Over the last few months numerous Forums have had numerous threads discussing the emergent church, the charismatic movement, men that are no longer with us, the difference between the backslider and the reprobate. Sadly, very little positive is found in the journey many have taken down the road of apostasy.
It is incredibly intriguing to me to read the threads concerning methods of evangelism, how to do church, the adaptation of denominational church ideas and the embracing of worldliness in an attempt to have Apostolic revival.
It is incredibly saddening and disappointing to me to watch as the two main things that should identify us, namely our doctrine and our worship, are being redefined in many of our churches. Seeker friendly is one thing, seeker pacifying is something altogether different.
Recently, after a Sunday evening service while doing some studying, I begin to look deeper into an intriguing portion of scripture.
II Chronicles 25 tells the interesting story of Amaziah, the son of Joash, who ascended to the throne when Joash died. A very unique testimony is given to him in verse 2 when it says
"And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart."
This statement leaves a rational thinking person to wonder how can one do that which is right in the sight of the Lord but not have a perfect heart? Further, what are the consequences of not serving the Lord with a perfect heart? I believe a further look into the actions and life of Amaziah is pertinent for the present day Apostolic ministry.
When ascending to the throne he makes the bold and justified move of slaying the servants who slew his father Joash. It was his way of judgment and making a statement that evil would not go unpunished. He also makes each man accountable for his own sin, according to God's words to Moses.
His next action is also commendable. He sets the armies of Judah in array and established leadership. He also hires other warriors from Israel to undergird in the areas where Judah may be weak. This seems to show incredible leadership ability and concern for Judah. Or does it? Evidently he had not taken the time to intercede before the Lord prior to taking the actions that he did.
The Lord sends a man of God to him to let him know that he needs to release these warriors from Israel. The reason? Because at that time God is not with Israel. A very strong point needs to be made here that even God, though He loved Israel, would not bless them in their sin even when they would be making the effort to help Judah.
Amaziah should have learned a valuable lesson from this but somehow his desire to orchestrate success his way caused him to totally miss the intent of God in sending the men of Ephraim away.
A short time after this Amaziah gathers his army and goes to the Valley of Salt and smites 10,000 children of Seir. One could easily say that Amaziah was defeating a worldly enemy and thus, would be pleasing to God. Indeed, God expects His people to have victory over their adversaries.
But Amaziah's ultimate downfall is found in his actions immediately following the great victory. Verse 14 states
"Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them."
Incredible! A man who had made a mistake and been corrected by God, and had taken the correction, now turns to the gods of the enemy he had just defeated. What was Amaziah thinking?? How could he turn his back so quickly on the God who had brought him the victory to worship gods of no power? No doubt in his mind the obedience he did give to God should justify the wrong actions he was now taking.
Most importantly for us to observe and take notice of is the question tucked away in verse 15 that God pointedly asks Amaziah:
"Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?"
Amaziah, does it make any sense to worship gods that had no power to deliver the people you just slew? Does it make any sense to utilize the gods of a destroyed and lost people?
So what's the point? Apostolic Preacher, arise to the battle! There is indeed an enemy to be destroyed. But sadly I am afraid that some of the enemy is being confused as being an ally. Don't misunderstand. We need to reach out to everyone we can. The person is not the problem. The system is the problem.
We must be careful to not embrace the philosophies and methods that do not even bring salvation to the people we are borrowing them from. Is it possible that God's anger is being kindled in this hour against men who are doing right in the sight of the Lord but not with a perfect heart? Could it be that too many are going to the enemy’s camp and realizing a victory but also lay hold onto some of the non-saving, non-powerful gods of the enemy?
Again, don't misunderstand me. I realize some of the methods of denominational Christianity may have merit. But if we are not careful, and we do see it happening, we will lose the ability to divide between our God and the gods of a failing Christianity.
In all sincerity, if the method and means can't even save those who use them, then let us be incredibly cautious of what makes its way into our camp with the spoil.
Yes, Amaziah was victorious. And some of our churches have seen some modicum of success with some of these methods. But as Joash, the king of Israel, told him,
"You have smitten the Edomites but your heart is lifted up and you take the credit and are bragging about what you have done." In other words Amaziah’s desire was not for Judah to be victorious but rather for Amaziah himself to be praised. God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. He knows whether one wants the methods for the cause of a revival of souls or because one wants the accolades of success.
This is doing that which is right in the sight of the Lord but not with a perfect heart. Ultimately doing all of the right in the eyes of the Lord will come to nothing if the heart is not perfect.
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