INTRODUCTION
Social acceptability was never the agenda of any true prophet of God in
the Old Testament. Whether seer or challenger of the backslidden state
of a people or nation, they confronted the status quo, sometimes
reluctantly, to either prepare the people for the future or for a
restoration of lost righteousness.
John the Baptist, the last but 'greatest' prophet of the Old Testament
("For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater
prophet than John the Baptist...." Luke 7:28), was so unusual that his
dress and diet received a special mention in Matthew's gospel ("Now John
himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his
waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey." Matthew 3:4).
Nonconformity can almost be said to be a necessary commodity of the
prophetic ministry.
ME, MYSELF AND I
In the western world, nearly everyone alive today has been weaned in a
consumer culture, which promotes the 'me, myself and I' mentality. Our
conditioned expectation is to be served rather than to put others ahead
of ourselves. This attitude has invaded the church over the last four
decades, with the result that people come to church asking, “What's in
it for me?" Consequently, most decide where they will be in the Kingdom,
not so much on the call of God for their lives but on the best deal
available.
In turn, political correctness (read unbiblical), another ethic of this
age, has fostered a thin-skinned sensitivity that encourages us to take
offense at the slightest discomfort - emotionally, physically, and
spiritually. As a result, we leave and go to the other church across
town. This easy offendability is one of the biggest hindrances to
advancing the Kingdom of God in this nation. With 98% of church growth
in America coming from transference, some churches that have become
'mega' have done so aided by consumerism's best ally – television. Just
like Wal-Mart coming to town, these churches have grown at the expense
of all the 'mom and pop' churches. However, the fact remains that the
vast majority of congregations in America number well under 100 members.
CHRISTIANITY LIGHT
The lack of significant growth in the American church is compounded by
associated issues such as a lack of spiritual boldness to be a witness,
which suggests that the church is slacking off from a true and
empowering baptism of the Spirit. Also, diversity, an offshoot of
political correctness, makes it unpopular to 'proselytize,' pressuring
Christians to keep their religious views to themselves, at the same time
forcing us to accept the views of others, which may be at odds with the
Christian world view. This pressure is not just confined to the pews; it
is also touching the pulpit. Our preaching may be addressing the ‘felt’
needs of the people, but shies away from the root issues! God's words
are not minced; they cut to the quick!
POWER PREACHING
The most powerful force in this world is not nuclear but verbal! The
power of the spoken word has changed more on this earth than anything
else. That's why the Lord chose preaching as the main way to communicate
the Gospel. The written word affords a collective continuity of human
thought beyond just one generation. That's why the Bible is still the
biggest selling book after hundreds of generations. God’s Word revolves
around the message of the Cross and, if it is truly foolishness to those
who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18), it is so because it does not
conform to the logic of this age.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THEM!
The Cross is not about 'me' – it's about others. True Christianity is
not about individuality; it's about a community called the Kingdom of
God, which has only one commission – to advance like an army! If the
church is supposed to be an army, as in “...onward Christian soldiers,”
we don't have time to get offended any more than troops on the frontline
would have the luxury of endless 'counseling' sessions in the face of an
onslaught from the enemy. In a battle, you must follow orders, whether
you like it or not. Minuscule matters of offense dissolve before your
eyes when death is staring you in the face!
THE FEAR OF THE LORD
The war over the human soul is the greatest battle of all time! Many
pastors today have felt the pressure to pull back from the battle front.
Proclaiming God’s truth is the responsibility of all leaders in the Body
of Christ. In this sense, we are called to speak for Him as prophets to
this generation. Otherwise, we just abrogate our role to that of
'babysitters' to an immature church. May courage infect our souls and
the fear of the Lord overcome the fear of man, and when the day comes,
let us all be able to stand before God with confidence in anticipation
of those desired words, "well done, good and faithful servant, now come
into your rest."
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