My heart physically hurts for the Warrens, the Hunters and the five families that lost their sons. The pain is incredible.
I don’t know that it will ever heal this side of Heaven. I also hurt for Pastor Zachery Tims who died alone in a Times Square hotel room trying to get some relief, and for Pastor Cedric Cuthbert who was accused of watching child porn at work, and for Pastor David Loveless who was let go after his affair was revealed.
Shall I go on?
I do not believe we have a problem because these and so many others are insincere or because we have not adequately emphasized holiness. I think we have a core, fundamental, essential problem with our application of the Gospel.
We need to reread the New Testament and modify some of our interpretations. The Bible is true. God is faithful. But at this point, too many are missing the mark.
I know this is too long, and I would like to stop, but I can’t … not until I say one more thing.
Everyone I’ve mentioned here has fallen because of obvious sin. But I did not mention the proud, envious, gluttonous, angry, greedy blamers and scrutinizers in the body of Christ who have equally fallen, but their sins are acceptable in our culture so they do not even realize their sin or need for repentance.
Why? They are too busy with the sins of others. Often, we actually laude these Pharisees and Judaizers because of their stand against sin, not realizing that they are still not teaching us the New Testament solution to mankind’s sin problem. When the New Testament becomes Torah in their hands, that law, too, stimulates sin.
It’s time for us to stop what we’re doing and weep.
We need to repent, enter into the prayer closet without cameras, notes or any announcements that we’re praying and fasting, and repent for what we have created until our hearts are soft again.
Our children are dying. Our relationships are broken. Our attitudes are arrogant. And our hearts are left confused.
