Millennial mindsets, Mega churches & Maturity

DISCLAIMER: Nothing wrong with the size of a church, there are amazing and healthy churches in every size.

Dear reader,

In a world that preaches a deceptive form of "truth", that elevates comfort over courage, and keeps us blind the reality of the spiritual realm, we need to arise and mature.

Too many Christians have been weakened by the false doctrines of the world, and today are falling away from the faith, feeling depressed, confused and even angry at Jesus. This has always been the agenda of the enemy who wills that all should perish along with himself, deceiving sons and daughters of Zion step by step into a sense of total confusion (Babel) and darkness.

Too many churches have embraced wordly ideas into their teachings on dating, sex, marriage, promotion, success, prosperity, favor etc. And are creating great weak points and cracks within the blessed body of Christ. So often I wonder what discipleship has looked like for many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when I look and watch people who live with a form of godliness but lacking in power, or when I see people crack or give in the moment that pressure is added to their faith journey.

Please hear that my heart is not to judge, as I know more than anyone else the weaknesses I have had to face within my own heart along the journey. But the point isn't whether or not we have weaknesses, or lack maturity and spiritual discernment, the point is what do we do when those weaknesses are exposed. Whether or not we respond appropriately says a lot about how much we actually understand the message of the cross and who Jesus is. Sadly, it seems that many miss the opportunities laid out for us to grow and instead use it as a opportunity to "go".

I won't share the details of my arduous four years of Character development through trial, or of how much I wanted to quit being a missionary at my weakest point. Perhaps I can save that for another time, as I really just want to hit hard at some things today. But I just want you to know that my own journey has not been without trials of many kinds, just as Jesus promised. And oh how thankful I am for those hardships, and times of testing. The presence of refining fire proves the presence of gold.

One quick thing on testing: God never tests someone to fail them, in fact a test is a promotion in the kingdom. Times of testing are aimed at testing and building our Character so that we can handle greater things in the future. Whether you've been tested by a church split, a sickness, financial hardship, a sense of utter obscurity, or the pain of being single, all hardships are opportunities for intimacy with God, of rediscovering who he is to you and what his nature is. Many of us begin to sense a little hardship and immediately quit. Life was never promised to be easy, but Jesus said "Take heart, I have overcome the world". And if reading that doesn't bring you encouragement, then I would suggest that there is more of Jesus that the Lord wants you to discover. Do you remember the parable of the sower? The seed that fell on anything but the good soil was unable to grow to full maturity. We need to be diligent in the cultivating and maturation of the soil of our hearts.

Now regarding mega church scandals that are appearing all over my Youtube feed, I want to remind you not to partner with judgement. While it's true that leaders have sinfully messed up, and possibly even some areas of the Church's structure are in need of a realignment with Heaven's way, I want to remind you that not all members of a church are guilty of the same sin. It's important that we protect our own hearts from offense & judgement, and rather pray that this would actually lead to a purification and Holiness movement in the global church of God. Let's not be people who gloat over the sins of a leader when he falls, but miss the moments when he stands. Let's pray for leaders near and far who are constantly under much more attack and warfare than the majority of us can even imagine. While I'm saddened by the sinful behavior of leaders such as Carl Lenz and Ravi Zacharias, I'm also really saddened that many didn't notice red flags leading up to that. I just wonder how many of us don't have a "true north" in our compass to tell whether or not we are behaving as disciples or as fans. Also, I believe everyone can be restored. Jesus never stops believing in a person. I hope we see a mature church that knows how to support and forgive and see fallen ones restored to greater health, and not cast into total rejection. Let's be mature lovers of the house of God.

but let make clear, that the very fact that we have to deal with these issues is grievous. It should not happen in the church. People are people, but Jesus made a way for us to go and sin no more. My prayer is also that we would actually learn how to live this out as a global church.

How I desire to see a Holiness movement cover the Earth! For the Holy fear of the Lord to come back into the church. For the people of God to make room for the Holy Spirit, for miracles, signs and wonders once again! For every believer to know how to cast out demons and heal the leper.

I desire that we become aware of the reality of the Spiritual realm. That we can discern between the new age and the new creation. Even to realize that there are people who operate in spiritual darkness and meddle with witchcraft, opening themselves up for torment. (I'll be interviewing a friend soon about that).

I desire that we would have the stamina for longer prayer vigils, that husbands and wives, along with their children would come together to seek the Lord, pray in the Spirit and sing in worship together. I desire that we would linger at Church long after the service ends, out of meer hunger for more worship. I desire to see a maturation of Character and integrity, of healthy accountability, of Godly wisdom in dating, and Godly decisions in marriage and parenting. I desire to see Christians pursue inner healing, allowing Jesus to come deep within and be the healing balm that they need to grow their character in the right direction. Oh my, how I long for revival!

And so my prayer begins with me: Lord, help me to grow up, to mature! Give me wisdom and understanding. Help me to mature!

One of the dangers of immature followers of Christ is that we see that our favorite celebrities are apparently Christian, and we allow them to become our role models, rather than seasoned men and women of God who have literally laid down their lives to follow Christ. We see that our favorite Christian superstar dresses a certain way (perhaps lacking modesty just for example) and we think "Well, if he / she dresses like that and is a Christian, then I guess it's normal". Too many of us are allowing idols to influence us rather that Christ himself. Oh how many have been led astray by this immaturity!

If you're not seeing a real Character transformation in your favorite celebrity, then don't follow them as your spiritual guide. Instead, plug into a real church with real fellowship, and real accountability. A true disciple of Jesus is not merely "discipled" by youtube and social media. I wouldn't even call that discipleship. Sure, you might gain knowledge... but knowledge can't hold you accountable, confront you, or develop love within you.

I think it's ok to have role models that we look up to. Paul himself said "follow me as I follow Christ". I personally look up to many generals of the faith and am inspired by their character, surrendered lives, and also their level of Faith. But at the same time, while I hold many leaders in honor, I remember that they too are only human, an that the real role model that we are all to continually grow into the likeness of is Jesus Christ himself. Also remember that you don't really know the person you admire through the screen in your hand.

We need to learn how to do spiritual warfare. We need to gain wisdom and discernment. We need to be discipled AND ACCOUNTABLE TO REAL PEOPLE. We need to know the word of God.

We need to cease being led by our feelings, and be led by the Holy Spirit.

We need to cease with our childish gossiping, bitterness, pride and selfish agendas.

We need to repent.

We need a revival.