So What's Playing on Broadway?

Who knows, but it is fun when you are in New York to see a Broadway play.  It is interesting that a name that is associated in scripture with destruction is used in our day to represent the artful community. Jesus in fact said that people who have no restraints, no regard for moral integrity, will be people who choose a broad worldview. In fact, I find it interesting that our culture celebrates diversity, openness, tolerance, and the broader the worldview, the more accepted you are. However, the greatest teacher that ever lived taught something completely different. If Jesus were around on earth today saying these things, He would be considered intolerant, and bigoted. Here is what He said.

Matthew 7:12-14 The Golden Rule 12“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.  13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Keep in mind, His reference is not to hate people who are different than you, the "golden rule" is to respect them as people, love them as God loves them, but don't do as they do or condone what they practice.  The focus of finding the meaning and purpose of life, is not in the worldview that is tolerant in accepting the anything goes mode, but it's found in a very narrow focus that concentrates on the purpose of creation. God's purpose for human beings is to build relationship with Him, and live with Him forever.  Jesus knowing human nature pinpointed how the majority of people will react to living out a more narrow worldview. Most will always take the course of the least resistance, yet taking the easy way out will never bring much satisfaction, in fact, Jesus said it brings destruction. So, if I follow that to it's logical conclusion, the broadway of life brings me to a nasty end. Well.....isn't that what He said?  Destruction is a nasty end. I bring this to your attention because the church is following the same kind of thinking. We are too narrow, too restricted, to old fashioned, too old school to be of much good to a modern culture whose world view accepts everything. Does it matter to God about our worldview that determines the boundaries for moral, spiritual and ethical behavior? It should, if we are a representation of God in our world.  However, if the representation put forth by the church is more about ourselves than it is about God, then I guess we have chosen with the world to do the broad way.  But if the church represents God, our worldview will be narrow, and the course we take will be hard. And because of that narrow plan, it will not be popular.  Okay, now I did it, I exposed a foundation of many ministries today. Popular defined means,  more people, more money, more tolerant, more acceptance, and the preacher keeps his job, yes, I get it. In my opinion, the church has compromised it's voice, it's practice and it's theology all to be accepted by our culture. The church has finally made it, it's playing "Broadway."  Congratulations....and in the end, where will it take us?  The Church has it's 15 minutes of fame, and the expense of an eternity lost for so many who will not hear the truth about the narrowest way on earth. "I am the way, the truth and the Life, no man can come to the Father but by Me."   Yes, I know what you are thinking, I am so narrow minded..yes I am! Until next time, I willl remain honest and truthful...K p.s. Here is some video to ponder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGSQjtWTpaw&feature=related

Comments

[Ron Sawtell]

Right on Larry!!!!!!I wish i heard this alot more from Pastors!!!