Thursday, October 18, 2007

The Essence Of The Message

If one were to take even a passing glance at today's church, it would be obvious that preachers, evangelists and pastors are as caught up in the rat race of life as any other citizen of the world. The spirit of competition is alive and well within the house of God, and it is not a competition for something as noble as saving souls, or bringing people to Christ. It is a competition to see who can accumulate more stuff, then brag about it on national television, who can build the most lavish buildings, and who can come up with newer variations to an old, tired, and now cliched message that spirals in reverse, further and further away from what should be the essence of every message we preach.
Because many consider feeding the sheep a career choice, rather than a calling they attempt by their own wisdom, and relying on their own strengths to outdo the preacher across the street, or the one with the following time slot on christian television. Their hearts are not for the lost, since their hearts have never been circumcised, and so their desires and aspirations are purely human in that their only goal is to fill the seats of the mammoth tabernacle, unconcerned with the state of the souls that sit there for a few hours a month, taking in a watered down message, that does nothing to stir them to repentance.
Yes, I've used the word that is no longer edgy, hip, that has no place in the vernacular of the world we have become so accustomed to speaking, repentance.
I have often studied the sermons of both John the Baptist, and Christ, comparing them, seeing the similarities and the differences. Although John was a more straightforward sort of man, although he pulled no punches when speaking of the Kingdom, or the need for sanctification, and Jesus used parables and stories to enlighten those who would hear, the essence of the message remained the same throughout their ministries. The message was simple, realistic, the only message that had the power to change the world, so its essence was always the same, it was always repentance. Repentance from dead traditions, a turning away from the world and a turning of their faces toward God. It is not the change of denomination, or the change of religion, but a change of one's life, not a patching up of the old life, but a new birth, and a new life in Christ. Without repentance, all that remains is the axe buried deep in the root of the tree, and the heat emanating from he eternal fires of judgment.
It is truly amazing to realize that we can encapsulate the life and ministry of both men, every sermon that they ever spoke, into one word, 'repent'.
For some reason, many preachers today have chosen to dismiss this startling fact, and have guided their ministries and their sermons as far away from repentance as humanly possible. Yes, it is inevitable that some may leave the church, or no longer support your ministry if you start making the essence of your messages repentance, but then again, when you stand before the eternal judge of all that is, when you are face to face with the Creator of all that exists, you can show him your hands, absent of guilt, knowing there will be no blood.
The one message that is most necessary in today's church, is the one message that we rarely hear, namely that without repentance and a new life, birthed of said repentance, all that we've struggled toward, all that we've aspired to, all that we've been able to amass amounts to nothing. In the end, all the cars, boats, homes, and savings bonds will be nothing more than a fistful of ashes, and for many it will be too late, as they realize the error of their ways on that most blessed, and most vengeful day of the Lord.

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea Jr.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tylee:

Amen!

We must pray and intercede for the church, and pray that God will give her a heart of repentence.

and preach the word and speak what's on Gods mind and heart! In the face of opposition!

AMen, and God bless

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael,
Your messages motivate me to spend time in God's word and in prayer. Thank you.

How shall we pray for pastors who seem to have a sincere love for the Lord, yet have that fever of mega church, mega staff, etc?

A servant of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Jackie

Anonymous said...

Mike,
This question does not pertain to your posting; however, I'm not sure how to write to you otherwise.

My questions is, has the Lord spoken to you about what the deception will be? Matthew 24:24 says: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

Obviously, anything that is not of Christ should be considered a deception. But to deceive the very elect makes it sound like it will look like a second coming or something eerily similar. I've always taken the phrase "if it were possible" to mean that God will let His children know what the deception will be. Maybe I'm wrong on that.

By me asking the question, I feel I'm showing my naivety, but it's better to ask and look dumb, then not ask at all.

Anyway...if you're led to write about this on your blog I would appreciate it. Obviously you don't need to post my comments since it doesn't directly pertain to what you've written.

God Bless,
Jeff
sievertson@insightbb.com

James Kinsman said...

The most shameful part is when God tells you to speak and being spiritually unprepared you contemplate it in your mind then justify why you should not say it because it will cause an offense to someone in the room and might possibly cause you to be rejected among the well respected preachers, pastors, or brothers.

There is blood on my hands what can I do?

Anonymous said...

Michael,
We can truly see the spirit of this age everywhere we go.
It has come like a flood into the church.
The anti-christ spirit says the flesh is OK, no need to deny ourselves,stop offending the wicked with the truth of their condition,love them into hell is the new gospel.
I don't know how many times I've been told as a man to act and speak as a woman,that I must follow the Orwellian newspeak politically correct religious words that do not offend sinner by warning them of the dangers of trusting in and having confidence their flesh.
I think the religious spirit today would attempt to femmenize John the Baptist today and tell him he should not be so crude and not to interfere or speak bad about the leader of the day.
Thak God,John knew to please,unlike today.

I responded to a a brother on the subject who told me I had to respect and honor evil because of the office of the person.
I reminded him of the words of the prophet Elijah to King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.(Truly a reversal of man to woman ,woman to man role we see all around us today)
She was the he and he was the she.
And I told him that surely he would tell God how He must speak to his wicked and rebellious creation.
I made it clear that I am not a prophet,I just love the truth and have lost track of how many times the devil as attempted to water down what the Lord has given me to say.
A sign of the last days is that God's people will not endure sound doctrine.
We are there now and if it does not make the flesh 'feel good ' then it's rejected.


I think the spirit of this ages makes many Christian men wimps and sisseys so afraid of offending the backslid and wocked among us.
There is no place for rebuke or correction because it is considered hateful,offensive or meanspirited.
Those who do not bend to the spirit of this age are out alone in the wilderness choosing to embrace reproach which many other saints humbly accepted because they
would not be put into the mold of a cursed and evil generation.
A generation whose only interest was gratifying their flesh.

No repentence ,no sackcloth and ash.
No humbling and sorrow for the evil rising up around us ,we're just at ease in America as they were in Zion before judgment came.

O Lord, are not Your eyes on the truth?
You have stricken them,
But they have not grieved;
You have consumed them,
But they have refused to receive correction.
They have made their faces harder than rock;
They have refused to return.

Jeremiah 5

A Seed Sower said...

Well I can tell ya why no one preaches repentance Bro Michael. Its just like one of the latest books out "Find the better You" (or some tripe like title like that) They preach that we're all basicly good, we just have to rid ourselves of our guilt complex.
It's just down right sickening especially when i live in this wretched flesh daily, and brother I know there is no good thing in my flesh, its a full time job practicing crucifiction of the nasty stuff, and walking in the Spirit instead of the flesh. Still regardless I press on looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of my Lord And Saviour Jesus Christ the righteous One.

Elm Street Chapel said...

Quote: "It is truly amazing to realize that we can encapsulate the life and ministry of both men, every sermon that they ever spoke, into one word, 'repent'."
Mihcael Boldea

Do you ever feel like your in the town square and it's the 11th hour. Your still looking for people who need/want to work but all you see are people who just got their unemployment check. Easy money. They didn't have to do anything for it. And just as soon the checks run out, then they will look for work. Clueless

Come sit in my pew. It's padded, air conditioned, carpeted, big band, surround sound, multi-media, kiddy playland, programs,theater, sportscenter, feelgood all warm and fuzzy center of hope. Just say the magic word and do a victory dance as you put God's money in my pocket. Clueless
Dave

A Seed Sower said...

P.S. the title to that book is "Become a better you."
Now I thought that we were to crucify ourselves, die to ourselves daily and put on Christ. But I guess I am just not hip enough either Bro Michael.

randy said...

There is no fear of God in the pulpit, and as a result, in the pew. I know of ministers, of which I am not one, over the years that have told people that you cannot lose your salvation-it is a gift. I have even read them Revelation 3:5 "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will NOT BLOT OUT his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels."
One has to be originally written in the Book of Life before he can be blotted out, right? This is a common sense issue. People are convinced that all they have to do is accept Jesus as their Savior, and it is a done deal. Throw a little money in the plate, treat your neighbors right, and all is well; you are on your way to heaven of the fast track; no tribulation, little trials, and the promise that God will answer all of your wants and needs; after all, His is our Father, right? What a doctrine of deception when taken in the revelation of scripture. How will this be corrected? I feel true men of God are deceived on this issue; ONE CAN lose their salvation and be lost for eternity. If I am incorrect, someone please inform. There are other passages of Scripture that verify my feeling further on the issue. mtzion@hughes.net

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! Brother
Just a quick note to thank you again for coming to Memphis, our people here were blessed and I have been inspired once again. Talk to you soon and give our love to your wife, and Brother Geno and family.

May the peace of God be with you.

Anonymous said...

I went to a church where the pastors wife told me, (I quote) "There is no rapture. Jesus isn't actually coming back here. Heaven is just where we go when we die." When I pointed out Matthew 24:40, She responded with, "Well, it's just one verse." THE PASTOR'S WIFE!!! Of course, that was the same church that referred to the musicians and congregation as the band and the audience. (Needless to say, I don't attend that church anymore.)
I have never understood picking and choosing the parts of the Bible you want to believe. "Lets get the blessing without the sacrifice. It's all okay as long as you feel good." seems to be the message of late.
I visit this site first thing in the morning, I like starting my day knowing that I'm not the only "crazy fundamentalist" out there. It's a great way to start the day with sound fellowship. I love what I read here.
Mrs. Pugh

Anonymous said...

One of the deceptions I see, amongst many, is the use of psychology in the church, particularly in 'counselling programmes'. I have a background in social work and psychology, and can smell Jung immediately!! But yes, there is an underlying premise that man is basically good, that I am not realising my 'full potential' (in Christ, of course!) because of what others have done to me (rather than because I am a sinner), the titles of many modern 'Christian' books are all about 'ME'.....I simply can not find anywhere in the Gospels or the book of Acts, where Jesus or any of His apostles used inner healing techniques and programmes. Paul certainly doesn't give us instructions in his epistles either. Very remiss of him!! So I can only deduce that this was 'NEW revelation' given to some chosen, elite modern 'prophets' - of course, it wasn't given until after Freud and Jung (the fathers of modern psychology) had already appeared (was the Lord a bit slow?) Sorry, this makes me very angry. But people like these ministries because they make us 'feel good about ourselves' and absolve us from guilt WITHOUT the Cross.