Reverend Sheets and Pastor Pillow

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who dies the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23 NIV.

I saw the American church decline as a leader. It did because we didn’t gain kingdom focus. Progressive Christianity arose because embracing feelings replaced Biblical understanding. I wanted to reflect on my 25 years of service to Him.

A church I attended recently closed. People who stopped attending suddenly cared. They felt heartbroken as the building reached its end. When they could’ve cared less when it was open, it’s like funerals. People weep, longing for more time with loved ones. But they were absent when that individual was alive. Where were they when the church was open? Home sleeping with Reverend Sheets and Pastor Pillow.

Church is vital. I saw a weaker spiritual connection when people left. People stopped going, and the sensual acts started. They emphatically vowed never to engage in such actions. But their walks weakened, and there they were in sin or complacency.

People grow when they join with other believers. I lead and attend two churches in the Ark-La-Tex. We just had meetings. I attended both and drew closer to Jesus. People got inspired, uplifted, and experienced growth.

I challenge us to evaluate our lives. Jesus is the most crucial part. The verse above says people performed good works, miracles, and prophecy. But Jesus said He never knew them. Jesus cares about an individual’s relationship. We aim to avoid the closure of the heart. Our desire is for eternity to be accessible, not inaccessible. We must use the tools provided. Prayer, His Word, and gathering. They are vital.

Get us out of our complacency, Lord. Give us strength to forgive and release offenses. Guide us back to You. The things we lost that are important. In Jesus’ name, amen.