ARE WE APPLAUDING LUKEWARM CHURCHES?
Without preaching Christ crucified and the need for repentance, the glitter of this pastor’s presentations are but cheap imitations. This is not a judgment of his heart or his intentions; merely a reminder of the bar that God has already set for those who are called to preach the “good news.”
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23)
It is clear that even good works are not enough to satisfy the requirements of righteousness before the Lord. Just because good things are happening within a particular church or ministry doesn’t mean God approves. So, what is the standard we are setting for ministers of the gospel? The apostle Paul seemed to give a free pass to messengers who proclaimed Christ, even with mixed motives (Philippians 1:18-20). But, is that the highest mark of a true and valid minister? Is our only litmus test of any ministry the salvation of souls?
