“The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man.” —James Madison

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever wondered why unity does not come easy? In some cultures, it does; in others, it has to be worked at!

Unity flows out of community. In America, the many communities in our culture are breaking down. Our rampant materialism has moved us away from the thankfulness and appreciation of the basic necessities of life, leaving us with the luxury of too many options. This leads to too many choices, and that's why we now have such an issues-driven culture. Everyone has an opinion! In this are the seeds of division. Politically, we are divided with a polarizing election imminent! Religiously, we are divided over Lakeland and many other issues!
 

CULTURAL VS. SPIRITUAL

I would like to offer a perspective that has to do with separating the cultural from the spiritual. Despite the fact that the Kingdom of God transcends all earthly cultures, most societies tend to perceive spiritual matters through the filter of their own customs. We often 'baptize' elements of our society and give them Christian names! Excessive prosperity preaching would be an example.
 

American civilization was forged out of a rightful independence from the tyranny of kings and bishops from far away. But a culture's greatest strength can also be its greatest weakness -- what scripture terms living and dying by the sword. However, in recent times that original altruistic notion of independence has descended into a 'do my own thing' unaccountability. This has infected the Church! America has a higher ratio of independent churches and ministries in comparison to many other nations. Many of these have borne a lot of fruit, but that effectiveness could be maximized exponentially with a greater sense of unity.

THE ECONOMY OF THE KINGDOM

The economy of the Kingdom of God is relationships. It began with God just wanting to 'hang out' with Adam in the cool of the day. Being all-sufficient, God didn't need to meet with him so He could get Adam to do something for Him; He just wanted a relationship! However, in America, we place more value on 'task.' Again, our strength is that we are a 'can do' culture; we get things done, but the downside is that most of our relationships are task-orientated! 'No such thing as a free lunch!'

Covenantal relationships are the way of life, temporal and eternal, in the Kingdom of God. These are the kinds of close associations that endure good times, bad times, and especially disagreeable times! They depend on a high level of regard, esteem, appreciation and value for each other, despite any differences. They exist more for who we are than what we can do, understanding there is more that unites us than divides us! In the American part of the Body of Christ, I pray we will see less independence and more inter-dependence, more intimacy and camaraderie rather than isolation and division!

GUILTY AS CHARGED
If nothing else, Lakeland has had a very positive effect in terms of bringing pertinent issues to the fore, issues that have been left unresolved in the Charismatic world for too long. But this is much bigger than Lakeland! Please pray for the Apostolic Team as we work through the issues brought to the surface that have the potential to bring great good to the Body of Christ worldwide.

The feedback we have had from our recent updates has been mostly positive, with just a few critical 'Monday Morning Quarterback' comments made from the sideline by 'Quick-Draw McGraws.' The extreme critics are demanding blood because of a perceived 'lack of discernment' on the part of the Apostolic Team. In response, Stephen Strader, pastor of Ignited Church said, "Judas' betrayal, Peter's denial, and Thomas' doubt did not reflect upon Jesus' choice or discernment or character. It sure didn't reflect on God's discernment or character when HE CHOSE Samson... who repeatedly sinned -- and the Spirit of God came on Samson over and over again."

When will we stop devouring each other? Let us all look to our own salvation with fear and trembling!

My friend, Pastor James Ruddy from Littlestown, PA had this to say regarding my involvement in the Lakeland issue, "As I see it, if you are guilty at all, you are guilty of the aspects of Corinthians 13, particularly vs. 7 - '(Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.'

If you’re guilty, then you’re guilty of believing that God desires to bless this nation with a mighty outpouring of His Spirit!
If you’re guilty, then you’re guilty of believing that the Lord loves to visit and refresh His Bride by lavishing His love upon her!
If you’re guilty, then you’re guilty of believing that the Lord will draw all men unto Himself for the saving of their souls!
If you’re guilty, then you’re guilty of believing for a mighty last-days revival to sweep the entire world and that every nation will see the glory of God!
If you’re guilty, then you’re guilty of believing that God can still work through finite, imperfect, human vessels to promote His Gospel in the midst of the earth!"