I was sent an email about the whole Lakeland Revival and its latest news. It was sad, sad to see so many people deceived. All I can say is that I'm disappointed that so many people are blinded by these "leaders". No one seems to want to or is allowed to question anything that has to do with "church". What is going on with Christians today? They don't seem to question anything anymore! If the pastor is having "issues" just like everyone else he needs to be kept accountable - and dealt with accordingly!!
Oh and you can't tell me that people don't know or notice.. Of course they do, but they don't want to be the ones to rock the boat. They are so afraid to lose their titles in the church or be kicked out that they rather just sit quietly. People if it's wrong it's wrong, it doesn't matter who did it. What does Paul say in 1Cor. 5:12, 13 - What business is it of mine to judge outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you". (NIV)
This is one of the main reasons why I am unplugged, leaders who feel that they can't be questioned because it is "their church" or they were the ones who were "called". Wow! Last time I checked I thought it was God's church and Jesus was the Pastor! Which brings me to the question: What would happen if Jesus was allowed to be the pastor? What if Jesus became the leader of the church? (like He is supposed to be - our one and only Pastor). I'll tell you what - Truth and something like the upper room spoke of in John 13-17.
I can imagine it now.. The place would be similar to a home, where you would feel welcomed and the meetings would be in a non-threatening, safe, fair and loving atmosphere. I'm sure that food would be served for those who came hungry and tired from a long days work and dressing up would be optional, you could come as you are. No reserved seating, (sorry leaders and pastors) in this place we are all the same, no one is called teacher or master - but Jesus.
People would get to know one another, friendships and relationships would start to develop, not forced but intentionally. They wouldn't happen by accident, they would require intentionality. Intentionally focusing on other people and their needs, this would be one of the main ideas of the group. Of course Jesus would model all of His teachings- this will give a new meaning to the phrase; practice what you preach. Forget about do what I say not what I do! Living by example would be a main focus.
There also would be plenty of time to ask questions, no questions would be stupid and no penalization for asking. You may ask at any time - without being escorted out of the building. There is no time limit in this place - you may come and go with no restrictions, you have free will and are allowed to make the right decisions. If wrong ones are made you are taught to learn from your mistakes. It is up to you to build a relationship with Jesus and friends, the only way to do this is to spend time with them, pray and learn from each other.
Jesus would lead from a mutual friendship rather than authority (John 15:15). Jesus would treat us as His friends - he would expect us to do the right thing (as good friends do) and to follow His righteousness. Learning to confront the reality of our sins by keeping each other accountable.
In the upper room Jesus did all this and more. He became a servant by washing His disciple's feet (John 13:7-17) and modeled behavior that He wanted to teach. Jesus dialogued with the disciples and through that dialog was able to answer questions that they had. He predicted his betrayal and Peter's denial, giving His disciples the freedom to fail. In John 14:1 Jesus comforts His disciples, teaches them the way to the Father, and promises the Holy Spirit. All this is happening while they are gathered in a room - just a room people!!
Why? because there was no one else in charge, no other teacher or leader but Jesus. There has to be acceptance and encouragement when people fail, love, relationships, accountability, understanding and friendships need to be part of this "church". There can not be fear to question or fear to speak what's true. This is something that many Christians are lacking today, the ability to question something that doesn't agree with scripture. The structure of the church as we know it today doesn't allow for these questions.
I am glad to be part of a group (church) that meets on Friday nights instead of Sundays, that allows me to learn from my mistakes and that questions me. Yes questions my actions, and thoughts. Only in this way can I truly become a better person, only in this way can I be accountable not only to myself, and my friends but to my Jesus.
If I didn't want to be questioned all I needed to do is belong to some organization whose members believed in me, trusted in me and followed my every word. Who also paid my bills and didn't question my lifestyle, in this way I wouldn't have to be accountable to anyone, questioned by anyone and If I ever did anything wrong I would still be getting paid by all those people who believe that I am the right person or "called" for the job.
