This is frustrating

So lately I have been really really frustrated with a lot of stuff. Mainly it has to do with church and such. I’ve just noticed how corrupt everything is…like this whole thing with Oprah. She has a church of over two million and nothing she teaches lines up with scripture at all. It’s just scary. It seems as though a new thing pops up  everyday that fulfills another part of scripture. I don’t want to be one of those Christian idealists that runs through the streets screaming “the end of the world is here! Repent!!!” Though entertaining the thought of time as we know it coming to an end somewhere in the near future is becoming more and more necessary. The Bible says that towards the end there will be many false teachers, and people are going to lap up whatever they say as soon as it leaves their lips. “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

There is proof of this every time you turn on the tv. I was watching the tube one night and happened upon one of those “religious inspiration” channels that are doing everything they can to scrap a few pennies from the onlookers at home. I have seen a lot of ridiculous things on those channels, but the other night really made me mad. There was this pastor-can’t think of his name right off- but he was giving away manna, saying that “this is the same exact food that God dropped from the Heavens.” Not only that, but he said that when you eat this manna, you will immediately become prosperous…and people were buying into it! They had countless interviews with people saying that after they ate it, they became rich. One lady found a five thousand dollar check, another closed on her dream home, and so on. Since when did the Bible say that eating manna will make you rich? Since when does the Bible teach anything of that nature? It doesn’t!

That is one thing that really annoys me about Joel Osteen’s church. Me and a good friend of mine were talking about this recently. All of his messages are the exact same thing. He gives a success story of his life, says that God’s greatest desire is for us to have an “abundant life,” and then gives steps on how to become financially successful or land that job or make more friends or move into that big house. Sure it may sound comforting, but it is nothing but lies! Straight up lies! In fact, I was watching one sermon that Joel preached where he told his congregation that Jesus died on the cross for us to have an abundant life. He used a verse in Ephesians to “back up” his claims, and then completely altered it…and people are buying into this too! Millions and millions of them! If I could let one thing be known in all of this, it would be that Christ did not die for us to have an “abundant life.” In fact, 1 John 3 tells us not to be surprised if the world hates us. In other words, when you are in Christ, your reward is after this life. If you are a Christian, your soul purpose is to tell others of the love of Christ, not try to have as much fun here on earth while you can. The Bible doesn’t promise financial success, big houses, lots of friends, and a happy life. Being a Christian means sacrificing everything you have for the cause of Christ. Most of the important figures in the Bible suffered
for the cause of Christ. Look at Paul. He had a miserable life! But he was okay with it because he knew that he was sacrificing himself for God’s glory, and that was far better than anything worldly could ever provide. He knew his reward would come at the end.

I realize I am guilty of many things when it comes to this stuff…we all are. No matter how bold we are in our faith, there is always room to grow. Trust me, I should be a whole lot bolder when it comes to standing up for Christ. I just pray that God will strengthen me, strengthen all of us in the midst of all of this. I pray that He will provide wisdom so that we may understand what is right as opposed to what makes us feel good. There is a lot more I would like to get out, but it’s late and I’m tired of writing.
Good night, and thanks for listening to my complaining.