He has left the other sheep to get you back. Forget about your circumstances and realize you are God's bride. Every beautiful thing in this world He created for you because He loves you! Get out of the house even if it is your own backyard the majesty of God is out there in the things He created. Write your feelings down like the great ones in the Bible did see the beautiful mind God has given you put things down on paper. Where two or more are gathered I am there in your mist today God has spoken through me to you,

A pastor should have proper motives, by motives I mean a God given will to serve freely not for money, earthly rewards, or recognition. Since knowledge is vain apart from love a pastor should make love the #1 priority not knowledge, "Knowledge puffs up love edifies". I being an intern at one time have spent many days with ministers who spend allot of time in their offices rather then serving as the word minister (slave) is defined. I have a genuine anger toward most modern day pastors for their laziness and failure to work outside their church in the community where they belong. The accountability for ministers is higher because of the knowledge they do not act upon. I know allot of people have tried to justify themselves after reading the numerous articles I have posted all over the Internet. The truth will prevail even today the general public sees the churches lack of action in this world as the government is doing for the poor what the church should be doing. I am aware of very few good Churches who choose to wisely invest their funds, not in buildings or vain church events, or a large staff, but to build upon the kingdom of God. I am far from perfect myself, but that does not change the truth or my responsibly to reveal the truth. I would be happy if only one thing occurred and that being America's pastors spending allot less time in there offices studying and allot more time in the community serving people in love. In conclusion, if you are a pastor reading this please do not sit and attempt to justify yourself because if that is your first reaction then you are just as guilty as the rest of us!

Arguments

I also see the world as a place where Christians exercise their gifts because anywhere in this world where 2 or more Christians gather in Christ's name becomes a Church. I also feel that you may not understand the true definition of a Pastor. A Pastor is a Pastor wherever he goes, with or without a building, and has received his position from God (not appointed by men). I see some Sabbatarian belief in this page, which I strongly disagree with! I have seen allot of vain and dangerous philosophies concerning Hell on this page which I strongly disagree with! I may not argue with the responses to this particular post due to the fact that some people’s beliefs cannot be changed. I see some people creating convenient philosophies to patch some holes in their souls, which cause them fear. Changing someone’s mind alone cannot solve problems, which are the result of something deep within him or her. I see no sin in my own anger which some of you have boldly pointed out at times on this page. I believe there is not enough angry Christians in this world which is a sign of complacency. If you love God you will hate all evil and hate is not a happy emotion, but it gets things done. I have admitted that I personally need prayer, but I will boldly say that I have noticed allot of people on this page who need prayer also. If you do not like me please tell me. I do not appreciate phony Christians who are afraid to express their true feelings. I do not appreciate those who plaster smiles on their faces, who hide their discouragement for fear they will be judged as weak, and who turn themselves into the lies they hide from. I may not be as perfect as those who judge me may, but I am ordained by God and filled with the Holy Spirit.

RESPONSIBILITY

I am afraid of the word responsibility for a lot of reasons:

1. Scripture continually reveals that man apart from God can do nothing good.

2. I believe man cannot trust himself ever cursed is a man who trusts in a man.

3. All things good come from God and God shares His glory with no one, so we cannot take any credit, because we are not RESPONSIBLE for any good that results from our lives.

4. Grace through Faith which is not from ourselves, but a gift from God therefore we cannot even say faith is our responsibility, therefore good works which result from faith cannot be something we are responsible for.

In conclusion I would like to remind you that sometimes in scripture people mistake facts for commands, If you love me you will obey my commandments or a Christian cannot practice sin. Pastors many times turn these facts into laws or burdens on the people’s shoulders. I would like to examine the life of Abraham as a man without a Bible, (not to belittle God's word) without a church or any type of authority besides God's. Abraham lived completely simplified life of faith, not faith in himself, but faith in God. This is why I am not comfortable with the word responsibility, because I would be afraid to think that any aspect of my Christianity depended on me being responsible. I am a changed man today due to the fact that I finally stopped trying to help God make me a responsible person. God does not need help creating our destinies. All who attribute any aspect of their spiritual positions to their responsibility are trying to take some credit and that is dangerous. I see why some are threatened by this discussion due to the fact that they think they are some how capable and want to be in control. I understand it is uncomfortable to sit in the passenger seat and let God drive, to give up all the control of your life in total reliance upon God. Those of you who are afraid of this have a tough road ahead of you as God proves that Proverbs 6:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. You will only be playing tug of war with God if your desire is to have some sort of control upon your life prepare for frustration. I am a child who is directed by my father's footsteps. I am not capable of tending to myself. I require God's direction as long as I live under His roof. I am not responsible although sometimes I think I am being responsible. I am destined to fail as God sometimes wills me to fail to prove I need His guidance. I am sorry to say you either abide in the vine or you do not. The vine is what gives a Christian life and if you do not totally rely on the vine you cannot exist as a child of God. If in any way you believe that you do not need God's total direction then you will be cast in the fire or defeated by God and forced to accept that you are His child.