Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Tickling Ears


"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires." (2Timothy 4:3)

The Bible message is being watered down so the world will accept it. Religious leaders and teachers are attempting to please their hearers - rather than please God by delivering his message "undiluted". The churches are more concerned with how to please people.
I read a transcript today of an interview with a pastor of one of America's largest churches. He is famous for NOT preaching "fire and brimstone". He says he likes to " help people". He has become a millionaire from his best selling book, which gives the same "feel good" message. The TRUTH doesn't always "feel good". Conviction definately doesn't feel good. Hell is a very real place. In order to give a correct teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one would have to mention hell. Sin must be talked about. Without the understanding of the law of the Old Testament and how sin seperates us from God, how can someone fully understand their need for a Savior, which is Jesus Christ? Believing in God, attending church or having a "religion" does not save a person's soul.
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble.” (James 2:19)
This preacher was asked why he thinks he is so popular. I'll tell you why. He is tickling people's ears , like mentioned in 2 Timothy. The unsaved today don't need another message on "The 7 Steps to Financial Success". They need to hear the TRUTH. The truth can set people free. Jesus said, " I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE , and no one comes to the Father except through Me. " --- John 14: 6

2 comments:

confederateson said...

I agree with you. Easy beleivism is chronic in the Chrurch. Asking Jesus into your heart is no assurance of salvation. Through out the New Testament, Paul urges Christians to continue in the Faith. And there are warnings about falling away. We must examine ourselves. I have seen people who I thought were in the Faith, fall away. One converted to Judaism.

Joy M. said...

I agree with you that this is a sign of the end times. I am wondering how we find the balance of standing firm and showing mercy to a lost world. I am finding that search for "no religion, just Jesus" is shaking my belief system to the core. On one hand we are told "you're okay, I'm okay". On the other, we are told "we have to take back what is ours!" I'm not sure either is right. If we took the time to get back to SCRIPTURE instead of having cheerleading sessions on Sunday morning, I bet we'd find that Jesus was actually a wonderful example of the balance between justice and mercy.

I'm really enjoying your blog!