I've visited a couple of "African-American" churches - of course they would welcome anybody, but they were primarily filled with African-Americans. They were so warm and loving. The services were exciting and the joy of the Lord was acknowledged loudly and from the heart. I love to see how other churches praise God. In both churches, I noticed something that doesn't typically happen in "white" churches that I've been a part of. If something moved a woman, maybe something said in the sermon or perhaps a song, she might stand up quietly and wave her white hanky to express a heartfelt, "Amen!".
I just read a comment that I consider to be a white-hanky post. It was so good. I am standing up and waving my white hanky right now. It deserves a post on its own and here it is. A big thank you to the Anonymous contributor!
Hypocrisy:
1. a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
2. a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.
See Chuck O'Neal's sermon 'Peaceful Love' on BGBC website under 'Our newest sermons'. Listen at twelve minute mark as he exposites Matt. 5:38-40 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also."
Compare this to his google comment: "After three and a half years of suffering a great many injuries tamely, without stirring for our own relief, we are now using lawful means to right the ministry of the Gospel at BGBC and to protect our families. It is not a “threat”."
And he is suing other Christians.
Hypocrisy therefore permeates the soul with a predisposition against genuine repentance. That is why Jesus referred to hypocrisy as "the leaven of the Pharisees" (Luke 12:1).
Hypocrisy also works directly against the conscience. There's no way to be hypocritical without searing the conscience. So hypocrisy inevitably makes way for the most vile, soul-coloring, character-damaging secret sins. Thus hypocrisy compounds itself, just like leaven.
Matthew 23:1-3 23 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe,[a] that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.
I pray the Lord opens the eyes of those still trapped under such hypocrisy.
Something to think about....not sure I can stand to listen though.
ReplyDeleteThere were so many rules regarding outward appearance but matters of the heart were ignored.
In your opinion, who are all the people reading this blog? In my experience (very short time) the number in attendance was low.
ReplyDeleteI noticed an allegience to the pastor that wasn't normal, sermons were sometimes on and sometimes way off, and quickly saw if you didn't subscribe to the group think you would not get along very well.
Thoughts?
You're right, the attendance was low and I, too, have been surprised at the number of hits. I have some ideas:
DeleteThe blog address is still up on the Dexknows BGBC review site. It was originally on the Google review site, but someone had it removed.
I initially sent the link to 3 people. I don't know if those 3 passed it out.
Later I shared the story of the lawsuit with close friends of mine who did not attend the church. They are interested in my story and are my prayer warriors and asked to see the blog.
When I posted the resources on the side bar, I got responses from some who deal with spiritual abuse. Many of them devote their time to help those who have been in spiritually abusive churches and would be interested in following the blog and legal case.
I have a hunch a lot of the hits are from people who have left the church. In that former church environment, there is a no-talk rule. I am going against that ridiculous rule. So many of us share the same story and when reading a story that resonates so deeply with the emotional wounds still fresh, it makes one want to read more because one can identify with it.
While I suspect there are "spies" reading the blog informing the pastor/elder, I also suspect there are people still in the church quietly reading, acknowledging the stories, perhaps wondering if/when they might get out and the cost involved.
Today = 311 hits - broke a new record