Poetry With A Mission



...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

Bigotry

Dear Christian friend. Could it be that you’re displaying bigotry,
Yet, believe that you’re not a bigot — in fact, abhor bigotry?
Well, I’d like to ask you a few questions — that is, if you don’t mind,
And then, the answer to my questions I’m sure you’ll soon find.

Do you mistreat, malign, ignore, or distance yourself from someone, who,
Believes, expresses, and practices quite the opposite to you?
I’m referring to a Christian whose faith is different to yours,
But who the same Saviour, Creator — Jesus — follows and adores.

Yes, a believer, who wouldn’t deliberately harm someone,
And who sincerely attempts to emulate the ways of the Son.
But who doesn’t hold the same views as you — at least, not all of them,
And who, your choice to differ in belief and practice, doesn’t condemn.

A Christian who calls a spade a spade, speaks out, without getting personal,
And who graciously and humbly begs to differ, is peaceable.
A Christian who knows that error should be exposed (though correctly),
And also charlatans, who endanger, mislead Scripturally.

A Christian who appropriately may challenge what you hold dear,
Which freedom of expression allows, and which we should never fear.
One who upholds liberty, and who from lawfulness doesn’t veer,
And who may try to share what they feel it is best for you to hear.

One who contacts you somehow, one who you work with, or sometimes see,
Whom you don’t respond to, or as little as you need to, consciously.
One you warn others about, poke fun at, mention negatively,
Simply because of their faith, differing views, enter bigotry.

Yes, bigotry, which in the eyes of the Lord, is a grievous sin,
For all are His creatures — in other words, of divine origin.
And to all, He has given freedom of choice, which we should respect,
For only that way, can we truly God’s character reflect.

Therefore, I sincerely pray that you’re not displaying bigotry —
Intolerance, discrimination, prejudice, hostility.
Bigots, dear Christian friend, will not enter Heaven, unless they repent,
For neither bigots nor bigotry were ever our Lord’s intent.

Oh, how careful we need to be, lest a child of God we mistreat,
Via pharisaical self-righteousness, that tilts its nose, crosses the street.
Yes, so sure we’re right, and they so wrong, expressed by our snobbery,
Or whatever else, that hurts our Lord too, and witnesses falsely.

On the other hand, could it be that we sometimes or frequently
Wax lyrical about our Christian experiences, pridefully.
But when others try to share their Christian experiences also,
We’re not so receptive, tune out perhaps, decide it’s time to go.

Or we offer them something to read, but what they offer, don’t read,
Which could contain information that we actually should heed.
Or we speak when we should listen — that is, hog the conversation,
Or turn a friendly discussion into what’s more an altercation.

Now, perhaps that’s not bigotry as we tend to think of bigotry,
But isn’t it similar — biasness, one-sidedness, partiality?
Such is hardly in keeping with Scripture, and it ignores God’s will,
Which is: That we’re to always treat another Christian (person), well.

By Lance Landall


The term bigot is often misused to pejoratively label those who merely oppose or
disagree with the devotion of another.
For more on bigotry, see my page Racism And Bigotry which is found on
my Home page, left hand side, purple box.




2.  Spare Us From Bigots And Bigotry

Spare us from religious bigots, Lord, who if they got their way, would force their religion on everybody,
They so blinded by their ignorance, arrogance, and un-Christ-like-ness, that their folly and the right path can’t see;
And so piously proud of their own religion-cum-denomination, thus shaming Christianity,
For many are left with that poor picture of Christianity, when it’s just religious tripe-cum-bigotry.

If they got their way, Lord, they would use the State to achieve their bigoted ends, they thinking You want then to,
But deludedly so, for Your power and might isn’t given to the likes of these, their ways and thoughts askew,
And how, for the truly sound and righteous don’t turn to men, but put their trust in You, and whatever’s Your will,
They knowing that forcing their beliefs and ways on others incurs Your wrath, and as history shows, leads to ill.

But that’s the nature of bigotry, it can’t see and doesn't want to see, hence the ill the bigoted cause,
They convinced that they aren’t bigoted, and via some faulty spiel, leading others into the coming beast’s jaws;
Yes, an evil, religious, political power of some sort, going by the book of Revelation,
One that gains control of Earth, and thus bigotry enshrines — one that in Your eyes, is an abomination.

Hence why I plead, Lord, spare us from religious bigots, those who’re forceful, those who don’t like dissenters, and who
Justify their actions via their distorted understanding of Scripture, as the deluded always do.
Such Christians oft being the result of perpetuated and inculcated error, and thus failing to see
That the challenging of what we believe is not only healthy, but also what spares us from bigotry.

By Lance Landall





3.  How's Your Response?

One test of whether we are truly a Christian or not is, how we respond when we’re confronted with what we
Aren’t happy to hear, but what’s actually fair — due criticism — which we should ponder on thoughtfully,
And then, respond to in a mature, Christ-like-cum-selfless way, we even grateful for that criticism,
For such provides us with an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than such becoming some schism.

Yes, the truth can sting, but sometimes it needs to, given our thoughtlessness-cum-selfish wrong, our conscience asleep,
And we not perturbed about what we did, or didn’t do when we should’ve done, that promise we didn’t keep.
And hence why our conscience sometimes needs a good pricking, but oh, how we object to such, hence that resistance,
And when it comes to us defending our thoughtlessness-cum-selfish wrong — oh, that self protective insistence.

Hence the question:

Are such excuses sinful? They being the product of a denial that shouldn’t be, we not wanting to see,
And thus the answer surely,
“Yes, they are sinful," we indulging in a form of lying, effectively.
Thus, out goes that humble receptiveness, that needful soul searching, thanks to that fallen condition-cum-“me,”
For oh, how we conveniently like to kid ourselves, rather than just facing up to reality.

Yes, what fools we are, for where we’ve erred and thus are guilty, we should admit to such, swallowing wrongful pride,
And acknowledging that those who’ve approached us are acting biblically, their approach therefore justified,
For where we’ve a problem with a fellow Christian, we should let them know, for how else will they learn and thus grow?
And by their response, either their likeness to Jesus, or some sad characteristic of the devil show.


By Lance Landall


" 'If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault...' " (Matt 18:15, ESV).

" 'Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents,
forgive him...' " (Luke 17:3, ESV).





The following poem also appears in my secular poem section.

4.  The Trouble With Truth

The trouble with truth is that it’s seldom welcomed because it’s seldom what folk actually want to hear,
For truth can challenge our preconceived ideas, even our beliefs — yes, erroneous things that we hold dear.
Or even worse — well, in the eyes of many, that is — most disturbingly peel back an unhealthy veneer,
One that’s protectively covering cherished delusions that the light of day holds at arms length due to fear.

Yes, truth has an irritating way of pricking the conscience, and it’s a spoiler, one that gets in the way,
For truth oft calls for change, change that many don’t want, they preferring some wayward way-cum-what doesn’t pay.
Well, we can try and keep truth at bay for as long as we like, but somewhere we’ll be forced to face its verity,
For truth is truth no matter how far we run from it, and why wherever we are, there it’s still bound to be.

The trouble with truth is that it’s seldom desired, for it oft reveals what folk should give up, but don’t want to,
And don’t! — well, not until they have to, are somehow forced to, and then their folly they’ve serious cause to rue.
And all because of their resistance, even their insistence, for oh, how folk defend what suits–cum-delights,
Hence those damaged relationships we see, most courtesy of heated arguments, another word for fights.

The trouble with truth is that it doesn't always mirror our life, for truth clearly calls for transparency,
Such being another word for honesty and integrity, which denial spurns, given its refusal to see.
And so it goes, we thereby just fooling ourselves, which one could well argue is a form of insanity,
For rebuttal where truth registers hardly reveals a sound mind, but rather, one that dumps wisdom for folly.

By Lance Landall




5.  Better That Sharp Word That Saves

Surely better the one who’s a little on the rougher side, they lacking in certain graces,
And at times, even sharp in their delivery, they upsetting some midst the sea of faces.
Yes, surely better the Christian who’s treading on toes in their passion for Christ and all that’s right,
Than that wishy-washy, uncommitted, or timid, people pleasing one who’s lacking in foresight.

And the latter meaning: Those who’ve more concern for their own skin, or, they having the wrong picture,
They thinking that Christians should never say or do what might upset, which doesn’t gel with Scripture.
For Christians are called to boldly share the Word (whether it be liked or not), to reprove and warn,
Lest come Christ’s return, both they and those they failed to inform and correct have good reason to mourn.

Yes, surely better the one who sometimes vents their anger or confusion at God, tears in their eyes,
They perhaps losing the plot midst stress or distress, but soon back on their knees despite all their whys.
Yes, surely better the one who struggles, but who stands up and speaks out — that meaning: Does something!
Than those pious pew warmers who are only into warm fuzzies that do little or nothing.

And if ever there was a need to sound the alarm, it’s today, for oh, how Christians have strayed,
But you know, even throughout Earth’s history, how many of God’s people have truly obeyed?
Which is why God has always had His warning prophets and trumpet blowers, and then there’s us too,
For as said before, it’s the duty of every Christian to boldly proclaim the Word, say what’s true.

And such can certainly upset, for most don’t like hearing what they need to hear (and take on board),
Be it said sharply or softly, the harder and narrow way having been exchanged for the broad.
And why the sharp word is needed more than the soft word today, for most seem to want things easy,
The soft word hardly stirring, it diluted for fear of upsetting, and why worse we now see.

Therefore, better the one who midst their passion for Christ and all that’s right-cum-truth versus heresy
(And due to them still growing, perhaps), upsets others along the way, but never callously.
In other words, they’ve no malicious intent, but a burning concern, a love that can’t be still,
For they know that despite God’s grace, there’s no hope for those who continue to violate God’s will.

Yes, surely better the one whose words aren’t always the best, and whose actions may be somewhat flawed,
But whose heart’s intent on saving souls and upholding what’s right, first place being given to their Lord.
Yes, they more concerned about Christ and others than themselves, thus sneering at popularity,
For better that sharp word that saves than that soft word that’s usually ignored, perilously.

By Lance Landall


" 'Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents,
forgive him...' " (Luke 17:3, ESV).

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of God” (Gal 1:10, NIV).

“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day or night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent” (Isa 62:6, KJV).

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Tim 4:3,4, NIV).

“ ‘And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right?’ ” (Luke 12:57, NASB).

“ ‘Do not judge according to appearances, but judge with righteous judgment’ ” (John 7:24, NKJV).

"All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16,17, NIV).




6.  Don't Blame Conservatism

Less full churches, empty pews — a sign of the times, but why? Well, it’s not due to conservatism;
That’s just the faulty spiel of the liberal wing who oft un-Christ-like pursue their liberalism.
But wrong can be pursued by anyone, be they liberal or conservative, and oh, how they err,
As Christ condones no such behaviour, 'cause when it comes to His Church, such fools act  like the saboteur.

Churches aren’t dying because of conservatism (they being more harmed by liberalism),
But simply because of the lack of Christ-like love that’s found within, and where there’s many a schism.
There’s naught attractive about friction, politics, judgmental faces and unfriendliness, nor cliques too,
And that Laodicean smugness, laziness, lack of passion and commitment within each pew.

And therein lies the problem, but let me add this too: Where there isn’t sound teaching and discipline,
Nor a striking difference, there's no real direction or security, so who would stay within?
And many choose not to; and if the world has come into the Church, why leave the world in the first place,
And if you can carry on as before and still be saved, so long as you’ve accepted God’s gift of grace?

Well, we can’t accept God’s grace and just carry on as before and still be saved, though that’s the thinking,
And all because of those “once saved, always saved” variations, teachings, at which God's not winking.
And hence God's warnings, 'cause just like those dry bones within many a church, let alone any schism,
Such presents a faulty and harmful picture, as do those liberals who blame conservatism.

When the Church is full of gossip, that devilish grapevine, and certain folk have agendas — oh dear —
Why would one want to join or remain? Unless they’re just as bad, or believe that they should still stay there.
Yes, folk should remain, 'cause they’re there for Christ (such His will), and this, despite the wrong occurring within,
Thus doing what they can to improve things, the Church needing every such hero or heroine.

But given the current state of things, there’s little to attract, and hence why many pews are empty,
And in some cases where wrong things have been introduced, leaving that church may be a necessity.
But such should be carefully weighed, 'cause where there’s humans, there'll always be problems of some sort,
Any why the Spirit’s guidance, the sound wisdom of God, and the counsel of others too, should be sought.

Yes, it’s not conservatism that’s the problem, but un-Christ-like behaviour that shouldn’t be there,
Along with that destructive worldliness, Laodicean apathy, repelling atmosphere.
In order to turn things around, many turn to gimmickry, that which entertains, not fortifies,
'Cause such just appeals to feelings; and why where there’s liberalism, such finds its promises mere lies.


By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on 26 August 2023.




7.  God Seems More A Conservative To Me

Yes, God seems more a conservative to me, who's very liberal with His love,
And thus He, with the greatest of care, ruling the whole universe from above.
A universe that’s orderly, 'cause He’s the God of order, truth, light and right,
A God who has His boundaries, standards, and moral Law that He chose to write.

Yes, there’s nothing liberal about His Ten Commandments, but just His mercy,
Though even here His justice will one day have its say and end Earth’s anarchy.
For God never intended the rebellious liberality that is seen,
Courtesy of man’s fall, his wayward bent, and why God will shortly intervene.

All why God doesn’t want His Church loosened up, but brought to heel, just as before,
He unhappy with the path of His chosen people whose evil He foresaw.
And hence ancient Israel’s demise, they flouters of God’s Law and order, sadly,
All of which saw them embracing worldliness, heresy and idolatry.

It seems that no matter how clear God makes things, man still thinks that he knows better,
Hence that misguided liberalism that cries, “Let him!” or that coos, “Let her.”
Such why folk are soon running contrary to the Word of God, His will and ways,
And why from God’s conservative path, sound instruction, the majority strays.

Oh yes, God’s Word is full of wise and loving do’s and don’ts; and acts of folly,
The latter designed to save us from repeats of the same, but what do we see?
Christians in love with liberality (not to be confused with liberty),
And why within the Church we see that very same self-serving mentality.

Yes, God’s no liberal, but a holy, righteous, wise, orderly, restrained king,
A lawgiver who’s big on doing what’s right, and why His praises we all should sing.
'Cause were there no law and order, no moral code, no loving boundaries,
So much worse things would be given even Christians already do as they please.

And such why the Christian Church is full of modern money changers, liberals,
And why within (despite those lessons from the past) we’re seeing so many ills.
And why without (despite what Scripture conveys) Christians are hard to spot, for they
Aren’t so different from those they’re meant to rescue from the world’s unholy sway.

Yes, the only thing that is liberal about God is His love and mercy,
Which too many Christians think will overlook their wilful sinning, foolishly.
'Cause such is not what Scripture says, and common sense surely shouts that it wouldn't,
And why when it comes to acting rebelliously, self-servingly, we shouldn’t.

Sure Christ challenged many things that He found on Earth, and so should any of us,
But that doesn’t make Him a liberal, just the caring God He is, Jesus.
And though He taught a better way, He always had, though oft incrementally,
Taking folk where He found them, like those Hebrews too long in Egypt, and grouchy.

We’re told that God’s an unchangeable God, and He clearly calls a spade a spade,
And the reason why is, because He’s as straight as a dye, unwilling to trade.
Yes, He no compromiser, nor an itchy ear pleaser, but somebody who
Says what He means and means what He says — a loving conservative, in my view.

One who’s forgiving, generous and longsuffering, and who understands too,
But never turning a blind eye to wrong, wilful sin, that which we shouldn’t do.
Sure He hates seeing us suffer, hears our sighs and groans, and knows our weakened state,
But wrong is wrong, and He a God of justice, who sin will never tolerate.

And thus He hardly at home in that liberal camp that challenges His will,
Where they say, “God says but I think,” which is exactly how Adam and Eve fell.
And we know who said, “You will not die,” Satan’s promise of greater things a lie,
And so too that liberal spiel that misleads those whom God seeks to sanctify.

By Lance Landall


The title of this poem was changed and the poem tweaked here
and there on the 19 August 2023.




8.  Think Before You Knock Fundamentalists

That God himself is a fundamentalist seems clear, He strict about His Word,
Stating that no one’s to subtract from it, or add to it, doing what’s preferred,
But rather, upholding it in its entirety, treating it with great care,
'Cause its truths aren’t for sale — and its revelations, there for all to read and share.

Yes, God seems a fundamentalist alright, His Law-cum-commands surely proof,
His Word declaring boundaries, pointing out the way, delivering reproof.
Yes, love calling a spade a spade, even chastising, for what parent would not?
And thus God’s love directly related to His justice, free of stain and blot.

Therefore, a Christian who’s not a fundamentalist seems hardly like His Lord,
But more an all-embracing liberal who’s travelling on a road that’s too broad.
Hence Christ’s call to get back on the straight and narrow, He not wanting any lost,
'Cause He knows that rebellion can ultimately lead to an eternal cost.

Yes, “Every word of God proves true,” the Bible tells us, it sound and trustworthy,
But not so any fundamentalist who harms, kills or pushes heresy.
'Cause God’s the God of love and truth, His wrath reserved for those who should know better,
For love knows nothing of wrong, and God’s will to be carried out to the letter.

But hey, liberals are seen to err too, many forcing their will on others,
And thereby, or somehow else, they injuring their fellow sisters and brothers.
And thus no one incapable of wrong doing, all of us sinners indeed,
But saved if repentant — and those who truly are, the will of God always heed,

And He, a loving fundamentalist, who on our behalf, is seen to plead.

And thus He a conservative Saviour, straight talking, upright, true and clear,
Thus leaving none in doubt as to His wishes, they justifiable and fair.
Oh yes, for love provides a foundation, something sure, sound and beneficial,
Unlike liberality, it shifting sand and at loggerheads with God’s will.

And hence why God has His Law, those principles and standards seen throughout His Word,
All of which have stood the test of time, unlike those worldly ways more oft preferred;
And why folk keep repeating history, 'cause on the wayward side of God’s fence,
There only lies trouble and a fundamental truth: Man’s way never makes sense.

By Lance Landall


"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it." (Matt 7:1, KJV)
.

This poem was tweaked on 19 August 2023.




9.  Guard Religious Liberty

You may not agree with someone’s religion, but let all follow their own, unhindered and free,
Providing they’re not into the likes of terrorism, or attacking folk physically.
And then, they coming under rightful laws of the land, for no one should ever hurt another,
But should accept that difference that exists between them and their fellow sister or brother.

Yes, so long as there are no trumped-up charges, such violators should be dealt with, though justly;
God having given all the right to choose their own faith-cum-denomination without injury.
And hence why He doesn’t interfere with our choice, and nor should some civil power, daringly,
For if God doesn’t (and He, far more wiser and powerful), what men would act so foolishly?

Well, come Church and State, and such is only a matter of time, so dare we repeat history,
We surely guarding the rights of all to practice their God-given religious liberty,
And such not a problem except where those of a certain religion injure physically,
Or force their beliefs on others. Remember the past Inquisitions? Such far from heavenly.

And that was Church and State, by the way, it transgressing the will of God, for He sanctions no such thing,
He being the God of love, and thus anti all forms of violence, from which no good thing can spring.
And that ancient theocracy long gone too, hence Christ’s rebuke of Peter who’d turned to weaponry,
For Christ has no time for thugs, and why He’ll never force the human mind, nor harm physically.

An indisputable truth is, that any denomination threatened, will ultimately see
All denominations threatened, and then, enter a Reformation reversal, which I foresee.
In other words, one religion forcing its will on all again, courtesy of Church and State,
And an ecumenical movement that aided and abetted, wrongly reopened the gate.

Yes, no religion-cum-faith-cum-denomination should ever be encroached upon, for such
Threatens liberty itself, aiding those who total control of humanity seek to clutch.
And that there’s such an agenda is no secret, though it oft cloaked in words designed to appeal,
Such rhetoric being common wherever there are those who have something evil to conceal.

Hence why Christ said that His kingdom’s not of this world, a Church and State union being far from His mind,
He having disowned that ancient Jewish theocracy that He once ruled, leaving it behind.
And He knowing that His kingdom won’t comprise of a mixed multitude, nor any who use force,
For those who do don’t follow His example, but rather, draw from a very satanic source.


By Lance Landall


"We must move as quickly as possible to a one-world government; a one-world religion; under a one-world leader."
Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations


Regarding ancient Israel:

“And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in My sight and does not obey Me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it” (Jer 18:9,10, NIV).
“ ‘Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you [from an unbelieving Israel] and given to a people that will produce its fruit [note Heb 8:10]’ ” (Matt 21:43, NIV). Note Matt 22:8,9; 21:40,41,43.




10.  The End-time Lost Christian

ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD

Yes, many Christians will be lost, God’s Word conveys, so, which Christians will they be?
Well, they’ve itchy ears, thus seeking teachers who only say what’s wanted, sadly,
Teachers who go on and on about love, and who wax lyrical ’bout God’s grace,
But give little or no attention to obedience and its rightful place.

And so, these Christians turning away from truth, we’re told, and taking the broad road
(Rather than the narrow one), and thus not true witnesses carrying their load.
They not having fully surrendered and with a foot in both camps, which conveys
They’re wanting the joys of Paradise without having to really change their ways.

And therefore, just like other fools before, they’re shunning warnings and instruction,
Finding reasons for no longer having to do this or that, to their destruction.
“If you love Me you’ll keep My Commandments,” thus the cross not the end of God’s Law,
But, “Yes it is!” they wrongly shout (hence why their behaviour’s the same as before),

And this why the apostle Paul said, "On the contrary, we uphold the Law!"

So, “Depart from Me,” God will say, “You who indulge in lawlessness,” clear cut sin,
Which should hardly be seen in the life of any professing they’re a Christian.
But such to be expected when God’s Word is twisted to suit, or half ignored,
And why its not just on the wicked, but such Christians, that His wrath will be poured.

It’s true we can’t earn our way to Heaven, but we can sure sin our way to Hell
(Eternal death),
Our Holy, righteous God never having sanctioned what’s contrary to His will.
He looking for sincerity that follows through, that desires more and more,
And shouts, “Fill my cup, Lord,” the Spirit sought, and why in their heart there’s still His Law.

Yes, a total contrast, those lost Christians moving further from truth, and this why
They also embrace the coming global power, and in their folly will die.
God having said not to, but just like those who spurned the warning prophets of old,
They’ve turned their ears off, hence why their sins and even arrogance has grown bold.

And some of these Christians may’ve committed crimes that they haven’t confessed to
(And done the time), and nor have they put certain wrongs right that any Christian should do.
And grace not covering such, God never missing a thing, and hence His judgment day,
One that such Christians have cause to fear as well, because justice must have its say.

Such Christians simply display a form of godliness, thus they not the real deal,
And hence why they turn to worldly methods that they think will have greater appeal.
Such being a natural consequence of their worldliness, and why is seen
A people fat and foul with conformity who their self-styled feathers preen.

By Lance Landall


This poem was added to on 20 April 2019.


“Many [Christians] will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ ” (Matt 7:22,23, KJV).

“The children of God and the children of the devil are revealed in this way: all who do not do what is right are not from God, nor are those who do not love their brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:10).

“For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing...”
(Eccl 12:14, NKJV).

“For if we willingly persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer
remains a sacrifice for sins [God’s grace is made void], but a fearful prospect of judgment…” (Heb 10:26,27).

“Do we then overthrow [make void] the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law [the standard of Christian conduct]” (Rom 3:31, ESV).

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God and they shall be My people” (Heb 8:10, ESV).

" 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls...' " (Jer 6:16, NIV).


" 'Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few' " (Matt 7:13,14, ESV).


"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Tim 4:3,4, NIV).

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Prov 14:12, NIV).

“ ‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to the one and despise the other...’ ” (Matt 6:24, ESV).

“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too. …” (1 Cor 10:21,
NIV).
“Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?” (1Cor 5:6, NIV).

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of God” (Gal 1:10, NIV).

“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day or night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silent” (Isa 62:6, KJV).

"...If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury..." (Rev 14:9, NIV).




11.  Christians Who Won't Be Saved

Earth’s evil isn’t the only reason why God’s removing His restraining hand,
But Christians acting as if grace gives them a licence to sin, which God never planned.
His Law supposed to be written on their hearts — love, truth and obedience foremost,
And thus rather than rebelling still, they acting like the righteous heavenly host.

So woe errant Christians, your fate just the same, you not given some immunity,
But called to a much higher standard, or you too, missing out on eternity.
So mind that smirking at non-believers, and that taking things into your own hands,
Instead of leaving them in God’s hands, and putting all your trust and faith in His plans.

Oh yes, God’s judgments falling on you too, unless you come to your senses, that is,
It hardly your right to set up this person or that, move hills or mountains, but His.
You're not God’s Rottwheiler, gun-toting onward Christian soldier, but ambassador,
You representing Him via your Christ-likeness, living up to that embedded law.

Yes, it written on our hearts, remember, otherwise Christ would’ve just died in vain,
He not dying that sin might continue, but be forsaken, ending Satan’s reign.
So out goes pride, that patriotic fever, that holier-than-thou attitude,
That “lets smoke em out” mentality, ’cause such Pharisees God’s kingdom won’t include.

In other words, such are the Christians who won’t be saved, they as lost as false prophets,
False teachers and messiahs, because at the end of the day, they’re fakes, hypocrites.
They so prone to turning to human means, and there’re those who’d even kill in God’s name,
Despite such being blasphemy, God having naught to do with such bigotry and shame.

So if you are one of them, listen up, because failing to do so will cost you,
We having been told to stop erring, and this why that Law in your heart God points to.
It there for a reason, one that should show, and why the will of God you’d better know,
Rather than listening to fools, continuing in the same manner as our foe.

Yes, God’s slowly removing His restraining hand, though quicker now, evil gaining,
The world in turmoil having forsaken right, and so, those warned of plagues soon raining.
Man’s cup of iniquity about to overflow, many Christians guilty too,
Who, instead of the love of God, and dictates of His Law, an erring path pursue.

By Lance Landall



See texts under the poem that's above this one.





12.  A Love That Displeases God

We’re living in a time where Christians have little stomach for the straight word, they having swung too far, sadly,
Well, most Christians, that is, balance having gone out the window, they wayward, brassy, self focused and worldly.
Yes, obedience no longer in vogue, grace now covering both sinner and sin — well, at least they think so,
And a coming rapture rescuing them from End-time woes — sorry, but such are the concoctions of our foe.

Thus, enter the warm fuzzies brigade, they solely fixated on love, but not the kind of love that God knows,
For their love (being sentimental), and unlike God’s love, needful boundaries, restraint and discipline forgoes.
In other words, it’s an irresponsible love, a love that suits itchy ears — yes, a people pleasing love,
And not a God pleasing love — no, one that’s somewhat unrecognizable to that love that comes from above.

Such being a Divine love, one that believes in justice, law, order and structure, and warns of consequences,
One that has its boundaries, its moral code-cum-God’s Law-cum-His judgment; and that punishment dispenses.
A love that even allows suffering, though never delighting in such, and soon to bring an end to such,
A love that suffered too, lived obediently, exercised discipline — yes, Jesus Christ, who sought no crutch.

A Saviour who never drew back from meeting trials head on, and nor sought warm fuzzies, but rather, gave His all,
Such in order to not only rescue us from death, but from sin (our love of sin), lest loss of Heaven befall.
And thus He well knowing the importance of the straight word, and how grace was meant to cover sinners, not sin,
For Heaven’s not for the lawless, nor those whose love is wimpy and perilous, and thus hardly genuine.

Yes, a "Mind you don’t tread on any toes" love, a love more concerned with avoidance rather than with duty,
One that’s politically correct, and thus out of sync with Scripture, and believe it or not, oft snooty.
In other words, a love that considers itself ahead of the rest, and oft hypocritically scorns,
Or gives cold pricklies to the one who — in line with Scripture — not just loves, but also instructs, reproves and warns.

And this person's love is one that pleases rather than displeases God, one that's not afraid of ridicule,
A love that in the interests of others is prepared to be unpopular, rather than hip or cool.
A love that sees how far Christians have strayed, not just to their detriment, but to the detriment of others,
They deludedly thinking that they’re acting in the best interests of their fellow sisters and brothers.

And possibly willingly deluded, their version of God’s love being preferred, and their version of God’s grace,
A version that when it comes to obedience, wrongly considers such as no longer having a place.
Hence their liberality, their “Don’t rock the boat or judge me” mentality, their witling away at God’s Word,
All of which puts them off side with Him, not that they see such, or even want to, the straight word no longer preferred.

Yes, a love that certainly displeases God.

By Lance Landall





13.  A New Breed Of Christian

No, I’m not talking about the new convert to the Christian faith, but a new breed of Christian seen today,
Who deludedly considers him or her self to be far more in tune with God’s will-cum-up with the play.
Yes, deludedly so, for those Christians who are in fact far more in tune with God’s will-cum-up with the play,
Are those returning to the old paths and narrow way, not those who’ve embarked on new paths and the broader way.

Yes, the latter out of sync apostolically, but such unable to see, or not wanting to see,
They messing with God’s Word, bending and twisting it, and teaching that one can’t take this or that literally.
And oh, how they seek those who please itchy ears, and who thereby make sinners feel far more at ease with their sin,
Such sinners being the majority of Christians, they still clinging to what they shouldn’t, and thus not genuine.

Sure they may think they are, but going by the Bible’s definition of such, they’re thinking deludedly,
As belief and sincerity are one thing, but not coming into line with God’s will quite another, you see.
For where Christians choose to walk contrary to God’s will, they thereby display a life that’s at odds with God’s will,
Or to put it another way, hypocrisy, something that’s easy to spot, and that God’s will can't fulfil.

And hence all that has wrongly entered the Church, and the desire now for buildings less churchy, a big mistake,
For churchiness aids Christianity’s witness within society, and why such we shouldn’t forsake.
But sadly, the new Christian thinks otherwise, hence all the changes occurring with greater rapidity,
And why so many Christians are becoming less and less like Christ, they becoming more worldly than holy.

And in order to sanction such, they’ve embraced a convenient theology, one that always finds fault,
And by that I mean, with the Word of God, they disputing what’s rightly held, hence how man and not God they exalt.
And why further and further they stray, respect and reverence for sacred things having long gone with the wind;
Such having wrongly been secularized-cum-bottled, boxed and canned, silver plated, gold plated, bronzed and tinned.

Hence why now we’ve Christian men and women who can be bought and sold, truth and obedience low on their list,
Their conscience no longer as true to duty as the needle to the pole; they a self focussed activist,
And by that I mean, they seeking to change things to suit their desires, not God’s desires, and by fair means or foul;
And though preaching love and condemning the judging of others — oh, how at their opponents they jeer and scowl.

Yes, their selfish and unbiblical boots have trodden on many in their rush to loosen all and sundry,
Hence those cracked foundations and tumbling pillars, and mist such, these modern money changers with their heresy.
Oh, how they assault the things of God, and all this amidst their hollow and ignorant talk of unity,
For all they do is cause fragmentation, schisms and great uncertainty — yes, anything but unity.

A new breed of Christian?
Well, perhaps they're just a contemporary version of an old breed of Christian.


By Lance Landall


You might like to read my poems "Simply Love Them" and "Little Boxes".