All our lives we have attempted to fit in with the roles, rituals and demands of this world, must we now face the same exclusionary tactics, peer pressure and conformity within the church?  It is foolish to believe that the largest segment of our ministry is toward the lost when we see so many wounded, wandering and misdirected babes within the churches.  Elders have capitulated to the accounting sheets, leaders clamor for the next great idea to bring tithing bodies into the churches and Pastors have become slaves to banking, bills and adherence to growth plans.  Where are the kneeling pews of yesteryear?  Shall a five minute alter call be the only moments of humility we spend before the Spirit of Almighty God.  Conversations crowd-out prolonged and peaceful contemplation, fellowship curtails the prolonged moments spent in the God’s Presence.  What ever happened to meditation and prayer?  When will we pay heed to our own edification before expecting the world to change?  Have we so quenched the influence of the Holy Spirit that the Bride of Jesus lay powerless?

I have been called to tell the truth of Gods Word, regardless of where and when the need arises. He calls me to deep inspection and reflection upon His Holy Word.  How can any man possibly be guilty of praying too much, when the Lord calls us to be doing so unceasingly?  Is there any wonder that through this diligent pursuit I have developed a close relationship with the Lord and He has blessed me with wisdom and knowledge?  Isn’t that the formula clearly established with His teaching?  Why then now do you call me crazy as the things He tells me stand up to comparison with His Blessed Gospel?  Shall I be silent as the Lord bids me shout, would you have me sit when the Lord tells me to stand or walk out in courage and faith?  What does a membership have to do with a Christian being able to sing out strong to the Lord, in front of the saints?  What are we doing church?  There is still time to rethink our stances, to move out from our idleness and ritual, to be found doing the work He warned us to be diligent in completing.

Did Steven get asked about his academic credentials before giving, perhaps one of the greatest testimonies, effectively astounding the Pharisees and Sadducees?  Don’t we as layman, hold the responsibility of fulfilling whatever purpose God has set before us, or should we step aside and leave all that labor to the trained academician or expository professional?  Should all the visits, soup kitchens, hospitals and streets of ill repute be free from the voices of saved men, if a preacher has neither the will, time or gumption to so venture?  Pastors, be advised, I know that the Lord wants us in unity, but if you will not go and you will not encourage those with the gifts to do so then must we remain in direct conflict with God over the calling He placed in our hearts?  Should we be more concerned about following rules established by counsels of men or simply follow the inerrant Word of God?  We both know the answer, perhaps then let us just go and do what we may for the Kingdom before the day is done and the work time is over.  Please stop worrying about the bills and simply exalt the name of Jesus as He has commanded.  Leave the church building to Him.

Praise the Lord our God, Jehovah, Jesus, Alpha-Omega, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One, Almighty God.  Amen.