As I wrote in my journal about yesterday’s New Morning Mercies and posted on my other blog, I took a look back at my journal from last year on March 17. Evidently I had been reading and studying about Bill Johnson back then. As I write this now, it suddenly hit me why I was studying him, Bethel Readding and what is called the New Apostolic Reformation. (See yesterday’s post here for more information on that). We were losing someone to that method of thinking. Someone(s) I love had become enamored by the teaching of Bethel and were in the process of leaving. In fact, it was real close to this time last year they left to pursue other avenues.
I found the following quote during my study and I had copied, printed, and paper-clipped it in my journal:
A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats.
The source? Charles Spurgeon. The year? I couldn’t find it but he lived from 1834-1892.
Quite prophetic don’t you think? And challenging. And convicting.
Your thoughts?
Thank you for being a “shepherd” that speaks truth and Grace vs one who seeks to entertain, make everyone feel good, and is swayed by all the “glitter and gold” and “new age” feel good theology. Praying you are blessed today for that and all the other, behind the scenes things you do for us at OVCF and others both in the community and elsewhere!
You’re welcome Crystal. I truly am honored to pastor at OVCF.
Yes, quite convicting, and such a shame, Bill. Church is a place of worship, not of entertainment. Think we need a revival?
Blessings!
The answers to your thoughts Martha: i agree and “yes”
thanks for the gentle nudge to dig out those old journals … and see how far God has brought us.
i sometimes find them hard to read … and write these days.
I do also Linda. I read my thoughts and think, “Did I really say that?” Was I really that angry? Was I really that far away from God?” Pleasant…no. Eye-opening…yes.
Whoa… talk about prophecy…
Two thumbs up in agreement Floyd.
Hadn’t heard about the NAR movement before your posts, Bill. Thank you for the information. Always like to be aware of these traps.
I hope and pray you and Dick never have to deal with that mess Pam, especially in your new charge. But if you do, least you will know what you are up against and be somewhat prepared.
I love the quote by Spurgeon, few words but pack a punch to our soul.