The Ministry of the Thorn.

One of my radio clients has an edge. That edge is more than just a righteous anger, it develops an insight and a concern that things just "aren't right."  Have you felt like that?   Boy have I felt that recently, and it doesn't go away.  I have encountered more Christian leaders going AWOL from the word of God, and common sense. There seems to be two things missing in our world:

1. Common sense

2. Discernment

Both of these are necessary for a healthy perspective spiritually.  I have scratched my head many times trying to figure out where people are at with visions that come out of nowhere, and attach themselves to God. Spiritual growth isn't in just knowing more, or fathering a successful vision, nor is it picking up another spiritual gift or two, but it's acting out the promises and commands of the Word of God. Part of this acting out is worshipping and honoring God. Another part is studying God's Word, and being able to have courage to being a witness both to the truth of the gospel, and to the moral integrity that is taught in the scriptures.  This last piece can be a thorn in the side of the culture.  In fact, in states where the gay marriage issue is being fought, it's Christians who are saying, it's wrong for same sex marriages to be condoned and pressed into law. Now if it comes down to being a witness to the gay community for salvation, or standing up for what is morally right by God's Word, which do you pick? Tough question isn't it?  Are you the thorn or the rose blossom?  Well, it's probably both.  The rose bush is a great example of the contrasts that can occur on the same stem.  You can not just preach salvation, and give the impression that a person can live for Christ, and still live in their sin? Salvation in Christ brings us into a relationship with God that free us from the penality of sin which is death. That freedom is not meant for us to choose to sin even more, and continue to be enslaved to our sin. So being a thorn is a part of the gospel story.  You can't just have the rose bud, without the rose thorns. Some believers think you should never get controverisal with your message, because you don't want people to run away before you have the opportunity to present Christ.  I have heard Chrisitan leaders say, that as pastors they don't want to be controversial, and create division.  But that's exactly what Christ said would happen. He came to bring a sword to divide truth from disception, and because truth will challenge the deception in the culture, the culture will hate you because of Him. If you to think that you will stand for truth and not be hated you are dilusional. As time continues to march toward the coming of our Lord back to this earth in physical bodily form, you will see evil come unglued.  Are you ready for it?  Are you?  Here is an example of what you will be facing. This is a graphic link, so I warn you before you go there, it's not a song your grandmother would sing.

http://www.youtube.com/user/FCKH8?blend=4&ob=5#p/u/6/uyPSU4hnyf0

Keeping it honest and truthful....K