The Marvelous Message

Most Americans know the phrase, “Innocent until proven guilty.” This is one crucial foundation of America’s judicial system and is quoted in the United States Constitution under The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 11, which states: " Everyone   charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence." In article 10, the right for a fair trial is also mentioned. On the surface, these principles give a strong assurance that justice will prevail in almost every court case; however, no matter what laws are passed or principles instilled, mankind is corrupt. In light of such depravity, we often see justice, in this life, become buried under the weight of bribery, deception, connections, fear, and position. Claims of wrongdoing have often been squelched by threats or appeased through payouts. There is also another factor involved ...

Just a few years ago, studies revealed that less than 40% of people who claim a religious background go to church services. Around 28% claim to attend at least once a week, 8% once a month, and 4% once a year. Whether these statistics are accurate or not, for many churches, there is a steady decline in membership each year. I have often been asked why so many people, especially young adults, leave the church and what can be done to ensure stability. Of course, the solution is not so easily attained. There are many reasons people hardly darken church doors. It is all rooted in one’s perception of the church, ranging from misguided notions that faith equals ignorance to hurt emotions one faced during a time of church conflict. Try to describe your view of the American church in one word. I will list some that I have heard others use: hypocrites, cultish, uninformed, divided etcetera. Now, you will find that many of the people that say such things are only mouthing what they have seen,...

     In my last two articles, I explained two imperative steps that are needed for a diminishing church to thrive once more. First, genuine confession as revealed in James 5:16. Second , renewed dedication as revealed in Romans 12:1-2. As I stated before, I am in no way claiming to be some grand expert in the field of church growth. I am simply magnifying what has already been established in the scriptures. Also, I would encourage you to read the book Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer. It is an easy read, but very informative to what a dying church really looks like and what can be done about it.      You must understand that all of us has to be careful when it comes to relying on steps, formulas, and principles. Because, Christians tend to employ more devotion and care in following a “do good” checklist rather than in simply walking with God. Throughout my life, I have heard preachers say, “If you love God, then you’ll do more for Him!” Ins...

      My last article partially summarized the book by Thom Rainer called Autopsy of a Deceased Church. It gives interesting insights as to whether a church is healthy, sick, or near death. In 2014, over 3500 churches closed their doors. There are stats that show this to be the yearly average, while others record twice this amount! Of course, some are willing to point out the claim that yearly there are slightly more new church plants in America than there are church closings. However, the questions still remain as to why so many churches close and how a congregation can remedy this.      Sadly, some church members write off their declining attendance by affirming that people are more wicked and the younger generation just wants to be entertained. Though on the surface it may appear this way to an average church goer, this kind of cynical attitude is just a cop-out. People say this when they don’t want to take responsibility for their...

The teaching that Christ will return for His church before the tribulation, is a fairly new one by history’s standards. It was pushed mainly in the 1800s by many Puritans and several prominent preachers such as John Darby and later C.I. Scofield. In my teen years, I attended a church that was a huge proponent of this pre-millennial doctrine. For years, I never questioned it. Why should I? It sounded so nice that I might escape physical death and be free from intense persecution. There were also, at the time, books and movies being made that touted this same view, so it had to be true, right? Of course, when I began studying the passages that supposedly support the idea of the rapture before the tribulation, I saw that such teaching was based more out of an ingrained system of thought, rather than out of genuine scriptural truth. Are there verses that could be plucked out of context and made to fit this view? Certainly. There are also many other passages that reveal something fa...

We have our spiritual programs, concerts, and conferences We have mounted our doctrines, promoted our denominations, and pushed our preferences We have booked calendars, busy lives, and countless bibles We have bumper stickers about faith, T-Shirts with scripture, and a mass marketed message of the gospel Yet, there is a steep decline in church attendance, a constant scorn for holy living, and a growing disdain for one's fellow man There is confusion over identity, carelessness over eternity, and an increase of biblical incompetence Perhaps it is because Christians have sought the favor of man above the fullness of the Spirit We have heralded our denominational differences, rather than proclaim the gospel to all who will hear it We mask our fear of complete surrender by hiding in a pew and handing over a tithe We timidly wade the surface of Christ-likeness rather than willingly take the glorious dive We must come ...

My most despicable Marah, The abyss of my heart has grown beyond measure! Everything your sister has told me about your efforts - how undeniably successful they are - is just another reminder as to why I always saw myself in you. So, that foolish grungy has finally declared himself as bishop. Naturally, during their meeting, there was tremendous conflict and a choosing of sides. Classic. It reminds me of the struggle at Corinth, when so many fought over who was on Paul's side and who was on Apollos' side. Of course, you are much too young to know what I am referring to! Now, I must remind you that there is still much work to be done. Divide and conquer. The ecclessia is split, therefore, waste no time instilling pride and hatred. I know you are enticing our self exalted puppet to start his own assembly, which is good, but before he does, through slander and lies, he must cripple those who withstood him. Make him feel betrayed. As if he were a great captain who ...

These letters are   written in a similar tone as Screwtape letters. In no way do they bear the same wonderful wit and style that only came from C.S. Lewis, but my attempt is to portray how spiritual wickedness in high places can infect the church.  If you are not familiar with the Screwtape letters, then know that the backdrop of these writings is about a demon writing to her granddaughter on how to tempt a local church that is going through the fallout of their pastor  shipwrecking  his ministry.  My most despicable Marah,             Dibbah, your sister, has just informed me that over fifty grungies have left the ecclesia. I know how thrilled you are over this, and I am glad that you took my advice, as you should, but don’t think that for one second your mission is complete! One grungy wholly committed to that enemy is something to be reckoned with. Luckily, because of our advances, very fe...

Just a little intro. Lord willing, I am going to post each week a letter that is written by one named "Madam Darkshade." The style of these letters are very similar to C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters. The Backdrop is different and obviously my wit, writing skill, and intelligence, will never even graze the surface of his writings. My intention is solely to bring to light inward battles that churches face across this world. May it be a blessing. My most despicable Marah, You are thriving in the ways of your father, not like his foolish brother, who will never be missed. I must warn you though not to get complacent in your duties. Indeed, this beautiful poison seeps deep into the hearts of many of those vile grungies, but your mission requires the utmost belligerence. I am assigning you Moloch’s previous task for he is moving up in rank and will soon be part of the glorious elite. There have been countless successes much like your mission, but be vig...

Not long ago, I watched a video on Youtube that was about a special “sunday service” for professed atheists. It was called Sunday Assembly . The oddity of such a gathering came when I realized that almost every aspect of the service was a direct “look-alike” to the average Sunday morning worship programs held in churches across America. There was singing. In fact one of the songs was about “keeping your head up” (Of course, my thoughts are why you would need your head to be “up”, if there is no hope written on the stars). There was a special speaker who used various anecdotes which rehashed the atheistic “creed” that you only live once and then death, so you are to make the most out of life (Again, quandaries abound when one realizes that the path of “making the most out of life” is always relative to people's perception of what gives life meaning.) Also, during the service, there was a time of giving in which certain individuals would pass out a donation box. Of course, I ...