Archive for August 2021
Morality police arise: Porn returns to OnlyFans
It's time for the morality police to return to our modern world.
After reversing their decision to ban pornography on their platform, the OnlyFans Twitter account celebrated with a Tweet: “Thank you to everyone for making your voices heard.”
Founded in 2016, the site claims to have more than 130 million registered users and over 2 million creators. The voices of 130 million people crying out will most certainly be heard, and it's a further indication of how wicked, lost and debased our society has become.
If it were only the lost who were shouting their demands for erotic media, that would be one thing. Tragically the porn pandemic has long since infiltrated the church, members and clergy alike.
Countless pastor's voices have been heard. Innumerable Christian's voices have been heard. The cry for porn is loud, clear and persistent.
We are in the middle of a spiritual crisis that shrouds our culture with the stench of death. Instead of God's people embracing a deeply consecrated life of holiness, intercession and radical surrender, too many have plunged deep into the pit of wickedness. The vice-grip of pure evil is suffocating the very life out of the children of God.
WHERE ARE THE MORALITY POLICE?
My wife was sharing with me about a mystery series she watches that features someone in the role of morality police. Her duties included enforcing dress codes, reporting illegal alcohol consumption (the setting is during prohibition) and calling out behaviors that violated a common code of ethics.
I've lived most of my adult life being inundated with teachings, theologies and church cultures that decry any hint of so-called legalism. Messages of holiness, consecration, taking up our cross and anything that smells of works has been called out as legalistic. While inviting all sorts of religious accusation, I've said many times over the decades that I'd rather be a holiness preacher contending for revival than a spiritualized freedom-fighter who celebrates free-will and minimizes the power of sin.
As a result of these false-grace messages, we are watching the world plummet into hell at warp speed.
We need the morality police, preachers of righteousness who have a backbone of steel and fire in their eyes as they call out debauchery.
Today's moral collapse shouldn't be shocking, but in a way it still is. How can sites that promote pornography be allowed to exist? I'm not talking about legalities. I'm not talking about freedom of speech or expression. I'm talking about the lack of horror among the people that such immorality can find a place to call home.
JUDGMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF GOD
On the other hand, it shouldn't surprise us when the lost choose to live as the lost. They do lost type things. Sexual pleasure is one of the most powerful forces known to man and if one doesn't subscribe to a religious ideology or another ethical code that forbids certain expressions of it, then what reason would they have to resist? Outside of the conviction of the Holy Spirit, abstaining from many biblical sins makes no sense. Sex, drunkenness, witchcraft, foul language and other ungodly current day realities are enjoyed without guilt or restriction.
Yet, within the construct of the church, the moral code absolutely does exist.
I've known pastors who thought it was nothing to share from the pulpit about R rated movies and immoral television shows. I've walked in on pastors in their homes watching movies containing foul language and nudity.
Years ago, rock music was obviously rejected by the church as worldly.
Wikipedia reports, “Most traditional and fundamentalist Christians did not view rock music favorably when it became popular with young people from the 1950s.”
The Pentecostal youth pastor and author of the Cross and the Switchblade, David Wilkerson, called it “Satan’s Pentecost” and portrayed rock ‘n’ roll concerts as a kind of inverted Pentecostal worship, with demonic speaking in tongues.
Today? Pastors and Christians fill their lives with it along with other immoral genres. In fact, as a youth pastor in the 1990's I regularly preached against the emergence of “Christian rock” music while promoting a lifestyle of soaking in deeply anointed worship music.
David Wilkerson said, “Oh how God's people need discernment. Great deceptions abound every where, not only regarding the rock and punk music of the young, but also in regard to new forms of worship and praise being promoted. Some of it is born of the Holy Spirit, but much is born of the flesh – and only those who walk in the light know the difference.”
Yes, we need holiness preachers to arise again. The world will do what the world does. It will grow much darker as hell grows larger. This is a fact that causes my stomach to turn and my heart to grieve. More than any time in history we need a church on fire, a consecrated bride who lives a separated, surrendered, repentant and passionate existence. We must have a movement of remnant Christians who tremble in the fear of the Lord, who abhor wickedness and who will call out lukewarm, apathetic religiosity.
It's easy to presume judgment is coming to our dark planet. What we need to do is capture God's heart for the church, for his bride, for you and me. Judgment starts here. The terror of the Lord is a very real thing and it must consume us just as much as his intense love does.
FREEDOM CAN BE YOURS
If you are bound by pornography, you need to grasp both God's love and his terror. He is zealously drawing you to himself and there is dramatic, supernatural and miraculous freedom to be found. The grip of the enemy is nowhere near strong enough to keep you. One moment in the immeasurable presence of the Holy Spirit will set you free forever. You simply must repent, reject unrighteousness, flee lust and sexual temptation and fall desperately in love with Jesus. Eliminate most movies, television and other media. Shut off the music. Consecrate yourself and flood your life with worship, intercession and the Word of God. When you do, revival will ignite in your heart.
I pray God's fear and his love capture every one of us. The times are going to become much more difficult. Temptations will feel nearly impossible to resist. The darkness will only grow darker. We need a company of firebrands who reject the allure of the enemy and who go deep into the heart and plan of God for their lives. We need revival.
Photo credit: “Hands Typing on Laptop Keyboard” by Image Catalog is marked with CC0 1.0
Originally published by The Stream.
There’s no reason to go to Facebook jail.
Treading foolishly on social media will cost the church it's voice.
NEWSMAX reports, “Last month, the former president brought class-action lawsuits against the three big Tech giants requesting unspecified damages for alleged First Amendment violations.”
It's commonly believed that social media giants have censored, banned and caused all sorts of trouble for conservatives. This includes Christians who find themselves in so-called Facebook jail after expressing forbidden viewpoints.
This truly feels like David versus the giants who are determined to taunt, minimize and cast aside any who would threaten their narratives.
SHOULD WE NOT RUN TO THE BATTLE?
Yes, we absolutely should fearlessly fight against the spirits of the age. The real question, however, is exactly how should we fight?
God is known to give unusual, supernatural wisdom to those who are advancing toward wicked adversaries. Gideon was told to eliminate most of his army and to bang jars together. Joseph and Mary were instructed to avoid Egypt. Paul was warned against going to certain cities. Elijah brought the fire. Every situation is different, and might I suggest, brashly breaking the rules of Facebook, YouTube and other social media companies is foolish beyond measure.
Lawsuits like the one President Trump brought very well may be a wise, effective step toward protecting First Amendment rights of all US citizens. I agree that we are rushing quickly toward the reality of very real persecution of Christians who preach the truth of Scripture. We cannot shrink back. We must run to the battle, but with divine wisdom, not fleshly rebellion.
Everything starts with strategic intercession. The fight against principalities and powers is a deadly game to play if we aren't prepared. Our enemies aren't the CEO's and thought police. It's very smart, organized and vile evil spirits who are bent on destruction of the church. They are absolutely determined to muzzle all who preach the power of the Gospel.
WE MUST BE WISE AS SERPENTS AND GENTLE AS DOVES
““Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,” (Matthew 10:16–17, ESV)
I've always found it interesting that we are instructed to be as wise as serpents. Satan is both a snake and a brilliant and shrewd military strategist. He is not haphazard or careless in his schemes. We should not be either.
The Hill reports, “And despite the Taliban's brutality and dishonesty, two Taliban spokesmen have Twitter accounts, including Zabihullah Mujahid, who boasts nearly 320,000 followers. Mujahid has posted dozens of videos that have been viewed millions of times. Quite a platform for the Taliban to have, and it doesn't cost them a dime.”
Read this next segment analyzing Donald Trump's ban and the Taliban's get out of jail free card from the article on The Hill carefully:
“The answer, analysts said, may simply be that Trump’s posts for years challenged platform rules against hate speech and inciting violence,” the piece adds. “Today’s Taliban, by and large, does not.”
Of course, we know of the brutality the Taliban unashamedly promotes and it seems they should in no way be provided a platform on social media, especially when these companies are based in the United States. I agree with most by saying it's madness.
Additionally, it's beyond belief that the President of the United States could be banned. Like you, I'm flabbergasted. This isn't the America I've grown to love. We are living in very different, dangerous and wicked times.
With all of that being said, consider the wisdom of the Taliban. They are careful on social media. They don't post anything that would put them in Facebook jail or ban them from Twitter (at least that's what appears to be the case to date).
Here is the point of this article: be wise.
Flipping a bombastic, rebellious, spiritualized middle finger to the decision makers of the very platforms the church must have a voice on is utter foolishness. We receive no badge of honor by spouting off at the mouth in a way that breaks the rules (yes, unfair rules) and challenges the social media powers. It's childish at best, foolish and destructive to the church's mission at worst.
IF WE BREAK THE RULES WE LOSE OUR VOICE
I, for one, want to keep influencing people on social media with the life and power of Jesus. I can't afford for that message to be banned.
I've yet to be locked out of any social media account. I've not been shadow banned or jailed. I'm not saying it will never happen and I'm not patting myself on the back. I simply understand I must be extremely careful if I want to continue to be heard (even by my very small sphere of influence). There are things that are absolutely unnecessary to say, or that can be said in a way that doesn't poke the bear. We can be smart. We can be led of the Spirit of God. We can use divine wisdom.
This is not a matter of having a backbone or proudly shouting with fervor at our oppressors. It would be extremely easy to state the obvious and call out every anti-Christ spirit we come across on a daily basis. We can shout loud in all caps and presume we are mighty champions of God by refusing to be silent on the matters of the day. Well, yes, you can do that and you can lose your voice. You will lose your platform. You will surrender your privilege to communicate on a private forum.
Chinese Christians know this all too well, except they aren't risking a Facebook account being closed. They are risking their lives. They are faced with beatings and prison. We can only imagine the divine wisdom necessary to survive such an ungodly regime. Yet, the underground church is thriving and China is on pace to host the largest number of Christians in the world in the next couple of decades.
Standing on a street corner in Beijing and preaching the Gospel isn't an option for Chinese Christians. They must be wise. They understand the rules of their particular forum. They are Spirit-led instead of naturally aggressive.
The voice of Chinese Christians has been preserved because they have adapted to their situation. The church is thriving in that restrictive and dangerous environment because of godly wisdom.
If we as American Christians can't figure out how to keep our voice on Facebook, how do we think we will survive when we are forced underground? Brash, bombastic fist-waving won't work then, even if we do it in the name of Jesus.
Photo Credit: “China Flag and Dome” by jamiejohndavies is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Are Christians hypocrites for opposing homosexuality?
Christians have been called hypocrites by the LGBTQ+ community for years. They may be right.
I believe engaging in homosexual behavior is indeed sinful. It's a destructive activity that is forbidden by God and one that absolutely does make an authentic, saving relationship with God impossible. That is, if there is no repentance.
Unlike some, I don't believe we can equate sexual sin with other sins, presuming all sin to be the same. Different sins have vastly different consequences.
I also reject the mindset that standing on Scripture while disagreeing with a prohibited lifestyle equates to hating anyone. I don't hate my children when they lie and I don't hate someone who views porn. That accusation is little more than gaslighting and propaganda that is pushed by some in the LGBTQ+ community. They argue it's impossible to love someone if their lifestyle isn't fully endorsed. Untrue.
That being said, I absolutely agree with many LGBTQ+ supporters and promoters when they say Christians are hypocrites for opposing homosexuality. Of course, as a blanket statement such an accusation would be unfair. As a broad generality, however, they are right.
THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IS RIGHT
Merriam-Webster defines hypocrite as:
Hypocrisy would be a fair accusation if Bible-believing Christians themselves took part in homosexual activity while preaching against it. While this absolutely does happen, it's not required for the label of hypocrite to stick. Something much more common results in Christian hypocrisy.
We can also consider the fact that heterosexual activity outside of marriage is forbidden by Scripture. Clearly it would make sense for a Bible-thumping, heterosexual, anti-gay zealot to be labeled a hypocrite if he or she were to be shacking up with their significant other. This is obvious.
Interestingly, according to Scripture, the actual act of sex, whether it's hetero or homosexual, isn't necessarily required to qualify as sexual sin.
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:27–29, ESV)
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.” (Hebrews 10:26–27, ESV)
NO NAKED PEOPLE
No naked people. That concept seems nearly ridiculous in today’s sexually driven culture.
Sexual images are flashing before our eyes from every angle through media, marketing, video games and other invasive sources.
I’ve actually had Christians challenge me by saying it’s not possible for a man to avoid lust, as if it’s an expected part of our make up! I heard about another who said that the Bible doesn’t forbid lust, only lusting about married women! The culture is causing many hopeless and some defiant Christians to believe that freedom from sexual fantasy is not possible, or even necessary. God help this nation.
A report by George Barna on pornography is revealing.
68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors view porn on a regular basis. Of young Christian adults 18-24 years old, 76% actively search for porn.
Is it any wonder why those who are not bound by Scriptural mandates for purity might be upset at those who are? Understand, I'm not suggesting 68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors are the hypocrites we are dealing with in this article. The hypocrites are those who lust sexually, porn or no porn. The percentages are much, much higher.
The truth is, multiplied millions of Christian men and women very well may be those the LBGTQ+ camp is accurately hurling accusations at. If we lust, we have committed adultery. We are engaging in vile, forbidden sexual sin that God has renounced with crystal clarity.
PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH
The moral of this tragic story is obvious. We disqualify ourselves from preaching on holiness if we refuse to live holy.
I'm not talking about truly repentant people who are surrendering their lives to Jesus, who are crucifying their flesh and who are in a determined process of deliverance and freedom from sexual sin. I'm addressing those who keep returning to their sin while preaching against it. I'm talking about plain, vanilla hypocrisy.
While there is absolutely a place for surrendered, consecrated followers of Jesus to deal directly with homosexual activism in an authentically loving and humble manner, I would suggest the battle should be waged from a different place.
We need a movement of purity, holiness and the fear of the Lord to strike the church in our nation. Judgment begins in the house of God. Repentance should start there too.
Sexual lust must be eradicated from the lives of Christians. Pastors need to collapse to their knees in repentance and intercession. The deadly wickedness of porn can no longer find its way through the eye-gates and into the souls of Believers.
Until holiness returns to the church, our authority to speak on homosexuality, porn or sexual sin of any type is compromised. The accusations against us will stick. The enemy's stronghold will intensify.
Don't be surprised if mocking, hatred and verbal assaults come our way if we refuse to humble ourselves and live free from the grip of very sin we are railing against.
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5–6, ESV)
Originally published by The Stream.
Remnant-sensitive churches arise!
A massive falling away from the faith will be a mark of churches devoid of supernatural power.
It's time for a dramatic shift from seeker-sensitive churches to remnant-sensitive churches in our nation. There is an army of supernaturally-minded followers of Jesus looking for their tribe, and there are few churches that pass the test.
All that is natual or done in human power isn't bad by default. Mankind whether Christian or not can do much good simply by, well, doing good. We can feed the hungry, serve sacrificially, give extravagantly, smile, hug, encourage, befriend and do much good for mankind.
In the church realm we can pray for the sick, visit shut-ins, teach the Bible, pass out Gospel tracts, attend small groups and much more that doesn't necessarily require the power of God to accomplish. Of course, when we add God's power to any of the above, the impact is dramatically different.
NATURALLY DRIVEN CHURCHES ABOUND
When church-shopping, if people were honest, they would commonly admit they are looking for a variety of things. Topping the lists of many in search of a new church home are good children's and youth ministries, dynamic and skillful worship, excellent teaching, the ability to develop new relationships and a welcoming environment.
In fact, church growth strategies tend to be natural versus supernatural as they focus on how we can meet the demands of the customers (current and potential church members). An article on the Smart Church Management website titled 7 Keys to Church Growth zeroes in on what is humanly achievable. Again, all that is humanly possible isn't unbiblical or inappropriate. Natural methods, secular strategies and ideals found in the business world can, at times, be applied in the spiritual world.
Some of the keys to church growth mentioned in the article include creating an inviting atmosphere, creating a welcoming experience, care for church members and providing opportunities to serve. There's not a thing wrong with any of this, except that what matters most wasn't mentioned. Nurturing the supernatural manifestation of the presence of God didn't make the list.
Naturally driven churches abound from coast to coast in this nation. You'll hear a lot about great coffee, vibrant community and programs for the entire family. In fact, many err on the side of caution by downplaying the supernatural. The risk of alienating visitors or conservative members is too high to allow it. Tragically, the risk of alienating God isn't often considered.
CRISIS WILL OVERWHELM THE NATURALLY MINDED
You'll know a supernatural church when crisis hits. Supernaturally driven Believers will respond radically differently to crisis than those who aren't living, walking, praying and governing in the spirit. Without developing a history in God that's marked by fervent intercession, intense devotion, great faith and openness to the moving of the Holy Spirit, people will default to what makes sense in the natural realm.
Without a supernatural mindset, it will be impossible to respond to crisis as God intends. Natural strategies won't work. Panic will set in. Fear will dominate.
This will be followed up by lost faith and angry fists raised to heaven. A failure to live in the otherworldly, supernatural place of signs, wonders and miracles will result in a devastating lack of spiritual tools in people's toolbelts when they are most needed.
The church's failure to equip people in the Holy Spirit is more eternally costly than we can imagine. Satan is raging and there is no natural response that will slow him down. A powerless church births powerless Christians who are primed to be easily devoured by the hounds of hell.
THE DEMISE OF THE SEEKER-SENSITIVE CHURCH
If we put on our marketing hats, it makes sense to target the largest segment of society. Coke, Nike, Disney and other companies want their products or services enjoyed by as many people as possible. Pastors want people in the seats. The quickest way to make that happen, one would presume, is to target the largest segment of those who are most prone to visit. Seekers are everywhere and some will show up on Sunday morning if the services are welcoming, comfortable and definitely not weird. Eliminate the supernatural and they may come.
This strategy must end. The end-time church is a church on fire, not a comfortable living room where we can put up our feet, eat some snacks and watch the show. The Holy Spirit isn't drawing seekers into a tepid environment. He's not looking to ease people into a new life in Christ. God is calling all to the cross, to full surrender and right into the furnace of his presence.
When seekers are introduced to God in a way that's naturally understandable, the dive into the often bizarre, intense, all-consuming activity of the Holy Spirit is nonsensical to them. Such an experience becomes unnecessary if they, after all, have alread “said yes” to Jesus in a costless, comfortable environment.
Hearing God's voice, dreams, visions, encounters, being baptized in the Holy Spirit, spiritual warfare, casting out demons, moving in the gifts of the Spirit and so much more becomes unnecessary to those who “got saved” in a comfortable, non-threatening, naturally-driven church.
CHURCH ON FIRE ARISE!
The end-time church is a remnant church. It's time we stop appealing to the general population to build kingdoms of man and start calling in those who are ready to make a total surrender and advance the Kingdom of God. The remnant firebrands are desperately looking for their home base. They want to find their fellow soldiers who are ready to move ahead with precision against the wickedness in our nation.
They aren't looking for churches with trendy youth ministries, the best coffee shops or even great worship or teaching. The remnant is looking for the fire of the Holy Spirit. They want to know if intercession drives the ministry. A specific, world-changing, divine vision is crucial. The pursuit of the wonders of God is paramount. An extremely prophetic atmosphere is non-negotiable. Great faith and extreme devotion to the Word of God are critical. These end-time warriors refuse to play games and they won't stand for lesser things getting in the way of the greater mission. Coffee, friendships and programs become laughable as foundations to build on.
The time is now for a massive reset to come to the church. We have Ichabod churches dotting our nation and many others that do have a heartbeat yet refuse to dive into the depths of the fire. We need an Acts 2 church that is volcanic, supernatural and radiating in immeasurable power.
How does this happen? Become remnant-sensitive. Gather in those who are ready to lay it all down and contend with tears for God to move. Pastors must shift dramatically and refuse, ever again, to make decisions based on how the people will respond. The idolatry of filled pews must be repented of. The fear of offending the tithers must cease. The focus on keeping everybody happy can't continue.
We need the supernatural church to arise in these dire end-times. Without a prophetic mantle and the ability to advance in extreme Holy Spirit power, we have no hope. However, if we start training people in the fire and advance as a burning end-time army, kingdoms of darkness will shatter. And finally, we won't have to function as time-share salespeople, giving gifts and promising all sorts of benefits to those mildly interested in God if they sign on the dotted line. The seekers will witness undeniable supernatural power and the Holy Spirit will overwhelm them as they hit their knees and cry, “Holy!”
Originally published by Charisma Media.