When talking with others about Jesus and His Kingdom and Ways with others who profess Jesus, often we'll hear the response of, "You're judging me," and "You must think you are the only ones" in retaliation for questioning the direction of someone's life. Of course, "We're
the people" has never been the case to those who have known us, but "parachurch and man-created 'ministries' are an unBiblical crutch" could be interpreted that way, if one were willing to be offended. But they really are two very different subjects, of course. We would hope that one's past experiences, or "hurts," or even the poor way we may communicate sometimes don't make anyone miss any truths that are from God. And pointing out the obvious problems with today's Evangelical Christianity…the
fruit that is being born…is not being judgmental, or at least we wouldn't have thought so.
If anyone is sincerely seeking God, it doesn't even MATTER where everyone is "at" right now, but rather that we all have a heart for always growing, without shrinking back.
So if you're asking us to say that parachurch organizations are God's Way, as practiced in today's world, we can't say that that is in the Scriptures as such, and we can hardly be expected to be supportive of that! But, to say, "Be very careful how you build," isn't a condemnation of anyone's heart and character. The things of men are a menace to God's Intentions, and only slow the pace and are placebos for Reality. That's all.
So if you're offended by anything you read here, remember it's not about YOU that we are speaking! We aren't saying you're a heretic. We
do think you may be highly tempted, for instance, to family idolatry as a substitute for God's Intention for you life and your family's, where YOU'LL stay in "control" with "heavy handed leadership"—lack of submission to the other Saints, and individualism rather than "contending as ONE Man for the Faith" "joined and knit together by every supporting ligament" and "when you've seen him, you've seen me" and "a hundred mothers, brothers, sisters, children" (rather than biological "after the flesh" limits to melting into Life). OF COURSE this may be your temptation, among others. We are simply saying, "Don't do that. It is wrong and highly limiting to your future and that of your family! Trust! 'Submit to one another.' 'Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ.' 'Confess your sins one to another.' 'Admonish one another daily, or you WILL be hardened and deceived!' Be willing to see 'your children' (who are only on loan from God…they're really HIS children, of course) as part of others lives, and others as part of your life. Let your walls down!"
And OF COURSE we're not going to glad-hand every statement anyone makes about their direction in life, since we've seen it tear up people all over the world. Call that what you want, but if we didn't care we would just pat you on the back and said,"Hallelujah, brother. Praise the Lord. How precious. Let's 'fellowship'!" That would be been MUCH easier for everyone, and that "path of least resistance" is highly popular because it's easy.
So, condemn us for caring enough to take a chance, but you can't condemn us for being hypocritical glad-handers that ignore what will rob our futures, in order to be happy campers.
Of course there are counterfeits in abundance "out there" and all of that. So be sure that you are genuinely desirous of the Real thing even if it doesn't allow you to "control" what you desire to control. That kind of thinking can be a protection mechanism from your prior bad experiences. But don't mistake that for the Ways of God and "freedom." To take up one's cross means abandonment, not control.
So the crux of the issue is, if your life is about "I want the freedom of being in control," God IS opposed to that theme, and so we will be, too, without insulting YOU in any way, but because it is a recipe for loneliness and separateness and deception for you and for your children, and for their children, and
we don't want that for you!
We've encountered many over the years who say, "I'm of Jesus," and many we know have been pleasantly surprised that letting their guards down has resulted in the Holy synergy of FAR MORE Life, not less.
So please don't be offended If we do not embrace those themes of "I'm okay, you're okay." Don't take personally what was not intended to be so taken. YOU are not the "enemy," but unTruth in perspective and decisions and belief that can rob you and your children of His Calling IS surely a sworn enemy and not to be taken lightly.
So again, we are not questioning the desire or sincerity of those who wear His name. But the root issues written about above are of supreme importance if we are to inherit the Future He intends. A desire to obey His ways and not compromise His truth…that's about all that anyone…we or you or anyone…can bring to the Table, and even that is by Grace alone.
