The Reality of the Dark Side

Once I heard that if you put a frog in a pot of water and gradually began to heat it, that if you gradually brought the water to a boil and if you did it slow enough, the frog would actually not notice, not try to escape and actually be boiled alive. Hmmm.

...for we are not ignorant of his (Satan's) devices (2 Cor. 2.11).
But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11.3).

Jesus did not pray that God, the Father, would take us out of the world but that He would keep (protect/guard) us from the evil one (John 17.15). Okay, so we know there is an evil one. Evil ones do evil things and if you read and study the Bible (and modern times/the daily news), you know there basically are two forces at work in this world---good and evil. (Anybody who watched Stars Wars knows there is a dark side of the force!). Jesus also said that he would have us be one or the other, cold or hot, not lukewarm, not in-between (Rev. 3.15-16) as a double-minded man who is unstable in all his ways (James 1.8).
On this earth, in these times, there are two forces at work--as there has been for centuries before us. Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. There are two sources, realize it or not, from which we can reap a living, a life, a nephesh (Hebrew word translated as appetite, body, breath, desire, heart, life, man , mind, pleasure, self, soul, will) and with which we will spend eternity based on our choice. We can choose to live by one power or the other. Moses instructed us to choose life and good (Deut. 30.15,19) as did Joshua (Joshua 24.15). Jesus said you cannot have two masters as you will love one and hate the other. We can choose to live by one system or the other. Satan was said by Jesus to be the prince of the power of the air. So he has power. Paul instructs us in Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God so that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
One of Satan's main wiles or devices or schemes is to come as an angel of light. Subtlety, craftiness, disguise and deception are his calling cards---a wolf in sheeps' clothing. A couple of weekends ago, the sixth Harry Potter book is said to have sold over ten million copies. That cranks total sales to over 300 million since book one. This is both appalling and alarming. A U.S. consumer research survey reports that more than half of children between ages 6 and 17 have read at least one of the books. These books are now on the reading list in almost every school in America (Harry Potter, A Highway to Heathenism by Glory Ministries). What is also appalling and alarming is how many adults and Christians that are attracted to these books. Some of the reasons given for the interest are as follows:
> They are so entertaining
> They get children to read
> Its not real, it's only fantasy
> Its not evil witchcraft, its good magic
> Good overcomes bad
However, these books clearly present and support as acceptable such practices as casting spells, reading crystal balls, joining a coven, sorcery, communication with the dead, and transfiguration. The books do not discredit children from lying, disobeying authority, breaking rules they don't like, and developing a premature independence (which is actually a dependence on the dark arts and powers). True, this is not human sacrifice or murder, but as the cliche goes--"one thing leads to another". Jesus said "a little leaven leavens the whole lump." Can a man take fire to his bosom and his clothes not be burned? (Proverbs 6.27). It doesn't have to have a head spinning on its shoulders spewing green slime to be from the dark side. In other words, it doesn't have to be that blatant. It can be less graphic, not as evil in appearance, but less horrific and more subtle and still be of the same evil, horrific source---Satan. Many say Tolkiens' Lord of the Rings trilogy is not as obviously evil or overt as Rowlings' Potter series. Maybe not to some, but be careful. Do you really think the Holy Spirit would author all the negativity, confusion, darkness, evil, contention, depravity, and painful struggle as emoted in the '..Rings trilogy' (chapter after chapter and scene after scene in the books or movies) to teach us the difference between good and evil?? Simply stated, darkness doesn't reveal light. Evil doesn't teach good. Divine revelation and higher Spiritual principles are not taught or learned through an endless parade of questionable and sinister characters plotting and invoking countless wicked deeds through dark powers and grotesque twisted creatures on the so-called innocent and unsuspecting. Jesus taught us that Beelzebub doesn't cast out his own devils. Does the Holy Spirit lay a Spiritual foundation by using dark machinations and ruminations? Does dark fantasy reveal the ageless truths of the Light (God)?

The central focus of this writing is not an all-out attack on 'Potter' and the 'Rings' (though they deserve the exposure), but it is to point out the true source of the flood of this type of dark subject matter, its' intent, and the reality to the subtle things of darkness that pervade our arena (earth) in growing influence and intensity, and that there is a price to pay for 'dabbling' (reading, watching, listening, practicing, acting, etc.) in things that are not birthed and inspired by God, His truth, and the Holy Spirit but instead are devised and crafted by the 'other source' to entertain, then enthrall, then entwine, and then entomb their subjects. This writing is not presented as an opinion or a prooftext sermon against evil or even a point/counterpoint confrontation. Please accept that is is not a blatant blasting condemnation on the ignorant and unknowing or even on the disobedient and rebellious. It is however a warning. I believe this to be a prophetic (Godly and timely) statement to our generation invited to be weighed out by the spiritually discerning. It is not an opinion, either, but a fact that there is currently a flood of witchcraft and occult subject matter that pervade our media and invade our lives--invited or not. What's worse is that most of this is directed at our children---the young, innocent, and impressionable---the next generation.

It is easily seen that we live in a period of time that there is a mounting deluge of Satanic or evil-based subject matter, particularly through the entertainment media. Some are more obvious and readily-seen than others. As mentioned earlier, Satan uses devices, or in other words he devises means to enlist a following. Not all devices are the same or as obvious as others. Some other of this deluge of 'dark' media introduced primarily by book, movie, or game are the following: W.I.T.C.H., Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, The Craft, White Noise, Pokemon, Digimon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Dungeons and Dragons, Kabala, Medium, The Supernatural (coming soon), Bewitched, to name a few-- there are many more.
As mentioned earlier, Satan presents himself as an angel of light. No one should expect him (or any of his subject matter) to be initially presented as something readily seen as horrific or evil. There is a calculated plan at work---not a blatant shot in the dark. It is not surprising that many people find the movies, books and games to be entertaining. (You didn't think they would be boring did you---how far would that go?). Of course, there is a theme, a plot and a progression to all of this dark media presented. That's what gets people hooked---like a soap opera or any series. However, it's the sinister characters, acts, symbols, and devised scheme that is woven and intertwined in these 'baited traps'. Of course it's enertaining--- but if you really look at it, it's no better a plot or storyline than any other successful genre. What's the difference to this outpouring of unholy material? Exactly that. It's unholy! In other words, it is anointed of Satan to succeed. Presented as a new, inviting, and fresh drink (apple), it is anointed to ensnare any that drink it. You don't start off hooked on anything. Many negative habits and indulgences start out small whether they be drinking, gambling, pornography, eating disorders or drugs. A hard drug habit usually doesn't start out with hard drugs. Usually a hard drug habit starts out with less habit-forming drugs and leads to hard use and ultimately criminal life if left unchecked. I remember an interview with a serial murderer who said his life began to go downhill with his indulgence in pornography and gradually worsened from there to murder. I remember another confession of a murderer who said he began with small animal sacrifices which led ultimately to human. Even though many people say much of the subject matter presented in todays' movies, books and games is harmless white magic, remember one thing leads to another. It's gradual and it's calculated. The presentation of the dark side does not begin black, but comes in shades, all of which get much darker. The subject matter presented in Bewitched, the Star Wars series, 'Rings trilogy', Matrix movies, 'Potter series', etc. are all lighter shades of the dark side---but still from the same source!! These presentations of the paranormal, unholy supernatural, and macabre (esp, clairvoyance, necromancy, spells, transfiguration, astral projection/translation, etc.) are all becoming more accepted in American society. I can remember as a kid watching a war movie and then running out with my brother and kids in the neighborhood and playing army---we even had ranks. I remember watching motorcycle racing and then we'd run out and ride our bikes like we were the hottest cyclists on two wheels. Kids will practice what they see, read, hear, and what entertains them. We cannot be so naive as to think that children will not practice what they see in the 'Potter' books and in other books and tv shows like them. Again, we are not ignorant of Satan's devices. He comes as an angel of light (so people will be receptive) and with gradual and deceptive changes to the healthy and acceptable norm.
Speaking of gradual changes. We all know that censorship on tv has changed dramatically. What was once considered taboo is now considered entertainment. There was a time when you couldn't say certain curse words or even show a man and woman in bed (clothed). This came to be considered too puritanical and prudish. So, this was 'corrected' or shall we say overcorrected since the days of the fifties and sixties. This is no longer the days of 'Beaver Cleaver'. June Cleaver used to do housework in a full length, totally buttoned up, no-plunge neckline dress, and now we watch desperate housewives get stripped of their towel in broad daylight in the middle of the neighborhood and it's considered funny and entertaining. Can you see June Cleaver get stripped of her towel in broad daylight,etc. on prime time tv!? Hey Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore! We are not staring the amber waves of grain in the face as innocently as we once did---as innocently as did the countenances of our forefathers. The terrain has changed, the temparament has changed, and the tolerance level has changed.

The old saying goes, "if you play with fire you will get burned." There is a price to pay for engaging the dark side. Even if it is rationalized as an experiment. Everytime you read, watch, listen, meditate, play, role-play, cast, conjure, or communicate, you take a step back. A step back from light and innocence to darkness and bondage---even as Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They became aware of things they needed to know nothing about! After this kind of dark engagement, it will only become harder to advance in and toward the kingdom of heaven. It will only become harder to hear, understand and sense His presence. Proverbs says "the spirit of man is the candle (light) of the Lord." This kind of experience in and by man's spirit will only cause the light of the human spirit and soul to become darkened--little by little. The more negative or dark the experience is, the deeper the bondage and darker the darkness.
One of the worst consequences of the new age and occult books, movies, tv shows, role games, video games and music is that they densensitize their user. They desensitize people to accept demonic symbols, characters, acts, powers, language and philosophy. They desensitize by lowering and changing ones' moral standards and standards of acceptance (right and wrong). They desensitize by drawing people away from the light, from that which is real and good and wholesome and positive, and basically from the ability to discern the real truth and light. As stated in Isaiah 5.20, "woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Desensitization! Desensitization of a younger generation in progress now at your local theater, local bookstore, local schoolhouse and in your home if you let it. The people that continue in this dark trek will never be spiritually healthy--never spiritually centered and balanced. These people can expect a life of chaos, confusion, competition, anger and rage, instability, lack of focus, poor relationships---and dreams that become nightmares.
Some greater degree of attention has been spent and mentioned regarding the 'Harry Potter books' in this writing. This is because it is presently the most popular and widest used current tool or effective instrument used by the dark side to serve as a doorway to the snares of our enemy---and it is directed at our children. The author of these books has produced no masterpiece. There is no epic classic or magnum of literary greatness here. But rather, suffice it to say, more probably like the work of a broken-spirited, occult obeisant who has sold her soul (and is still selling) for a brief mirage of notoriety. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?
Just so you don't think I'm on a lonely soapbox, engaged in a preachy rant, let me quote some others (these are only a couple because of time/space...but many more could be presented):

Children are understably fascinated with the kind of power that Harry and others in his world possess.......Certainly power is appealing, especially "white" witchcraft like this that is made to look so innocent........Yet God is clear in Scripture that any practice of magic is an "abomination" to him. God doesn't distinguish between "white" and "dark" magic since they both originate from the same source........The problem is, witchcraft is not fantasy; it is a sinful reality in our world. Author Richard Abanes (Harry Potter and the Bible) says that the movie and books not only teach anti-Christian lessons on the occult, but also moral relativism, and desensitize children to profanity and off-color humor.-------from Is "Harry Potter" Harmless? by christianAnswers.net.

"J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has gone through an awful lot of research. She is very accurate (otherwise we would have witches all over the country and the world saying "this is not a true representation of our religion"). This is a true representation of witchcraft, and the black arts, and black magic. And yet we have people that say this is merely fantasy and harmless reading for our children. Actually, what makes this more dangerous is that it is couched in fantasy language, and children's literature, and made to be humorous, and beautifully written and extremely provocative reading, and it just opens up children to want to have the next one. This is what is so harmful."-------Caryl Matrisciana as quoted in Harry Potter:Witchcraft Repackaged (Jeremiah Films)

.......we should not be surprised to discover the Harry Potter books have fueled a rapidly growing interest in witchcraft among children. In fact, the demand to know more about witchcraft is so great , the Pagan Federation has appointed a youth officer to handle the flood of inquiries and to offer advice and information to youngsters. Although the Pagan Federation refuses to admit new members who are under the age of 18, nonetheless it reports that each month an average of 100 inquiries come from children who want to become witches.....These events point to the elevation of Satan's master plan--a plan to gather the most prophetic generation in history and lure them into embracing evil. Ten years from now, our children will welcome things that we would never accept today......I am not just speaking about the Harry Potter books, which contains progressive deception. Instead, I am referring to the dark progression in our world of embracing a form of paganism and calling it "good". As our culture is deceived by the darkness that appears as light, an unprecedented fueling of the occult is happening ino our day.---John Paul Cain in A Closer Look At Harry Potter

We are at the culmination of the ages. The history of the world as we know it is day by day and year by year coming to a conclusion in preparation for His New Age. We have entered the 21st century and are its' combatants in the great and mighty struggle of our times and all times---between good and evil, light and darkness. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6.12).
Basically, in this day and age, along with identity and attention, human nature is crying out for change. Entertainment is a substitute---a quick, short, temporary substitute or fix for real change---actually an escape from reality (real change is a reform to reality). With the dark arts, powers, and negative entertainment, there will definitely come a change---but it won't be a good one and it won't produce life. They are a gateway. Beware traveller, if you walk this passage! You are boarding a ship that will take you to an undeclared destination. A destination that your 'cruisemaster' knows and you don't---one that you don't really want. One that involves high fare (your life) and rough waters eventually leading to shipwreck. This is a warning that will hopefully illuminate the unsuspecting traveller to a potentially nasty pitfall and that will help to free the already entangled before it becomes worse and before it is too late.

Well, back to the slowly heating frog in the pot of water. I don't know if a frog would really allow himself to be boiled alive. However, I do know there a lot of human beings who are doing just that. They are in the gradually 'heating' system of this cosmos, this world system, hosted by the prince of the power of the air, Satan, who works through it. And many don't even recognize it. This is a sad statement. Human nature allowing itself to be spiritually debased and degraded to the point that they are no better than a dumb frog in a pot of boiling water---little by little, day by day, year by year, book by book, movie upon movie, shade by shade by darker shade. Know the reality of the dark side and find the Light. Seek the Truth. Choose real Life.

Test all things; hold fast what is good.---I Thessalonians 5.21

...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.---Ephesians 5.11

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.---I John 3.7-8

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."---Matthew 19.14

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net

Q & A to Shaken, But Not Stirred

The question has been asked : What does it mean, spiritually, to be poured from vessel to vessel?
In the last article, Shaken, But Not Stirred, Jeremiah 48.11 was referenced and it mentions being poured, as wine, from vessel to vessel. The wine sits in one vessel for a time in which impurities (dregs) settle to the bottom. Then it is poured into another vessel wherein the dregs settle again. Each time in this process, the wine clarifies and purifies and becomes less bitter, and better to the taste.
I believe the question actually centers on the phrase 'vessel to vessel'. The Bible, and our experience, teach us that, in the Christian walk of experience, we are said to go from faith to faith or step by step, and even from glory to glory. Peter wrote of adding one characteristic to another (II Peter 1.4-8). Paul wrote of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22-24). Godly character and fruit are a result of refinement and development. They don't happen overnight.
Also stated in the article was an important point. God never changes---but He does deal with us as individuals and according to the light that we have and the integrity with which we respond to Him. Hence, His dealings with each of us can change from person to person according to our understanding (revelation). He teaches, guides, chastens and molds each person individually by the Holy Spirit. That is why the baptism in the Holy Spirit is so important. So, inasmuch as we are all different, we are all led indivudually (although there are many similarities) as we are faithful to have a personal relationship with Him. Only the Holy Spirit can do this.
Let's face it. For many people the school of hard knocks get the job done. None of us can deny the fact that trials and tests of hardship streamline our spiritual focus to where He has our full attention. Remember, however, He will not allow us to be tempted or tried beyond that which we are able. Most of our times of distress, discontentment, lack, and 'rough waters' are designed as 'attention-getters' so that He can work better with(in) us--it seems that these are the times when most people are most repentant, pliable and receptive.
However, 'vessel to vessel' doesn't necessarily have to mean 'hardship to hardship'. Although, we know that it is by many trials and tribulations that we enter the kingdom of God, these times of hardship are not the only means of spiritual development. I, personally, do not believe that they are God's first choice of means.
Let's remember that God wants to be a personal God. It is He that created us to begin with. And although perfect fellowship, as originally experienced by Adam and Eve, was broken, it is His desire to fully restore that fellowship. The study or eating of God's word is more than a spiritual dietary supplement. David said, "Your word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against you." One of the best means of growth is to have a good diet and the word of God should be the main course. David also said "his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." The other side of the coin to the word of God is obedience. In James, we are told to be doers of the word, and not hearers only and that "he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the word, this one will be blessed in what he does.
This is growth.
Lastly, the most powerful means of change, that is, going from step to step, faith to faith and vessel to vessel, is the presence of God. There is no substitute for seeking and finding Him; for spending time with and in His presence, to learn and listen to His voice. For me, nothing dispels insecurities, fears, the weakness of my own humanity and the old nature better than the quiet fire of His presence. The end result is spiritual sanctification and purification--to overcome all obstacles by means of the Holy Spirit within. He's there, but we have to let Him breathe and as everyone knows, good wine has to breathe.

"Shaken, But Not Stirred"

Those were the words I heard. It wasn't "shaken, not stirred" like out of the 007 movies, but "shaken, but not stirred".
A couple of weeks ago I returned home from a day of deep sea fishing. I was standing in the kitchen cutting long strips (they fileted them at the dock in long sections) of fish into smaller, equal-sized sections for freezing and I was using a very sharp knife, so my full attention was on what I was doing as I don't do this that often. Very unexpectedly, I heard those words--shaken but not stirred--just as clear as if somebody behind me had spoken them. Even then I didn't pay rapt attention, but I did begin to wonder. It began to become clear, very quickly, that the Lord was speaking a short but precise word as he clarified the meaning of the phrase.

The Lord says that in this hour and season, He has called, beckoned, and even shaken His people in an attempt to get their full attention. An attention that has often been led astray from His voice and presence to the things, the carnal things, the ambitions and cares and the burdens and desires of this life. It is for that reason that many have endured times of trial and adversity and even of distress and discontentment. The Lord says that though this shaking is unsettling and upsetting, disturbing and disquieting for a season, it is for a greater good that He is shaking---to cause His people to stir. When one is stirred, they are aroused as if awakened from slumber or animated from apathy. God is shaking in this hour to stir his people as a spark ignites a fire. It is not uncharacteristic for God to shake His people for a time to produce a greater result. God is shaking to produce change---much needed change and growth. Some people have and are responding, but many have not and do not discern the times or even their own circumstances.

This word is predominantly for American Christianity. We, who have the greatest natural blessings and freedom in the world, need to use our circumstances, capabalities, resources, grace and liberty wisely (to whom much is given, much is required). Much of Christianity in the rest of the world is oppressed and persecuted, some even unto death, and it is sad to note that, at the same time, much (not all) of American Christianity is settled, complacent, and apathetic to the appeal, purpose, and moving of God's Spirit, having a form of godliness but denying the fullness of His Spirit and His power thereof.

After speaking this word to me, the Lord led me, during the next two days, to Jeremiah 48.11. It should be noted here that, when making wine, they would let it sit in one vessel or container until the impurities (which cause bitterness of taste) would settle to the bottom, and then they would pour it off in the next container to allow more impurities (lees and dregs) to settle and be separated. The verse is actually about the unrighteous nation of Moab and reads as follows:
Moab has been at ease from his youth
He has settled on his dregs
And has not not been emptied from vessel to vessel.
Nor has he gone into captivity (exile or removal)
Therefore his taste remained in him
And his scent has not changed.
Obviously, this verse was called to my attention for spiritual interpretation and application (I don't know anybody named Moab). The Lord is saying that many have not stirred. Many have been shaken but have only settled on their dregs or given in to their circumstances. They have not allowed themselves to be poured from vessel to vessel and yet remain in their negative positions and old ways (their taste and scent remain unchanged), and so have not yielded to the prompting, moving and redisposition of the Spirit for purity and clarity. God is wanting to stir us to a deeper walk followed and accompanied by a greater anointing , blessings, and responsibility resulting in a more abundant life and harvest.
This word may initially sound negatively alarming to some. And yet it is, if it is unheeded in one's life as it applies. However, God loves those he chastens or shall we say pours from vessel to vessel for positive change. If heeded by the necessary hearing ears, it is a positive message and a good word in season, for as it is written---Eyes has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God (I Cor. 2.9-10).

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net

An Increasing Share Of A Diminishing Market

All I'm doing with this writing is paraphrasing, editorializing, expanding, and passing on a portion of a message given by Mark Rutland (President of Southeastern University) a few years ago. The message was entitled, "Prophetic Ministry In A Materialistic Age", and it's still fresh. Thanks Mark.

Years ago, early in the 20th century, about a hundred years past, Henry Ford and the horseless carriage, the automobile, began to make its advent into American society. Up until that time, the horse-drawn wagon was one of the prime means of transportation--at least for more than one person and light cargo anyway. As in all markets of a capitalistic society, there were probably many makers of wood wheels for these wagons. However, with the increasing success of the auto, on rubber wheels, Goodyear and others began to make their names known and the need for wood wagon wheels began to lessen and decline with each passing year. So too did the manufacturers of the wagon wheel. Why wouldn't they?---there was less demand to sustain them! However, any one wood wagon wheel maker/distributor who held on, let's say the Acme Wood Wagon Wheel Company, began to find it was getting a greater percentage of the sales of this product as its' competitors fell out of the business one by one. Although the Acme Wood Wagon Wheel Co. was boasting in its capture of this 'wheeling' retail, their days were marked and numbered, their doom sealed, and they would soon fold too, simply because they had fallen into the mold of merchandising mortality---an increasing share of a diminishing market---one that simply would not continue to perpetuate either growth or livelihood.

God has always dealt with His people on a personal basis. The Bible is full of names, not statistics. In the Old Testament, we read that His thoughts toward us would outnumber the sand. In the New Testament, we read that the very hairs of our head are known and numbered. God has been and will always be a personal God---not some distant creator on the backside of the universe or some non-relative entity that wound up the world and let it go to see what would happen. Throughout the history of His people and the church, He has regarded, responded, and related to them as individuals dealing with them (us) on a generation to generation basis. God has always been faithful to lead His people according to the light that each generation has had. God is still leading and guiding today---if we let Him. If we follow. To follow, we must hear and see Him. Spiritually speaking of course. Even as the children of Israel in the wilderness were guided by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night, we must be faithful to look for and follow Him.....and flexible to change when He moves right or left, even when He moves differently than that to which we are accustomed.
Two nights ago, I was going through some cassette tapes looking for an old musical recording I hadn't heard in years. I ran across one of my own messages to a group from about two or three years ago. Strangely enough, it was stopped on this very same point I am emphasizing now; that is, God has dealt faithfully with every generation individually as He wills and sees best. I don't think that was a coincidence. The other side of the coin is this: It is incumbent on the church to reach the world, to change the world, to bring restoration to a world that is more lost, more dying and more aberrent each day---just watch the news---not just the local and national, but also the world news. One of the worst things that can happen to the church of this generation (any generation) is for it to not have effect on their community and world. However, if we rely on yesterdays' experience and motivation to reach our world, we will (and are) find(ing) ourselves with an increasing share of a diminishing market. We must be open and flexible to change---for growth and progress. (Now, let's make this perfectly clear. This is not to say that the nature and attributes of God change. In other words, God will always be omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and a God who is and personifies truth, righteous judgement, mercy and grace---always).

Many people today enjoy their 'church experience' the way it is. Many people today are encouraged with the apparent success of the purpose-driven life quest, and the apparent growth of the community church. Conversely, there are those that question the overall state of 'church life' and impact of this current 'movement' as it relates to the 'realtime' advancement of the kingdom of heaven. In other words, is it really doing any good for, making an impression, and having a positive lasting effect on the world we live in? In more other words, are we having an effect or just perpetuating our own private social clubs (wood wagon wheel makers)?
As I visit different churches, both denominational and nondenominational, I see many people, (if I can be so bold, direct and colloquial), who are simply bored with their religion........and, frankly speaking, need relationship. Relationship, true fulfilling heart-relationship, is the only experience that will cause one's spirit to be enlightened, lightened, rejuvenated and effectual to even become evident to the world, and whereby, we will get a greater share of the market ( forgive the analogy--it seems to fail here as human life should never be considered a market--but you know what I mean).
God is calling His people, right now, to stop, look, and listen...to be flexible for change as He sees it. God is calling for change in His church, that is , in the hearts of individuals first and in the corporate church. Not initially or necessarily by more fevered service or legwork, brighter ideas, bigger buildings or more programs and busyness, but by getting in touch with the changemaker. Truly productive, worthwhile, lasting changes only come via the heart authored by the Changemaker. We cannot afford our wheels to stay rutted in the old 'method'. Paul said, "...my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." Remember, new wine cannot be put in old wineskins. We, as the church, the body of Christ, are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world---not hidden---but seen readily---as leaders. Light, in darkness, shows the way!

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net