A Message To Church Leaders

This was heavy on my spirit this morning. I believe this was the case because a warning needs to go out to church leaders. There are many church leaders today from what I sense in my spirit that have some things twisted. What am I talking about? Many leaders today don’t want to turn on their discernment spirit and will blindly embrace those who attend the same church, like the same pastor, etc. (and will gladly place titles on those who God hasn’t even called to that title/position) – which is in short acting like what I called it a year or two ago (the American Middle Class Church mentality). At the same token, they will not use Godly judgment when calling sin out. Instead, they’ll show partiality (again to those who are part of a clique or will call some people with a certain sin out without calling out those who they admire and even idolize just because they itch your ear).

Sadly, there are many people in the body of Christ with titles who have serious ego problems. And their egos have gotten so bad to where they become very touchy, and will curse anyone who offends their personal agenda (that has no Scriptural base). There will be no unity if we continue to hang our personal agendas over other people’s heads.

Leaders need to discern those who are just using Christ for filthy lucre’s sake (I don’t care if they are an author, musician, politician, or a church leader). Sadly we’re not doing that. What we do instead is call those who call out those who are using you for self-seeking purposes as our friends and those who speak against it as our enemy. Not only is that twisted, it’s also shows that we don’t have spiritual discernment! The time for pacifying people (to get them to like you) needs to stop. And this is something leaders really need to stop doing: stop throwing your title over people (and cursing them just because they don’t have a title like you do) and stop having people that only have titles as the only people allowed in your inner circle.

If the leaders can’t get it together, what chance does the flock have? We want the signs and wonders, but we don’t want to check our egos at the front door. We want to preach and prove who we are as whatever title we have, but we show so much partiality to our brother and sister (coupled with hate and malice). Yep, somebody’s offended right now. But get this, we’re people who will take offense more to what somebody didn’t intend to do over when somebody intended to do (and this how we act in the Body of Christ).

I’m just wanted to be brief with this. Peace!

The Mayne Man ... (drops mic)

Lost In The Wilderness

I initially started typing this near the end of 2011 when I was going my dark spell (in fact, part of ties directly into the epilogue of my novel Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Stupid). Of course, I had to stop working on this blog to deal with my issues and complete the novel. But now it’s time for me to pick this back up. Everything that’s in red is what I typed at the end of 2011 and 99% of it is kept in its original form.

The children of Israel in Numbers 13 & 14 were a perfect example of what it means to be lost in the wilderness. Instead of relying on God that they could take this land, they chose to have a pity party. In fact, they thought they could live on top of the world by going back to Egypt, so they said amongst themselves to choose a leader and then go back to Egypt. Joshua & Caleb were the only 2 out of the 12 spies that said that the children of Israel could take the land. And what do stubborn/selfish people do, they do what’s right in their own eyes (and they said to stone Joshua & Caleb with stones). As a result, God forced them to suffer in the wilderness for 40 years. But there was one problem; Joshua & Caleb were to also suffer because they were part of a team.

Now let’s define what wilderness means: it means barren area, or it could mean an uncomfortable situation (that makes somebody feel confused, overwhelmed or desolate). So, the children of Israel were to remain lost in the wilderness for 40 years and they would die. Now, let’s fast forward to today. Many people are lost in their personal wilderness and if we don’t minister to their needs, they could die there (but there could be blood on our hands if it was in our power to pull them out).

Our lack of sympathy for those who are hurting is going to cause a lot of casualties. I believe in the future that many will sacrifice their lives to save a soul and some will die in misery to their own selfishness. We need to stop focusing on health and finances for self-glorification and start caring for others. I’m sure if an issue attacked your home, you’d call your cousin and your family for prayer. This selfish spirit needs to go! In Acts, healings and miracles occurred when the church was on one accord. We need a shakedown! It’s sad that we can’t agree on what’s right and what’s wrong (example: is abortion a sin or not). Can two walk together except they be agreed? And we’re allowing the devil to create this division.

To say that the body of Christ is perfect, is called being blind to reality. We are sinful people and we’ll never be perfect. It’s our job to ensure that we push each other to holiness for the glory of God. To pick on people who nit-pick the problems within the church (especially if it’s legitimate – such as pastors sleeping with little boys), is defending sin. We can’t afford to be lost in the wilderness like the children of Israel.

2 Cor. 4:3-4 in summary says if the gospel is hid to those who are lost for the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe. I could plant a seed, but when 99% is swarmed in darkness, it's going to require more than a seed plant - the seed has to be watered with prayer and possibly fasting. These are tools that the Christian has, but are failing to utilize unless it's for our own loved one or for someone in their closed circle (that's fine, but what about expanding it as well). What about the lost people, we need to pray for them. Translation: we need to get out of the - what's in it for me prayer!
Part of the reason why we as a church get an F minus is because of selfishness and lack of togetherness. I pray this for me, me, me and this is why we're losing its effectiveness in the world. People don't need to remain lost in the wilderness to end up going to the lake of fire with the help of the church.

If the church can’t come together on one accord, what chance does the world have? If the leaders within a church can’t come together on one accord, what chance does the sheep have? If we don’t change and care about the things that matter to God; people are going to die with the help of the church. As a result, there will be a lot of blood on our hands. Maybe I should become selfish and focus on the needs of my family. We have forgotten within the book of Acts, healing and miracles occurred when people were on one accord, and one mind. I would like to believe that the apostles dropped everything to ensure they were on one accord. In other words, their lives were not their own. It was all about serving and not to be served. Christ came to serve and not be served. It’s a tragedy to even think that we can’t even do that. Our lives are for the glory of God and He doesn’t want anyone to perish. We can quote John 3:16 back and forth, and we should have a burning passion within us to not see anyone perish.

Someone needs to stand up and say “enough is enough. I can’t continue to leave in the ‘it’s all about me’ mentality.” Think about this: when we have a crisis in our lives or within our circle, we’ll stop what we’re doing and ask everyone we know for prayer. It’s a grave concern when we don’t think about someone we may not know who needs to experience the love of Christ. We don’t want to take the time to understand what’s going on in their lives. We’ll just shake our head and say “I’m sorry, I’ll pray for you.” We need to seek God and intercede for people in need of love, healing, etc. In order for us to make a major impact in the world, we can’t afford to stay in our comfort ones. Yes, we can encourage each other, but what about the lost sheep. I hope we don’t get so caught up on the 99 sheep that are found that the lost sheep stays lost and ends up lost forever. What’s the point of staying a Christian if we’re staying in our own bubble?

This is why the world doesn’t want to come to church. Why come to church and be divided when I can stay home and be divided?

In summary: the wilderness is not a fun place to be. Looking back between May 2011 and February 2012, I was in my personal wilderness and I’ll be the first to tell that it is not a fun place to be. I do thank those who stayed with me through it, and now that I’m out, I’m obligated to help somebody else out of their wilderness.

Blessings:

The Mayne Man

Our Attitudes As Christians

I would like to extend to a huge thanks to two authors for inspiring this blogpost (Danielle Taylor & Cynthia Lamb). I believe that our attitudes as Christians need to change for the better; if we don't, we will have a lot of blood on our hands and perpetrate the fraud thinking we're doing Kingdom business. I have a lot of topics to cover on this topic, so I will get directly to the point. You see, our selfishness attitudes, our pride and egos as Christians is why we are failing at Kingdom business.

I hear this phrase quite a bit from Christians, "I'm cutting people off cause they're not adding growth or I can't be around them cause they have too many issues, or cause they don't support my favorite preacher, gospel artist, etc." Here's a rhetorical question: Did Jesus ever cut anybody off? Many people would look to Judas, but the truth is that Judas cut himself off. God never cut anybody off (He pronounced judgment only because they cut themselves off from Him). So how dare we think that we're bigger than Jesus by cutting people off? What makes this even worse is that we cut people off due to minor issues (such as the things mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph). Now I did cut one person off by blocking them (this was a stalker case and due to her mental state). Now that doesn't mean that I won't stop loving her or praying for her. See, when we tend to cut people off, we do it with so much malice that we act no different than the world. Here's a question worth considering: have you ever prayed for anyone you've cut off, or did you frown your nose when you cut them off? In all seriousness, it shows that we are on the throne and not God. Let me make something clear: I'm not saying that you don't use discernment when you deal with people, you MUST do that.

Our attitudes actually aid to the number of agnostics and atheists. If we were to show love and compassion towards them (because God loves them too), they would see how real Christ is. Yes, they ultimately make the final decision, but we don't want to hinder them with our pride and ego. Sadly, there are times they get it better than we do due to our behavior.

One of my dear friends made this comment: when you have Christians going overseas to preach the gospel versus preaching in their own state (due to fear, burned out), that's a sign that we're not heeding the New Testament (thinking on scriptures such as bearing one another's burdens, and pairing up in twos - to witness, and pray in agreement). But at the same token, another sister friend said that missionaries overseas are coming over to witness to us because we're too complacent with the gospel (I would even add the fact that we are so partial to the gospel, that we would rather hand around our respective cliques - you must go to my church to be a part of my circle - and the 99 found sheep). So, what have we shown to the world? How to be fragmented and divided. Now how's that for Kingdom business?

How did we ever get to the place that we will attack those who are truly God's anointed versus those who are perpetrating a fraud? We will tear down those who God put up, and we lift up people who we KNOW are living foul and will cover it up cause they itch our ears? What does that show? We're selfish (and heaven forbid that we call it out, then we have to hear "you're judging." And don't let me tell you that I'm in sin, for you would end that friendship with me quickly - but then you want me to show love and compassion when you slip and fall). Also, how did we get to the place where we base our friendships and associations based on who gives us goosebumps, itches our ears, and supports our personal agenda? What about God's agenda and what He wants us to do? And the last thing for this point: how did we get to the place where we tell people who are going through to "Talk to God" but then turn around and want them to stop what we're doing to pray for us? That is not only discrimination, but it's also hypocritical and we need to repent for our behavior.

There are things that people will want to debate you over such as "how come you don't defend my pastor, or my church?" and we Christians will get mad (and scholarly I might add) if we don't defend their pastor, their church, etc. I'm not saying this is arbitrarily a bad thing, but when it takes precedence over the Bible, then it's a major problem!

The last thing I want to touch on is "titles." When we put our title over the fact that we're a child of God first (and you drop your sanctification if you're recognized for your title), then we have a serious problem. Now, you can call yourself what you want, I still consider you a child of God first (but I will respect your title and your position). And granted, I may have a title, but I also know that my title is not who I am ultimately. I'm a friend/child of God (and a brother in Christ) first.

Yes, I know that we're going to be hated by men, but it's a travesty when hatred comes from those who say they're in the body of Christ. If we keep pride, egotism as our attitudes in the body of Christ, we'll be doing more harm than good when it comes to Kingdom business.

Now, this post is really out of love and concern, and really a plea that we've got to get back to being on one accord. If we really want the signs and wonders in Acts 2 (as well as seeing many get saved), we have to be on one accord (of course, not solely for the signs and wonders, that's what God wants from us anyway). It's been said, we will be known by our fruit, not by our prosperity!

Blessings.

The Mayne Man

Are You Being Exploited?

Unexpected Intro: I didn’t plan this introduction, but God just showed me something that is very crucial (so if you’re reading this post around 6:30pm tonight, what I was shown occurred within the past hour. I had written the actual lesson earlier today, of course minus this paragraph). I have found that most people who are being exploited live under the banner of “You Can’t Judge Me!” In fact, they will take that a step further and say, “not only you can judge the person (which we actually can’t do), but you can’t judge the actions (which we can do).” Exploited people will never want to own up to the fact they’re being exploited, so they live in a constant defensive state. They will defend those in the pulpit (who are actually living foul), they will defend those who are not even Christians and say they are Christians, and lastly, they will defend whatever belief system they believe knowing there’s a strong chance their beliefs are wrong.

The focus passage will be 2 Peter 2:1-3. It says: But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

I like the KJV’s term for sensuality, they use pernicious ways (translation: sexual immoral).

I remember when I was a baby Christian reading this, and I thought about this one man who came on the radio and he was constantly begging for people to send $500 or $1,000 and that would eventually drive me away from listening to his show. But as I’ve gotten older, I would see ministers and gospel music artists who have pernicious ways, exploiting Christians with their false words. I’ve said it on multiple occasions that we Christians can be so gullible at times. We’ll buy into anything or anyone that says God or Christian, not even thinking a second that a person is NOT a Christian, but actually a Yoruba priestess (translation: an astrologist). And yes, there are supposed Christian ministers following people who are not Christians for the sake of unity and/or coexisting. Now you can say, oh, this is outreach and don’t judge! Are you serious? It’s easier to pull someone off the table (especially if your faith was wavering since day one) than it is to bring someone up to the table (of course, all things are possible with God).

Let’s talk for a minute about what Yoruba is about (since many of us have our heads stuck in the sand). The Yoruba believes that all human beings possess what is known as destiny/fate and are expected to eventually become one in spirit with the divine creator and source of all energy). The thoughts and actions of each person in the physical realm interact with all other living things, including the Earth itself. Each person attempts to achieve transcendence and find their destiny in the spiritual realm of those who do good and beneficial things. One’s spiritual consciousness in the physical realm must grow in order to consummate union with one’s spiritual self. The Yoruba believe in reincarnation within the family. The names Babatunde (father returns), Yetunde (Mother returns), Babatunji (Father wakes once again) and Sotunde (The wise man returns) all offer vivid evidence of the Ifa concept of familial or lineal rebirth. There is no simple guarantee that your grandfather or great uncle will “come back” in the birth of your child, however.

How dare we Christians allowing someone who believe what I just typed to FIX OUR LIVES! If we feel they can actually fix our lives, than every other religion should be able to fix our lives. Jesus is the only one who can fix our lives, if we humble ourselves and give Him our hearts!

One of the reasons why we’re being exploited is because our flesh is being satisfied. The minute someone hear words such as declare, decree, increase or money, we near drop our sanctification cause we now have goose bumps. Never mind if the person speaking it has pernicious ways (or is “fruity”). A leader is to set the example for the church. But of course we don’t hold leaders accountable, we pacify them instead (hence we have the cycle of the blind following the blind).

Of course, this brings me into the next passage from 2 Timothy 4:3-4. The reason why many of us don’t hold people accountable is because we have heaped to ourselves teachers having itching ears and have turned unto fables. Why haven’t we rebuked leaders and/or ministers who go on National TV and say that Jesus is not the only way to heaven? And why haven’t we rebuked those who don’t preach salvation from the platform because I don’t want to offend people? I’ll tell you why we haven’t done it. We’ve been exploited by these false ministers and false gospel artists, our flesh is getting immediate gratification, and we have goose bumps. And as a result, we give to what we know or might not know is false! When we’re in that exploited state of mine, we say what the children of Israel say in Isaiah 30:10 to those who are exploiting us, “prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.”

Now you know when the world glorifies Christians that constitutes a major problem! James 3:1 says clearly that there should not be many teachers for they will receive the greater condemnation.

In closing, 2 Peter 2:3 (in the KJV) says “and through covetousness shall these false teachers with feigned words make merchandise of you.” This is saying that these people will do what they can to steal your money! Do you get this? Just because your flesh is being satisfied by certain words they say, doesn’t mean they’re legit. They could use the Christian lingo all day long, but you could be giving to someone who’s just a hireling or is part of a religion that’s not even Christian. Try every spirit, not every spirit who says God or Christian is part of the body of Christ, not every spirit in your church is a true to the bone Christian, not every spirit who sings gospel is a Christian. Seriously people, we need to heed 2 John 10-11 when it says “receive them not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

The AMCC (Part 2: The Found Sheep)

In Luke 15:1-7, we find Jesus telling Pharisees and the teachers of the Law a parable about the lost sheep. Notice by the title, I’m going to reverse the parable.

The summary of the parable in Luke 15:1-7 is that one who goes looking for the sheep that’s lost and that heaven rejoices over the one sheep that was lost is found. Those in the AMCC rejoice more over the found sheep than they do the lost sheep. Remember in Part 1 (using myself as the example for this): the AMCC would consist of me, my family in my clique. The AMCC focuses on ensuring the safety of the 99 sheep that are found and let the one sheep that’s lost stay lost and they don’t even get prayed for (unless it’s someone within their own circle, then they’ll call everyone to prayer cause it’s part of their clique). Tragically, the one who’s lost and on their way to hell, doesn’t even get prayed for, and then have the nerve to point a finger when they don’t even go to church. I experienced something like this in 2011 when I had a heart for someone, and many people who are plagued with the AMCC mentality told me to let that person that’s lost go, we care about ensuring you remain part of the found sheep. Again, if it was someone within their family, we pray. It’s easy to be in the AMCC because is structured and comfortable. And if a person has a leadership role within the AMCC, it’s definitely a place of comfort and a position of power (and everyone beneath must submit).

The AMCC is one that is focused on ensuring that the gifts and talents of members who attend this church, stay in the church (for some churches, it’s called the law of consecration). All of your times, gifts and talents must be used for the service of the local church, denomination, and for the building of the local church (to make the church and the pastoral team look good). If you dare to step outside that box, you are set apart because you’re making an impact not only in the local church and environment around you (and you’re not looking for attention). But the pastoral team and leaders within the community aren’t getting the glory that they want – and that’s typically the mentality of the AMCC. My former church was a great example of this: they were focused on the found sheep and if we did go and witness to someone, it was to bring them to church and let the pastor indoctrinate them to his teachings (of course, his prayers for people who wanted to know the Lord were along the lines of submitting to his teachings – that men be the lord over the house and slap their wives if they don’t submit to his teachings).

In my current church, we had a guest preacher from New Orleans around November of 2012 and he talked about what I’m talking about since the last part of 2011 (I will focus on what he said in Part 3). The tragedy is that no one really wanted to talk about the lesson after the service after church; they were focused on ensuring that a seat was occupied, they had favor with the pastoral team and that they were on the role of attendance.

I will close Part 2 with something Joyce Meyer said (I don’t agree with everything she says, but she hit this on the nail). She said this, in quote: “there’s someone around you that you’re giving up on, don’t give up on them because it’s the most comfortable thing for you. Make sure you go to God and ask Him if He wants you to give up on them. Are you ready for me to turn my back on this person and walk away? We say we want to be used by God, but do we really? Do you really want a ministry? We beg God to use us for His glory, to show us our calling and our ministry; but we don’t want to be around sinners or anyone that makes us uncomfortable. We don’t want to stick with people that don’t just make us feel icky and give us goosebumps all the time! We have to get to the point where we say, I’m not here just to make myself happy. And you’re just going to have to be uncomfortable at times.”

She just told us how to break free from the AMCC mentality. Stay tuned for Part 3.

The AMCC (Part 1: Its Origins)

Around November 2011, when my life was going down the toilet, God was speaking to me about many churches today. Yes, I’m in church, but I noticed a common trend occurring (and it tied into the state of the economy). Many people have asked me, what does the AMCC stand for? It simply stands for the American Middle Class Church. I took some heat from those in my current church, and I’m sure I’ll take some heat for this now. It doesn’t concern me in the least. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the AMCC per se, when the mentality overrides the Bible, then there’s a serious problem (and I believe on some level, it has).

So, where does their origin begin? Well, in life, there are three classes of people and their economic state. You have the rich, the middle-class and the poor. I work in a system where the majority (if not all) would be classified as middle-class. There’s nothing wrong with that. Because of the pressures of the economy, what you find is that attitudes are based on what the economy is doing and not based on the word of God. The attitude I found to be true (especially in 2011) was this: I will do what I can to protect me, my family and my clique within my place of employment. You could call that the dog-eat-dog syndrome also. What you have here is nothing more than a middle-class fight. If you’ve been around me long enough, you would hear me say that the middle-class fight is going to get worse as the years progress.

What is sad is that we carry that same mentality over into the church world. If you have wealth, you’re frowned upon, and if you’re poor, you’re frowned upon as well. In the church world, you have many churches that you would probably call a middle class church. But because most of our demeanor has been protecting me, my family and my clique, that mentality carries over and we use that same principle when it comes to prayer, and if someone is in need. If you’re outside the circle, you’ll get help, but also be snickered behind your back (or they’ll internally gloat knowing that you need them). Heaven forbid someone outside a person’s circle is thinking about ending their life. The simple words “get over it” would be used. If they’re part of the clique, they’ll be showered with prayer and anything else that would show favoritism. If you speak out of this mentality or the schisms within the church that even look like this mentality, you’ll be called out as being cynical. Most people who cry “you are being cynical” are simply immune to it and are comfortable in this mentality. In this mentality, it’s real easy to become complacent and have your head stuck in the sand. It’s easy to identify someone in this church – example: you may have some that want to help others outside their AMCC wall (and that’s a good thing), but because they may feel trapped in the wall, they remain there and end up losing effectiveness because they don’t go down to their level. They’ll stay within those walls, and talk down to you when you don’t measure up to them. That’s not getting a full picture of where others outside your AMCC circle are.

Part 2 will discuss a parable of Jesus and how this ties into the AMCC. Stay tuned.

The Meaning of Coming Together (On One Accord)

Many of you are familiar with a song entitled Come Together (from the Beatles). The song itself will not be the focus of this blog. However, I will talk about the body of Christ and the need for the body to come together on one accord.

It’s been said that I take issues that I see in the body of Christ as being cynical, I see it more as a call to accountability (yes, I admit that I go overboard at times). Consider this: when I got deep into church in 1996/1997, most of the churches were focusing on this topic Race, Religion & Racism. One thing the pastor said that was critical was that the church is the most racist organization and that somebody has to talk about it and deal with it. The problem is that we have been sitting around not doing anything about it. That's his quote, which I agree. When I left my former church in 2000 due to control issues (the lesson I gained was that a clean-up job needs to be done and more accountability is needed especially to the leader). Another lesson is that in order to minister the world, we have to keep striving for a life that pleases God (I'm not exempt from this either). For a leader to have that much control (saying that if you miss a Thursday/Sunday service, you're taking a vacation from God), can devastate lives. I didn't get upset about leaving, if anything, I gained a lesson which is another one of my passions (which I probably do get carried away with), in order to change the world, we need to be accountable to each other, our lifestyles must be subject to the Bible and leaders are not without reproach. I don't say this out of anger, but out of a heartfelt love for the church. I understand that we're living in the last days, and people will be lovers of self, gathering teachers that say what they want to hear. I don't want you to think that I go around looking for church issues, that's not my personality. I am very open with people, in the hopes that we can be honest with each other and that we can meet each other where we are without damaging a soul. I will confess to you all that I have anger issues (especially when it's a cause that I believe in strongly). Granted, when I came to college (and some of you might remember this), my attitude was simply this: either you will live by this Bible or you will die to it. It's just that simple! That approach was a little too extreme, I'll admit that.

One thing that's a concern is when some people say that the church is perfect and never question a leader. One of the problems within the church is when it's time to speak up, we don't and then we turn around and point fingers when prayers are removed out of the school. I believe that we all can be free and not let the devil have access to our lives, if we come together on one accord (again, this is one of the lessons I learned early in my Christian walk) - the scripture base is the book of Acts. Acts was one of my favorite books when I in college. I was always convicted when I would think of seeing the disciples being beaten and still praising God. I'll admit I've slipped recently from having the attitude like the disciples due to my own sin and fear. I'll openly admit that.

In summary: if we don’t come together, the world is going to die. I hope that we can cease from pointing fingers at the world saying “oh well, they’re going to hell.”

The Untouchables of the American Church

Prelude: before you read this post, I want to inform you that I agree with this 150%. This was written by my editor & fellow author Shantae Charles. I remember her telling me a month ago she was planning to write this, and I was waiting for it. She released this on her blog page last week and it was fire! I'm with her when she says, "if you can't tell it, let me tell it!" Most of you know, that's how I am (especially if you went to FAMU with me between 1998 - 2001). With that said, you will probably get offended by this, but I'd advise you to pray about what you''ve just read.   

 

        As I begin this blog, I want to make it clear: the Pastoral calling, and indeed the calling to 5-fold ministry (Eph 4:11-14) is one of the most daunting and rewarding calls one can recieve from God. As a minister who is called to 5-fold ministry, I count it an honor that God counted me worthy putting me into ministry. I am also blessed to have been discipled and trained under pastoral leadership both past and present that has been full of integrity and full of the Holy Spirit's empowerment. I know that many people complain about their church or Pastors, but this is NOT a complaint. I hope to encourage the 5-fold ministry while at the same time provoke my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to good works and greater relationship with Jesus Christ.

         Jesus said that those who are not saved, are already condemned. He came to provide good news, news of salvation and deliverance, news of healing and forgiveness. Once we have recieved that message, and been grafted in to the Body of Christ, the fold of God, through justification, we emark on a lifelong journey with God in fellowship, in discipleship, in community with other believers, and along the way, we mess up. We screw up royally. We confess, we repent, we ask for God's forgiveness, and faithfully God provides it (I John 1:9).

But, what happens to us when we no longer want to hear the message of the cross? When our walk becomes comfortable and we take a laissez-faire, "let it be" approach to sin? What happens when church becomes just another thing "to do" instead of another opportunity "to change", to be renewed in the spirit of our mind, to understand what it means to put on Christ and not fulfill the desires of the flesh/carnal man?

Well, we come upon what I call The Untouchables: things that many pastors are inceasingly having a hard time addressing over the pulpit or have stopped addressing altogether for fear of losing membership, social or political reprisals (losing a pastorate), economic reprisals (decrease in tithe and offering to support church ministry), and as our laws becoming increasingly "anti-Christian", time in jail. Though there are many more, here are 8 of what I call The Untouchables of the American Church and the attitudes that go along with them.

1. "Don't preach to me about music."

"Yes, I will sell my soul for a Jay-Z, Beyonce, etc. concert ticket, and don't expect me to show up for service if the concert is on the same night as Bible Study...So what if their lyrics mock/deny Christ, and make fun of all that is good, glorifies sex outside of marriage, hustling, drugs, gang violence...the beat is thumping, you can't deny that.

2. "Don't interfere with my love/Sex life."

"So what if I want to be with more than one partner? That wait until marriage idea is archaic. Besides we both agreed to this open marriage...its what's in right now. You've got to try the relationship out first before you settle down with one person, right?"

3. "Don't preach to me about "rights to life."

"Its my body and I can do what I want with it...despite the fact that most abortions are not occuring because the mother's life is in danger, or because of incest or sexual abuse...so what? If I want to use abortion like its birth control, who are you to tell me what to do?"

4. "Don't tell me homosexuality is a sin."

"Look, you just need to get over this, okay? People have been doing this for centuries and its not going to stop. Besides, my Mom, BFF, Uncle, Grandpa, and favorite singers are gay and they're nice to me, so, what's the big deal? You should be able to be with who you want to, right?"

5. "Don't tell me my political views are wrong."

"My president is black, and that's all that matters to me, and if you say another word, I'll shut your mouth for you...besides, faith shouldn't play a role in how you vote and what bills you support, right?"

6. "Don't tell me my appetite is out of control."

"Look, you're not Richard Simmons, so don't even try to tell me what to eat...so what my blood pressure is a little high, and I'm ignoring all the medical advice I have recieved from medical professionals...I'm going to eat, drink, and be merry. End of discussion."

7. "Don't preach to me about my social life."

"You're on thin ice,now. I've sacrificed to join this organization, I've given my time, money, blood, sweat, and tears, I've got too much invested and I'm not giving it up...besides, if you just give me some time, I know I can win them over."

8. "Don't preach about my vices.(Drinking, Obscene Language, Gambling, Smoking)"

"I know, I know, they're bad for me, but everything in moderation, right? My habits aren't really hurting anybody, as long as I only socially drink, and I don't smoke around my kids...so what if I fly off the handle? Everybody gets angry and has an off day, right? Oh, and if I hit the jackpot, I fully intend to donate to the church, okay? Just, leave me alone! I'm only human."

The above attitudes may surprise you, but what surprises me the most is that these attitudes are reflected by Believers in conversation and demonstration. When you have attitudes like this, it is no wonder 1,500 Pastors daily on estimate leave the ministry. If Pastors can't address the things in our lives that fuel carnality and unrighteousness, then where does that leave the church? We have to be a body of believers willing to hear the truth regardless of whether it is socially or politically correct. Our main concern should be whether it is Biblically correct. Is this for my spiritual good? Is my lifestyle leading me to eternal life or eternal death? Pastors have a serious charge to provide us with truth, to mature us in righteousness, and to give account for our soul, if we have been placed in their flock.

The Apostle Paul and other apostles throughout the letters to the church (not unbelievers) addressed some of these very same issues: sexual immorality, reveling, unnatural affection, sobriety of the saints, filthy language & communication, and so forth. Yet, at a very critical time in world history, and indeed church history, it appears the church is still needing milk. We must go on to maturity, but we must be a church committed to holiness, righteousness,truth and purity, which by the way are required of all church regardless of denomination or non-denomination. God is coming back for the  Church, His Bride without spot and wrinkle, not a church that excuses or makes excuses for a stained garment.

I encourage you, as I was challenged by the Lord, to examine yourself and see if you are in the faith. I encourage Pastors to not back down from the hard issues, the "untouchables" and preach the unadulterated Word of God. We're counting on you!

Blessings, Peace, and Church Love