Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy.” Romans 13:11-13 (AMP)
THE CHURCH’S BUSINESS IS BUSINESS
Back in Janaury of 1925, then President Calvin Coolidge gave a speech before the ASNE (American Society of Newspaper Editors). In it, he is quoted as saying the following:
“After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world.”
I find this very “intriguing” because of the correlation Pastor Ken makes between this quote about the American people and the American church. He said something along the lines that the business of the American church is business. Obviously not all churches are created or operate equally, but, there’s A LOT of truth with what he had to say. What I find more intersting is what President Coolidge said in the second half of his statement, and that is, that the American public was “profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world.”
I don’t think much has changed since then. If anything, the mindset that our business is being all about business has seeped into the American church—sadly. The American church has become an LLC. I designed a poster many, many years ago about this. I tried to create a visual of what the majority of the church had become. Here’s that “art” piece. I think it’ll be pretty self explanatory. And, as you can see, the “inspiration for it was none other than a packet of Sweet-N-Low®.
Maybe I should have it printed poster size (18” x 24”), sell them and encourage folks to put them up as a reminder that empty “spiritual” calories only lead to spiritual deficiency, disease and ultimately death—of discernment amongst others.
Also, President Coolidge’s quote reminds me of one that our Lord and Savior Jesus made in the book of Matthew 24:37-39:
But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (NKJV)
I think Jesus was on to something wouldn’t you say? Duh! Sadly, the American (and most of the Western church) has made business their business. Instead of making the Gospel our business. Or how about preaching repentance as our business. What about being salt and light as our business. Nah! I guess I must be too “old fashioned” or what many would call an idealist. I’m almost certain (sarcasm) that when we stand before God Almighty, the last thing He’s gonna ask is about how we ran the church as an LLC. I think the questioning will be more along the lines of what does our “spiritual porfolio” look like. And, one cannot have a spiritual portfolio without first opening an account with the King of kings via His son Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
What “business” are you in? Yes, that goes for you too pastors/teachers!
So with that I part ways and bid you adieu!
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RANDOM QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth." —Author Unknown
GOSPEL CARDS: A HELPFUL TOOL
If you’d like to get your hands on the gospel cards that I produce, please go HEREand fill out the form to let me know how many you’d like for free. Here’s the only catch, all I ask of you would be to cover the cost of shipping.
However, if you feel led to donate beyond the cost of shipping to help offset the costs of production (printing, ink, labels, etc.), it’d be a huge blessing. But if you cannot, I’ll still send them your way, no worries!
🔥🔥🔥 You can donate/support by following the link below:
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https://serpents-n-doves.printful.me
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