I think we can all agree that our nation and nations around the world are in great turmoil and confusion. God is truly shaking all things, especially governments and the church at large.
“Judgement begins in the house of the Lord,” I Peter 4:17. I believe if the church over all would practice what Jesus taught and commanded us to go and to do the will of God without fear, we would not be where we are today.
An analogy would be a comparison between the church today and cruise ship Christianity entering into the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. As Lord and Savior, becoming a part of the church is like enlisting into the Navy aboard a great battleship, which is fully equipped. We are at war!
The cruise ship Christianity days are over! The days of self-centered, comfort zones of being served, instead of serving others, whose motto is “every man for himself” is over! Being entertained by motivational speakers, flash stage performers, teaching feel good messages, aimed at outward behavior modification rather than an inward transformation, being fed on snacks with few full meals because we are busy with life. Shallow preaching produces shallow Christians.
Visiting cruise ships, libraries, reading past history of the church and the different revivals. Reading the Bible as a history book like a great novel. Touring empty prayer rooms with pictures on the walls of prayer warriors and intercessors who won the many battles through prayer. Being more interested in the past than our place in the church now. We are the church!
Jesus is coming back after a glorious church. The enemy has us right where he wants us, ineffective. Psalms 137:3, “For our captors demanded a song from us. Sing us one of these songs of Jerusalem!” But how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a pagan land or by staying on a cruise liner, hoping for the best as captives. That ship is sinking. The lifeboats are being lowered. Some pastors and leaders are helping to load the lifeboats while others are staying aboard encouraging people to stay aboard this sinking ship.
Paul warned about this in II Timothy 4: “They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” Verse 5: “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
In Part II, we will talk about the battleship and its rescue missions.
God wants change!
God will help us change, but if nothing changes, nothing changes.
For prayer or to talk, call (719) 369-5692.
With love and respect
Ray Linebaugh
Ray is chaplain for Marine Corps League, president of Harvest Connections Ministry, founder of God and Country Music Festival and board member of Fremont Civic Theatre.