Part 2: How Can We
Please God?
In the name of God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the
earth.
As we continue to review the ungodly aspects of
Pastors Anniversaries we turn to scripture that reveal sacrificial rituals. Often
the people of God have sought to please God by participating in certain
rituals. The Bible records that many of these rituals were commanded by God.
However, the rituals of Pastors Anniversaries are not commanded by God.
Meanwhile there are two points that are very significant to our discussion.
First, God does not accept rituals that are (were) a
part of the Law that are done with an insincere heart. Secondly man cannot
create his own religion or ways of worship. Also, man is forbidden to worship anyone
in the flesh and idols. Thus you cannot serve God and also worship a Preacher
and money.
In the Book of Micah (6:6-8 and 1-16) the Prophet
paints a picture of a courtroom. Here we see God as the Judge. God wants
obedience. He tells the people what is required and recites all the ways they
have wronged him and others.
Micah 6:6. "Wherewith shall I come before the
Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt
offerings, with calves of a year old?"
6:8. "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good;
and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and walk humbly with thy God?"
The people of Israel responded to God by trying to
appease him with sacrifices. Sacrifices and religious rituals are of little
importance. God wants us to embrace love and change our lives. Again it is
noted that even though the system of sacrifices had been ordained by God
through the Law of Moses the service was displeasing to God. These services
were displeasing because the leaders practiced abomination.
In the Book of Isaiah we find additional scripture
that will help us better understand the previous points made. Meanwhile to stay
in focus we again note that these scripture passages reveal the unrighteous
hearts and actions of the Hebrews as they abide by the Law. However as we seek
to make a comparative analysis of these Old Testament situations with Pastor
Anniversary Services, we see further sinful behavior in that the rituals
centered around contemporary Preachers was never a command by God.
Isaiah 1: 10-15. "Hear the word of the lord, ye
rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah."
10:15. "And when ye speak further your hearts, I
will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear:
your hands are full of blood."
The Prophet Isaiah compared the leaders of Judah with
two of the most corrupt and degenerated cities noted in scripture. The people
did not hear God's message then and the people still do not hear the Word of
God. To obey God one must listen. When we can't hear the Word of God, our mind
is on something else. You cannot worship a Preacher and money and hear God.
The sacrifices commanded by God were supposed to be
outward signs of inward faith. But the people had no inward faith however, they
continued to offer sacrifices for forgiveness of sins. Meanwhile, the people
set a precedent for trying to mix Godly things with the ungodly. Therefore
hoping God would accept the whole program because they included something that
was Godly.
Isaiah notes clearly (verse12) that God does not
accept gifts, sacrifices etc. from the corrupt. For example a Preachers who
mis-lead the people with the false prophecy of financial prosperity. Meanwhile
many of these same Preachers claim Speaking in Tongues that is more akin to
Pig-Latin, Flim-Flam, and Gibberish is a gift of all the believers is a corrupt
practice. They also tell consistent lies that God commanded a tithe (10% of
one’s income) which is also another example of their corruption. Therefore,
these Preachers are not acceptable to God. As we look at verse 15, it gets
really bad for the corrupt ungodly church leaders. "Spread forth your
hands refer to the custom used in connection with prayers. Here God declares
that He will not see their outstretched hands nor hear their prayers.
Additional Scripture References:
Isaiah 5:11-13. Our pleasures (Pastors Anniversaries)
if they do not have, God's blessings may eventually destroy us.
Isaiah 58:1-7. Correct worship is not as important as
genuine compassion for the poor, the helpless and the oppressed. Thus is giving
large sums of money to Preachers that are already wealthy pleasing to God?
Ezekiel 34:2-3. "Son of man, prophesy against the
shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, thus saith the Lord God unto
the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel they do find themselves!
Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?”
The prophecy of Ezekiel against the religious leaders
of Israel still rings true today. Religious leaders through Pastors
Anniversaries take care of themselves while they exploit and abuse the people.
Also, see Jeremiah 23:1-4.
Amos 5:21-27 and 5:21-6:1-6
5:21. "I hate, I despise your feast days, and I
will not smell in your solemn assemblies."
God does not favor, (He hates) false worship services
that are done to show off and glorify man. You cannot live sinful lives and use
religious rituals to make yourself look good, God will not honor an ungodly
worship service. The deeds of hypocrites in the Church are despised by God. Our
worship services should always keep God first.
Amos 6:1-6. "Woe to them that are at ease in
Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the
nations, to whom the house of Israel came!"
The Prophet Amos attacked those that live in luxury
while others live in poverty. Congregations that glorify Pastors and act in a
selfish manner toward the needy are not pleasing to God. The people of God are
not to waste God's resources. These resources should be used to help the poor.
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net