THE CHURCH IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY (20)
The Challenge of Faith in a Cold World
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 AMP
How can I sustain this faith in these challenging times? Those who bribe their way are getting promoted. I have been abandoned and ostracized because I insist on doing things faithfully and legally. My peers are already in university, not because they are better than I am, but because they have greased the hands of the officials who graciously facilitated their easy access to higher education.
My faith is already waxing cold because I am seen as a strange and insensitive person. Even the Church of God, which should be the arbiter and defender of faith, is marginalizing those labeled as "HOLIER THAN THOU." Even the congregation I pastored was unwilling to fellowship with me because I was perceived as insisting too much on the Bible.
Today, Christians are dancing to and celebrating worldly musicians. Entertainers are being brought to sacred altars to crack jokes while disrespecting the esteemed sacraments and doctrines of the holy church. How am I to sustain my faith in the face of the celebration of corruption in the holy place?
"Who among you fears the LORD, Who obeys the voice of His Servant, Yet walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust and be confident in the name of the LORD and let him rely on his God." - Isaiah 50:10 AMP.
Today, it is increasingly difficult to be noticed without bribing and greasing the hands of the elders. It is not about those who serve faithfully; it is a race for those who provide financial excitement. It is not about enduring and persevering in ministry; it is about prosperous and glamorous ministry. If you want your voice to be heard, then your money must first speak for you.
Tell me of any congregation that relishes hierarchical positions, and I will let you know that practically all those who have risen to the top have "wet the ground," paving the way for their quick ascension. They may tell us it is God, but we know it is the god of Mammon. We are aware that such individuals have dined with the elders. Many churches, with their glories in big titles, have had their pastors engage in do-or-die affairs to attain the highest titles. Many non-compliant pastors have been forced out when they were made to submit to and answer the man they brought to the knowledge of Jesus Christ—the man they encouraged to serve in God's vineyard—who then grew to dine with the elders and learn how to rise quickly in ministry.
It is provoking when elders set your congregants against you, attacking you and your messages, which they deem undesirable in their midst.
The truth has fallen in the street!
Christian singers sing for recognition, hoping for a track that will trailblaze their fame. Preachers exalt hedonism, seeking public acceptability. Recently, a popular Christian drama minister in Nigeria provided an excuse for why he adopted secular music as his marketing strategy. Where in the world can we hide?
Prophet Elijah came to a crisis point in his ministerial journey. He decided to run away from the wicked Jezebel. He became angry at God and others who had abandoned faith for Baal's worship. He felt he was the only true prophet in the land. But alas, God told him: "I still have 7,000 people in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed that idol." - 1 Kings 19:18. Seven thousand men are more than the entire population of some towns.
So, amid the crookedness and lukewarmness of the church, God still preserves a remnant.
Therefore, as Christians feel hedged in and seem to be losing hope for divine intervention, the truth is that God still has men in the land—untarnished and unblemished.
Arise and seek out the compatriots God has preserved from the corruption of the world. Let those who fear God speak to one another. It is high time our Mary sought after Elizabeth to preserve our heritage and keep the testimony until the end.
May the Lord help us all.
Peter Abdul-Razaq OLAYINKA
Serving missionary with Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara
WhatsApp: (+229) 94139130
Mobile: (+234) 8066540987, (+234) 7084504532
Email: peterrazaq@yahoo.com
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LinkedIn: Revd. Peter OLAYINKA
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Pin point submissions. I always do an "eye sweep" on the spot survey from the high pulpit to see who feels uncomfortable when I am led in spirit to emphasize the scripture. I have observed the highest point of persons leaving the church while the sermon is yet in progress. Though the reasons why they leave isn't confirmed, but there is the possibility that the truth published does not sink well with them. Many people come to church hoping to be entertained by the preacher, however, such people become disappointed when the contrary happens and the undiluted words of the Bible are preached or amplified.
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DeleteI appreciate the fact that somebody like you will stand for and uphold the truth. But many have bowed the pressure of people when they see them leaving. And sincerely, when we exalt crowd above the word of God we are very much likely to submit to the voice of the people.
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