Dear Liberal Christian Friend
Warmest greetings in our Saviour’s precious name,
my dear liberal Christian friend.
It's my sincere hope that these words I've written will not upset you, nor offend,
But I have a burning question within that I would dearly like to ask you,
And I'm also including one or two thoughts for your consideration too,
Which I trust you'll take the time to ponder on, and in advance, I thus thank you.
Would you mind telling me why it is that many liberal Christians I see
Are treating so very un-Christ-like those very ones with whom they disagree?
After all, they're quick to say that their opponents don’t exhibit Christ-like love,
That their opponents have some sort of agenda, and just push and pull and shove.
I'm finding it quite ironic that these liberal folk are making this claim,
Given that these liberal folk saying such are behaving exactly the same.
And worse so, given that they wax lyrical about focusing on God’s love,
Which is terribly hypocritical, when they too, also push, pull and shove.
You see, they’re acting so very un-Christ-like, and yet, this exact same thing,
They disparagingly say is the hallmark of the ultra-conservative wing.
The truth of the matter is, that all Christians are wrong, when so un-Christ-like they act,
For Christ has made it very clear that we should only rightfully interact.
Anyone who is pushing some agenda, and in a most un-Christ-like way,
Is hardly pleasing our Saviour, despite anything worthy that they might say.
Why? Because He won’t have a bar of any thoughtless, pushy, underhand approach,
For He expects the actions of every single Christian to be above reproach.
And note too, that “the end justifies the means”, is biblically forbidden,
For such originated with Satan, hence why with evil it's so ridden.
Such a flawed approach is usually attached to a selfish mentality,
Hence it goes without saying that this foolish method is seldom trouble-free.
Whenever we attempt to force things on others, we cross a forbidden line,
One that even Christ himself won’t cross, for such behaviour is far from divine.
The wrongful crossing of any boundary, first begins within our mind and heart;
In other words, when self gains the upper hand, forcing the Spirit to depart.
Our loving Saviour would never use methods that would split a congregation,
For He is a God of order, restoration and reconciliation.
Division and discord, my dear liberal friend, are of the devil’s making,
For Satan loves nothing more than to see churches splitting, straying and shaking.
So many Christians deludedly think that God is with them, when He isn’t so,
And hence why they’re so busy forcing others down a path that they shouldn’t go.
Yes, they’re so certain that they are right, and very militantly power on,
Unaware, or seemingly not worried, hence why it's not long before truth has gone.
The Church can well do without both the erosiveness of liberalism
And that fanaticism that comes from certain quarters of conservatism.
For both deviate from the life and path of our Lord, and thus from Scripture too,
Which condems un-Christ-like behaviour, regardless of one's more left or right view.
There'll always be Christians within a congregation who see things differently
(A reason why we shouldn't think in terms of unity ecumenically).
For after all, unity's an attitude — a Christ-like-ness — where all are in accord,
That is, pulling together despite their differences, for the sake of the Lord.
Thus, any member of a church who wrongly chooses to push and pull and shove,
Is a member who is very misguided and displaying a distinct lack of love.
Whether a Christian be a liberal or an ultra-conservative,
They’re not a true follower of Christ, if unlike Him, they choose to act and live.
Shalom, my friend.
By Lance Landall
"I
urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put
obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have
learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord
Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they
deceive the minds of naive people" (Rom 16:17,18, NIV).
2. The Christian Right
Though God wants Christians to speak without fear or favour, thus being a voice and not just a light,
He’s hardly happy with certain behaviour and rhetoric coming from the Christian right.
The Christian’s clear example is that humble and selfless path that Christ took to Calvary,
Not that flag waving, foot stomping, placard carrying, right wing religious militancy.
No, our God is neither happy with, nor interested in, religious militancy,
And particularly that which is foolishly seeking it’s own way politically.
For such shows a people who have lost their way, and who’re putting more trust in man than their Lord,
And hence why Christ will soon say, “Depart from Me, for your ways and My ways just aren’t in accord.”
Yes, when the bride of Christ behaves like a harlot and commits adultery with the State,
The wrath of God is seriously kindled, and all those responsible have sealed their fate.
That is, unless they repent of their fornication, and quickly remove themselves from that scene,
Relying totally on the Spirit’s power, and not on some political machine.
Collusion with the State is collusion with the devil, who such a union wants to see,
For such will give him unbridled power, and blur the Christian witness and identity.
And in time will usher in that “beast” of Revelation that will force its will on all,
And that eventually decrees death on dissenters, who for its rhetoric don’t fall.
No, God isn’t found in military might, nor in those halls of power that legislate,
For His kingdom is not of this world, hence that wall of separation between Church and State.
Or at least that should be, for once that wall is removed, a return to the past we will see,
Hence that strong warning in the book of Revelation that even refers to history.
Yes, a strong warning that the Christian right should heed, given their religious militancy,
And given that they're playing with matches, whereby they'll get badly burnt, eventually.
And in the process, they'll bring troubles upon this Earth like there has never been seen before,
For the “image” of the “beast” that they unwittingly create will suddenly up and roar.
Yes, the “lamb” will turn into a “dragon,” and from its mouth will come flames that show no mercy,
For liberty and freedom will quickly give way to oppression, and truth to heresy.
And all because of those who sought the support of the State, rather than trusting in their Lord,
And who, rather than the straight and narrow, sought the false sense of security of the broad.
By Lance Landall
“Then
I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns
like a lamb and spoke like a dragon” (Rev 13:11, NKJV). Best you read
the whole chapter.
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our God" (Psalms 20:7, NIV).
The following comments are worth noting:
"We
Christians may not do as Americans something that we must not do as
Christians. As we listen to and debate arguments about going to war,
note how often our Christian identity is subordinated to our American
identity. We have been so formed by the collusion of the church with
America that we find it difficult to even distinguish between Christian
and national identity, and harder to subordinate our national identity
to our identity in Christ."
Jonathan R. Wilson
"As
Christians we are not here to provide an ethic for society or the
state, but to clearly define an ethic for disciples of Jesus Christ. In
the American system of government it is difficult for this stance to be
understood. We operate with the myth of being a Christian nation, and
we seek to interpret for society an ethic that we can bless as
Christians. We need a new awareness of the pluralism of the New
Testament, that the crucial issue is the difference between the church
and the world, and that the church operates "within the perfection of
Christ," while the world operates outside the perfection or will of
Christ. Christians influence the state for good through Christian
ethics and integrity, but they do not equate church and state. Only an
indepth understanding of this issue can save us from a cultural and a
civil religion."
Myron Augsburger
3. Letter To America
(Sorry Alistair Cook, author of Letter From America)
From the moment folk sought the shores of what would become America, safety,
Freedom from persecution, despots and zealots, that Church and State tyranny,
Hence the Statue of Liberty,
There were those who sought the opposite, hence Lincoln’s well-founded fears, you see,
They heartless, callous, fanatical, militant, and a cunning enemy.
They also religious and political, ravenously power hungry,
With global aspirations, European connections, unsurprisingly.
Yes, they very dangerous, very busy in America, but disguised,
Artful blenders, chameleon-like infiltrators, and thus not recognised.
And therefore, they not only behind much, but hidden behind much, silent foes,
They donning different masks, wolves in sheep's clothing, and inflicting many woes.
And such hasn’t stopped, they having almost reached their goal, and thus why we now see,
A changed America, and such the fulfilment of biblical prophecy.
Yes, America having got in the way of their plans, control of mankind,
And why since America’s founding there’s little that they haven’t been behind,
The destruction of the American constitution in their evil mind.
Such known and documented, but everyone looking elsewhere, seemingly,
Distractions, nonsense, ignorance alive and well, and why what will be will be,
Que sera, sera.
So often folk don’t spot the obvious, just can’t be told, don’t learn from the past,
Contemporary views and thoughts having dulled and blinded, and there goes their grasp.
So too those ancient paths and the good way, enter deception and trickery,
A lamb that will metamorphose into a dragon, goodbye democracy,
Or was it only cosmetic, anyway?
By Lance Landall
"The real rulers in Washington are invisible, and exercise power from behind the scenes."
Felix Frankfurter, Supreme Court Justice (1882-1965)
“As
the nation teeters at the edge of fiscal chaos, observers are reaching
the conclusion that the American system of government is broken. But
almost no one blames the culprit: our insistence on obedience to the
Constitution, with all its archaic, idiosyncratic and downright evil
provisions…”
Louis Michael Seidman, (Catholic law professor
from Georgetown University which is a Jesuit University, “Let’s
Give Up on the Constitution,” The Opinion Pages, New York Times,
December 30, 2012).
This poem also appears on my page Foes Of Humanity accessed via my page I Saw Beyond It All which is accessed via my page With God In Mind, Home page, purple box.
4. In God We Trust
Christians in parliament? Sure, so long as they don’t compromise or forfeit Christian principles,
But a Christian party? Well, I don’t recall Christ endorsing such, such flawed and so prone to ills.
And didn’t He say, “My kingdom’s not of this world?” Sure did, and hence our need to tread carefully,
For our trust should never be put in chariots, horses and horsemen, but in God Almighty.
Some seem more concerned about their country than their relationship with God-cum-their Christian walk,
They passionately patriotic-cum-that cross that’s wrapped in a flag at which Jesus must balk.
Oh, if only many had the same passion for Christ-like-ness and obedience to His will,
And hence why that political, religious mix oft has far more to do with devils and hell.
Well, look at history (and not so long ago), folk burned at the stake, which could happen again;
Though there’re many ways of dealing with dissenters, and sadly, always willing zealots-cum-men.
And hence Christ’s rebuking of Peter — yes, Peter only too willing to turn to weaponry,
But Christ won’t have a bar of such, for all who force and injure emulate our adversary.
No, there’s no longer a God directed theocracy, we living within a mixed multitude,
Their ways not our ways, the Church the Church, the State the State, and why with the world we mustn't collude.
But who’s listening? Certain Christians thinking Church and State the answer, many worldly to boot,
And hence why they’re taking that same old grave strewn path, a lack of faith and trust in God at the root.
Yes, in God we trust.
By Lance Landall
“Woe
to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in
chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very
strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!”
Isa 31:1, ESV)
The following poem also appears on my page Foes Of Humanity which can be accessed via my page With God In Mind, Home page, purple box.
This poem relates to a certain type of Christian, not all American Christians.
This poem, by the way, is not devaluing the importance of one's denomination, nor one's attachment to one's country.
5. Those Erring American Christians
Far too many Christians are putting too much store in their denomination,
Just like the ancient Israelites foolishly did regarding their nation.
They
both missing the point, that one’s faith must be built on Christ and
His Word, and thus Should their denomination or nation fall, no
problem, they’ve still got Jesus.
And as mentioned, with Jesus comes His Word, it reliable and trustworthy,
And it’s that Word that Christians should put their trust in, not their Church or their country.
The latter how many American Christians are erring too, come Church and State,
And that patriotic fever that too oft has even given way to hate.
Yes, the Jews despising Gentiles, seeing themselves as more than just a cut above,
And pridefully guarding what they weren’t meant to keep to themselves, but share with love.
Their trust not in God but their own efforts, and the same kind of thing’s seen today,
Given those American Christians who seem to be acting just the same way.
Earth’s not where the Christian’s hope and trust is meant to be, nor in those plans of man,
Because only Christ’s their answer, and Christians should know this, scrapping any plan.
In other words, they leaving things in His hands, their job just to impart and shine,
Church and State and patriotic fever being where such Christians cross the line.
In God we trust, huh, but it not seeming so, more store in presidents, I say,
Or that Church and State scenario that many are wishing would come their way.
God not found in either, but in faith and trust, that daily walk that stands alone,
Because the plans of humans and nations will always leave us with cause to groan.
How would Daniel have fared in Babylon with the very same mentality,
His nation shattered, but not his faith, his focus on the Word and heavenly.
He adapting to the circumstances but not conforming, he stout and true,
A witness, a blessing, and God protecting; it not his nation he clung to.
No confusion in Daniel’s mind, though ancient Israel was a theocracy,
It directed by God Himself, and so, Daniel’s trust being in God Almighty.
And so it should be with Christians, whom God has given no theocracy to,
Nor told them to bear arms, but rather, the lost, suffering and dying pursue.
By Lance Landall
6. So Sure, So Sure, But So Wrong, So Wrong
Perhaps it started with Peter loping off an ear, as if Christ’s body guard,
But Jesus having nothing of it, He not wanting His earthly mission marred.
However, despite Christ rebuking Peter, there are Christians who follow suit,
Enter same pit bull soldiers, the born again enforcer, sock it to them brute.
No, never saw Christ acting that way, just errant followers of His, sadly,
Oh, the things done in His name, when He said, “Hands off, you mustn’t act so badly.
People will judge Me by what they see of you, and why I’ve tried to make things clear,
Love the only way, and righteous living, and that cross that I’ve asked you to bear.
Yes, leave things in My hands, fallen men only messing things up, their ways not Mine,
Hence why more often they cast a cooling shadow when I’m wanting them to shine.
It’s My reflection I want seen, you My ambassador, no weapon, no force,
My kingdom not of this world, and why I warned my disciples off taking that course.
If it’s not the Church being hi-jacked, it’s Christians being misled, or straying,
They turning to earthly means, or listening to men and not what I’m saying.
Oh, how they put their trust in others, revere them too, though I’ve told them not too,
And this how Satan gets his hands on things, and how the wrong things Christians pursue.
Yes, so sure, so sure, but so wrong, so wrong, even prepared to kill in My name,
A right that no man’s to claim; and how the God of love, truth and justice they shame.
It all a mess, they following strange shepherds, opening the door to wolves, and
Going by feelings rather than My Word, their new theology built on sand.
Out with the old, in with the new, a gospel that the apostles never knew,
Christians saved though still rebelling, a holy and unholy mix sanctioned too.
And many no longer believing in the separation of Church and State,
Thus handing Satan the keys of the past, coming heads on a historic plate.
Depart from Me, I’ll tell them, that time near, a lamb becoming a dragon, oh,
They’ll see too late, politics and religion being how they’ll seal their fate, so
Leave such alone, I’ve said, but meddle they have, some New World Order not of Me,
I only coming to open graves, not stay, hence My pointing to the heavenly.
So don’t waste your time on any wrong means, but seek the lost, set an example,
Making sure your beliefs are correct, that you’re on the way to Heaven, not Hell.
Not that Hell exists, of course, just the destruction of the wicked, false Christians,
All why you’ll know them by their fruits, and in this case, their erring path, wilful sins.
Yes, once they pick up some weapon, or flex their muscles, you’ll know they’re not of Me,
I speaking via My Word, never enforcing anything legislatively.
Render unto Caesar what’s his, I’ve said, and render unto Me what’s Mine, and
Before you sit in judgment, remember those things that I once wrote in the sand.
You know I shunned government involvement, so why would I go saying to you
Do otherwise? — Church and State operating differently, opposites too.
Christians encouragers, not enforcers, the State worldly, the Church heavenly,
And I having only sanctioned one theocracy (lost in antiquity).
So sure, so sure, but so wrong, so wrong, My example cast aside seemingly,
And My prerogatives seen as being theirs too, usurping My majesty.
Many only too happy to crack a whip, enact My judgments, use My name,
When in their hearts, I want humbleness, selflessness, gentleness and trust to reign.
I could’ve said love instead of trust, but love I’ve already said, and hence trust,
’Cause many have turned to chariots and horses, success soon lost in the dust.
Yes, many having taken things into their own hands, convinced that I said so,
When had they rechecked My example, rightly read My Word, they would’ve seen, No!
When the world embraces the New World Order and it’s universal rest day,
Just like the Jews who said, “We know no king but Caesar,” and shoved Me out the way,
You’ll see another kind of tearing of curtains in that temple man has built,
His probation period ended, dreams and hope left lying in Earth’s silt.
All those earthly powers will fall at My coming, the earth shaken severely,
Nothing left standing, the saved whisked away, they soon entering the heavenly.
No kingdom of Mine made up of sinners and saints, the holy and unholy,
The Bridegroom having received His Bride, and she having regained her purity.
My grace I gifted, My robe of righteousness, but only to these so like Me,
They harmless as doves, they walking anew, and My eye salve having helped them see.
They enduring on My behalf, fulfilling My Law, acting true and loyally,
No ill being found in them, but love, honesty, right doing and charity.
No, they weren’t perfect, hence My robe, but they never turned to men or ill, just Me,
My ways, My Word, My will, not New Age gurus, nor humanistic sophistry.
They having no problems with the ancient paths, the good way, thus surrendering,
And hence why despite persecution, they looked forward to a happy ending.”
By Lance Landall
“Woe
to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in
chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very
strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!”
Isa 31:1, ESV).
"Lamb becoming a dragon," see Rev 13:11.
This poem was penned on 12 October 2018, and added to on the 27th.
7. Errant Passion
God wants us to be jealous for His cause, passionately committed to it,
But never a zealot, nor a fanatic, ’cause neither with the Gospel fit.
God condemning the Pharisees, rebuking Peter for loping off an ear,
And calling all to be humble and tolerant, spreading His love and not fear.
So mind that errant passion too often seen, ’cause we’re not enforcers, you know,
But ambassadors and light-bears who the very same fruits as Christ should show.
Nothing wrong with passion, but errant passion another thing, so lets take care,
Lest we wound or put someone off, and as a consequence, a false witness bear.
By Lance Landall
8. When They Cry "Peace And Safety"
Going by God’s Word, it appears a time may come when regarding the world, Earth,
Things might seem safe again, and peace reigning, but just like labour pains that give birth,
Sudden destruction coming out of nowhere, and there’s got to be reasons why,
God obviously still not happy with things, everyone been fed a lie.
All why God’s Word says, “Here’s a call for the endurance of the saints,” God’s people,
“Those who keep the commandments of God,” thus all not well under each church steeple.
God’s Law having been done away with, supposedly, some Christians selling out,
All why they’ll have cause for fear too (like those scoffers) come Christ’s returning shout.
Yes, society having bought a lie, and many Christians too, it appears,
Hence why come that unexpected sudden destruction, there’ll be much cause for tears.
God not having said there’ll be peace on Earth, except for a manufactured one,
maybe,
And safety too; the only peace and safety coming with the returning Son.
So mind any efforts being made, Christ having warned that they’ll come to naught, and
That our hope lies in Him, not the plans of men, who before God’s judgment will stand.
They having formed their own religion, a hybrid designed to suit everyone —
Well, most, that is — thus shunning the apostolic gospel once shared by the Son.
By Lance Landall
“For when they shall say, peace and security: then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.” (1Thess 5:3, Douay-Rheims Version).
"We must move as quickly as possible to a one-world government; a one-world religion; under a one-world leader."
"...the United Nations Charter has to be supplemented by a charter of spiritual laws..."
Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations
This poem was tweaked 12 October 2018.
Please note:
The following poem, penned 2nd August 2011, relates to a family
that is, or was, at the heart of the independent Westboro Baptist
Church that’s located in Topeka, Kansas, and who have been termed as "America’s
most hated family." They're clearly not a reflection of all
Baptists, but just that few. Their behaviour is not only
terribly
un-Christ-like but extreme. They picket funerals of U.S. soldiers
killed in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan whilst holding aloft
banners that say, “Fag Marines,” “Thank God For Dead Soldiers.” If not
this, they protest elsewhere holding up banners that say, “God Hates
Fags,” “Thank God For Aids,” "Jews Worship Rectums,” etc. If you wish
to know more about this family and why they are acting this way,
you will have to do a Google search, I guess.
9. America's Most Hated Family
You may have heard about a group of Christians who have been tagged as America’s most hated family,
And to some degree, understandably so, 'cause their talk and behaviour has been far from what’s heavenly.
It’s one thing to oppose same-sex sexual acts (for example), given that God’s Word clearly condemns such,
But vitriolic speech and unkind behaviour is plain contrary to Scripture, and they should know that much.
While Christians are instructed to reprove sin, they haven’t been told to mistreat sinners, 'cause such is sin too,
And a sin that they will be punished for, unless they repent, and a much more heavenly manner pursue,
'Cause one thing that God condemns just as strongly as any other sin, is the sad mistreatment of others,
Be they erring, lawless and cold-hearted non-believers, or erring fellow Christian sisters and brothers.
And hence why this group of erring Christians should also be treated Christ-like — yes, despite their sad behaviour
('Cause the salvation of the vilest of sinners is the desire of our loving and compassionate Saviour),
And why He hopes they’ll see the error of their ways and repent, 'cause unless they do, they’ll be just as lost too,
As lost as those doing what God condemns, unless they repent as well, and a more heavenly path pursue.
God wants us to be bold in speaking out, but when Christians go about such wrongly, they shame Christianity,
And aid those calls for bills that outlaw hate speech, bills that invariably encroach on freedom and liberty.
Things have a way of swinging in the other direction, when it’s more about educating another,
And
setting an example, 'cause outlawing hate speech (and what’s hate
speech?), Christ’s call for boldness will soon smother,
Given time, that is, and the coming "beast" power that we've been warned of.
Knee-jerk reactions to errant behaviour that’s coming from some, will not help any of us, quite frankly,
And responding in kind just puts us in the same flawed, prehistoric, and injurious territory.
While some never seem to learn, learning curves do take time, and why we must be patient with all, tolerant too,
'Cause what we view as wrong, others don’t, at least not to start with, and if we respond poorly, they may never do.
Yes, they may never come to consider it wrong too, having hardened their hearts, all because of our folly,
Which surely is the opposite to what we want, and God too, whose love for all, should beat in us just as soundly,
And His mercy and compassion too, 'cause we all err, indeed many times, and sometimes terribly so,
And what do we want? That same loving forgiveness — GRACE — that flows from Calvary, and that gives us time to grow.
Given our Saviour only hates sin, not the sinner, Christians shouldn't have a hate for any family,
Regardless of its composition, because our hatred should be focussed on evil, not humanity.
Our Lord died for humanity because of His love for humanity, though knowing its sad condition,
A condition that afflicts all, not just one "most hated" family, such more a worldly definition.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 7 March 2020.
"We should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of
opinions that we loathe."
Oliver Wendall Holmes, Jr (1841-1935)
"
'But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do
good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you
and persecute you' " (Matt 5:44, NKJV).
"Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him" (1 John 3:15, NIV).
“ ‘But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions’ ”
(Matt 6:15, NASB).
10. Another Raggle-Taggle Bunch
When I think of today’s Christian, I can’t help thinking of those Hebrews that God rescued from Egypt, and who
On their way to the promised land, foolishly wished they could return to Egypt and past harmful things pursue.
What an ungrateful, moaning, raggle-taggle bunch, still caught up with and hankering for the old and worldly,
And here we are on our way to the Divine Canaan, still caught up with and hankering for the same, sadly.
Yes, we’re simply repeating history, despite having been able to learn from their experience, and,
Despite being within cooee of the Divine Canaan, a bountiful, joyous, death and trouble free land.
It seems that we have hardly left Egypt, are just as full of murmurings too, and are also hypocrites,
Given that we seem to want things both ways, which, with the will of our Lord, neither rightly or happily sits.
Yes, another raggle-taggle bunch, who, though rescued via grace, can’t help looking back, or haven’t left at all,
All of which, the God who died to save us, and who desires our sanctification, must surely appal.
Weren’t those Hebrews once oppressed? Weren’t we too (when under Satan's control)? — and yet, here they were, and here we are,
Which, when one seriously thinks about it, is not only tragic and most ungrateful, but quite bizarre.
Yes, blind as bats, caught in the world's headlights, and thinking we’re
saved, yet still enslaved, and playing Russian roulette,
And just like a generation of Hebrews, may not see the Divine Canaan, perhaps scoffing at the threat.
History's full of fools, and dare we be amongst them, 'cause this Earth’s pleasures can’t compare to eternity,
But how could we be so callous (like those soldiers with those nails), given what Christ did for us on Calvary?
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 8 February 2020.
11. The Laughable Christian
Yes, the laughable Christian, only so in name, his or her appearance in church only seen once a year,
Or sporadically so, too tired to bother, other things to do, it’s cold and wet, don’t like some folk there.
Yes, the laughable Christian, he or she thinking they can have it both ways, a foot in each camp, perilously,
'Cause God's hardly laughing, He finding such lukewarm Christians insipid, and gagging over their poverty,
Spiritual poverty, that is.
Seems these Christians just don’t get it, haven’t read God’s instructive Word, or they simply don’t know it very well,
For God’s wanting committed followers, ambassadors, embodiments of Him — yes, witnesses that gel,
And not those whose Christian profession is nothing but a joke, a sham, a laughable please them self affair,
They hardly serious in intention, but rather, lazy, undisciplined, self-focussed and insincere.
And hence why God gags, for He finds such nauseous, and hence why He rebukes their condition, their excuses, which,
Come His judgment, will bear no weight, despite any “But what about Your loving grace” pitch, or last minute switch,
The latter always dubious, for were such folk given more time, they’d just resort to the same behaviour,
For those who’re truly grateful, and thus deserving of divine grace, don’t mess about with their Lord and Saviour.
Yes, the laughable Christian, picking at God’s Word rather than devouring it, and finding reasons for doubt;
In other words, they challenging this and that here and there, and if they had their way, would leave certain things out —
That’s if they bother to read the Word — too caught up watching TV, or some weekend far from Christian movie,
Or perhaps they’re cruising nightclubs, attending rock concerts, and if they’re females, dressed anything but modestly.
Yes, the laughable Christian, treating some well and others not so, moving in certain circles-cum-snobbery,
Their wallet glued to their back pocket, others going without while they dine out, or splash out, indulgently.
And still saved? Well, you’d have to be a fool to swallow that, hence why God’s shouting otherwise, for His coming’s near,
And so too, the demise of the laughable Christian, for charades God won’t wear — and this, friend, is crystal-clear.
God doesn’t begrudge appropriate pleasures, nor we spending some money on ourselves, but prudently,
For surely you know as well as I, that things have gone well beyond the pale, indulgence now obscenity.
Enter the laughable Christian again, or shades of the laughable Christian found in each congregation,
Which should have us all on our knees, and crying, “Oh Lord, show me where I’m erring,” lest we’re due condemnation.
Yes, it’s time we gave more thought to such, lest we be found on the fringes of the laughable Christian, and there,
Not where God would have us either, we not immersed in such, but still dabbling, as it were, though very sincere.
Little things rather than glaring things — thoughts, words and actions — which disappoint God, given they’re not heavenly,
Yes, shades of the laughable Christian, ungodly shades that God doesn’t intend play a part in eternity.
By Lance Landall
"
'I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you
were cold or hot. So then, because you are luke warm, and neither cold
nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth' " (Rev 3:15,16, NKJV).
"
'You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how
shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything
except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet' " (Matt 5:13,
ESV).
"For
if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of
the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins [God's grace is
made void], but a fearful expectation of judgment..." (Heb
10:26,27, ESV).
“The
one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4,
NKJV).
"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin"
(James 4:17, ESV).
“
‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of
heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven ’ ” (Matt 7:21,
NKJV).
12. Betrayers Of Christ
Those who’ve become Christians (taking them at face value), and yet are wilfully indulging in sin,
Are simply serving two masters (though in the end it'll come down to one), and therefore aren't genuine.
Such Christians are behaving like bigamists, and bigamists come unstuck, victims of their own folly,
Unfaithfulness being their undoing, 'cause everyone knows there’s a price for adultery.
And unfaithful such truly are, attempting to please more than the one spouse, which is simply folly,
'Cause God has said that He’s a jealous God, one who wants a bride who believes in acting loyally,
One who's only interested in Him, one who conveys such in a way that all can clearly see,
Walking the talk, displaying evidence, sights set on a relationship that’ll last for eternity.
No Christian can be seventy-five percent faithful to God, because we’re either faithful or not,
And those who aren’t faithful to their Lord, are Christians who are generally very easy to spot,
And very quick to make God jealous, 'cause who is getting the other twenty-five percent, or more,
Which shows divided loyalties, and is hardly flattering given only God one should adore.
All why soon, God’s jealousy will turn to wrath, and a painful break-up will occur, permanently,
Regarding those Christians who've roving eyes, 'cause such Christians can’t be trusted, taken seriously.
They not doing God any favours, nor the Christian cause, 'cause unfaithfulness is the world’s signature,
Written on the hearts of those who’re into such fornication — betrayers of Christ, whose end is sure,
Unless they repent, of course.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 9 February 2020.
13. The Constantine Syndrome
Many are becoming Christians without a sound knowledge of what being a Christian's all about,
Hence why the Church is full of those whose behaviour's hardly changed, nor do some think it needs too, no doubt.
They should've received sound teaching first, lest their acceptance of Christ be based on shallow ground, reward,
'Cause no one should accept Christ as their Saviour and not as their Lord, 'cause such conversions are plain flawed.
Enter the Constantine syndrome, 'cause when Christianity got popular under his skewed rule,
The Church was flooded with shallow, half-baked, convenient Christians, a right old raggle-taggle pool.
Hence how many ills entered the Church, they having brought their pagan ways with them, thus aiding the lurch,
'Cause not just they, but ambitious, ungodly leaders also corrupted the apostolic Church.
And so today,
Because just saying, “I accept Christ as my personal Saviour,” appears good enough, but is it?
And the answer's “No,” 'cause a turning from the old ways must follow, or enter the hypocrite,
Who thus brings the Christian Church into disrepute, and anyone’s denomination, quite frankly,
Which can occur with hasty baptisms, converts oft five minute wonders, half-baked and worldly.
Yes, it's a case of too soon too quick, many thinking all they have to do is claim God’s gift of grace,
But such is only so in context, 'cause God wants more, hence His moral Law, 'cause standards have their place.
All why God’s more interested in quality than quantity (unlike those in the numbers game),
Though God really wants both, but such isn’t how it goes, 'cause most aren’t truly converted who grace claim.
Hence the modern corruption of the Church that’s occurring — yes, the Reformation forgotten now,
Such seen in rebellious liberality — not so much woodpeckers at work, but termites, and how!
And no wonder when any who enter the Church aren’t instructed soundly before hand, let alone,
Those contemporary leaders and existing members who exchange God’s Word and ways for their own.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded 7 March 2020.
14. The Unholy Church
Dear fellow Christian, whatever your denomination (and going by Scripture, to which we should adhere),
When Christians have unashamedly embraced the world, and the world has come into the Church, one thing is clear:
It’s a sign of the times, and God is far from pleased, His coming near, and so too His harvesting sickle, for He,
And on that day, will save the wheat and destroy the tares, many of those tares professing Christianity!
Yes, it’s there in black and white, as Heaven isn’t for hypocrites, those Christian who’re still choosing to rebel,
Even partly so, for their false witness runs contrary to the will of God, and hence why it doesn’t gel.
And hence why He won’t be taking such Christians with Him, He calling them "lukewarm," and to make it more than clear,
Even says (using a figurative term), that He’ll spit them out of His mouth, His grace not saving them here!
Hence why we’re told to walk righteously, and to guard the Church lest both the world and wolves enter it, but oh dear,
What do we see? Not just blatantly worldly Christians, they gyrating too, and sporting all that sexy gear,
But wolves being invited into the Church, and there, drum-kits and rock guitars, everything that titillates,
Yes, eat your heart out Hollywood and Las Vegas, welcome comedians, clowns, actors and more, and God waits.
What for? Revival! True revival — yes, a people who’ve left the world behind, they reflecting the heavenly,
And thus not imitating the world, their old ways giving way to new ways, they no longer acting selfishly.
Yes, they not that “emerging” Church that prides itself on its worldly contacts, and that cockily struts the world stage,
It more a submerging Church, one drowning in all that God condemns, it less Christian looking and more New Age.
No wonder it’s knee deep in heresy, it eager to accommodate and embrace whatever pleases,
It seeking the popularity of the world, and there it errs, for oh, how the world squeezes and seizes.
Yes, it once so different that it clashed with the world, but no more, for it’s getting more like the world each day,
And that’s how we know it has lost its way, it a sign of the times, a Church that can only but Christ betray.
Hence the following: “Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God,” and,
“The love of the Father is not in those who love the world,” “Do not be conformed to the world,” and to expand:
“You were taught to put away your former way of life,” “You ought to live holy and godly lives,” and there’s more:
“Therefore, come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord,” such foolish straying being what God foresaw.
Yes,
“Come out of her My people, so that you do not take part in her sins, and so that you do not share in her plagues.”
Now that’s even clearer, for God hates sin-cum-falsehood, and that is what’s going on here, His Word hardly vague.
God awaiting His virtuous bride, not some scarlet hussy-cum-Church that’s bedding the world-cum-soaked in sin,
And hey, as if Scripture isn’t clear enough, so why do folk keep falling for Satan’s spiel-cum-fallen spin?
For, “If we willingly persist in sin after having received a knowledge of the truth,” the Scriptures say,
“There no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” which debunks the Once saved, Always saved theory that leads astray.
Oh yes, grace isn’t for hypocrites, my dear friends, those who put men-cum-themselves before Christ, such being folly,
For, “If I were pleasing people, I would not be a servant of God,” who calls us all to walk faithfully.
By Lance Landall
"
'I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you
were cold or hot. So then, because you are luke warm, and neither cold
nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth' " (Rev 3:15,16, NKJV).
"
'You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how
shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything
except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet' " (Matt 5:13,
ESV).
“Many
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).
Those
texts included in my poem are: James 4:4,5; 2 Peter 3:11; Eph 4:22-24;
Rom 12:2; Gal 1:10; Heb 10:26,27; 2 Cor 6:17; Rev 18:4.
15. Where Is Your Trumpet?
Though we’re to think, speak, and act from the heart, we’re not to be slow in reaching for that trumpet in our care,
And nor is it meant to be blown softly, for it’s a trumpet, one that is meant to be blown loud and clear.
Yes, it’s an instrument of warning, one that folk are meant to hear, one that’s been commissioned by our Lord,
Who, a loud trumpet of His very own will soon be sounding, which with ours, should strike a resounding chord.
Yes, though we’re to think, speak, and act from the heart, we’re not to leave that trumpet just sitting in its loaned case,
But rather, we’re to regularly keep it cleaned, oiled, and tuned, for it certainly has its time and place.
And given the wicked times we live in, we shouldn’t be short on practice, and nor in ability,
And more so given that trumpet blowers are few these days, and that time’s running out for humanity.
In the right hands, a trumpet is a strident, stirring, worthy vehicle, one well equipped for the task,
And thereby, its skilled player not only able to sound a warning, but also able to unmask,
For godly trumpet players are able to vary their playing according to whatever the need,
In the hope that others will see some danger that is lying in wait, or some general warning heed.
We’ve all been given a trumpet, hence my question, “Where is your trumpet?” for God’s waiting to hear its sound,
That is, if He hasn’t been hearing it, and given that we are in the middle of a battleground.
Yes, not only are watchmen needed on the walls of the Church, but anywhere where they can clearly see,
For not only are Christians straying and rebelling, but being captured by a satanic enemy.
By Lance Landall
"Also,
I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!'
But they said, 'We will not listen.' " (Jer 6:17, NKJV)
"But
if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so
that the people are not warned, and the sword comes, and takes anyone
of them; that man is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will
require at the watchman's hand." (Ezek 33:6, RSV)
16. ISIS-Like Christians
Yes, ISIS-like Christians (sad to say), who, by the way, are hardly true Christians,
As their way’s not the way of Christ but men, and hence their hypocritical sins.
For speak against their beliefs, or poach any of their flock (their wording, not mine),
And oh, how bitterly they take it and you and your beliefs loudly malign.
Yes, too bad if you happen to be more in line with biblical truth than they,
For you just trod on a bigoted toe, freedom of choice hardly being their way.
For how dare you convince some of their flock that they’re holding to faulty doctrine!
And so out come the knives — say, are we staring at another inquisition?
Well, I mean to say, here’s Jesus allowing everyone to choose their own way,
Or change their mind, but not these ISIS types, and thus you being accused of foul play.
Yes, they never having had time for your denomination, nor tried to see
Whether in fact you might be right — oh, that self-inflicted wall of bigotry.
And why I wonder,
Will there come another time of burnings at the stake, or some modern version?
These ISIS-like Christians never having had a true heart and mind conversion,
Or, they terribly deluded, tragically misled, and which will soon see
(Unless they awaken), them missing out on Paradise-cum-eternity.
Yes, for God’s never had time for inquisition mentalities, bigotry,
That biased defensiveness when told that one might be holding to heresy.
For no one seeks truth whose mind is not open, nor are they able to spot it,
And many don’t want to where it doesn’t suit, and thus they digging their own pit.
The truth is that we grow via being challenged, such proving us right or wrong, and we
If open and mature, adjusting our wrong beliefs and views accordingly.
But such isn’t the way of ISIS-like Christians who’re shackled by tradition,
Errant indoctrination; and they so unaware of their sad condition.
And it’s that mind-set and dogma that sees them turning to ways that God condemns,
And from which persecution or some (God forbid), modern day inquisition stems.
Yes, that wild grab at Church and State, that flag waving, foot stomping offensiveness,
Such having nothing to do with Christianity but those who’ve gone amiss.
By Lance Landall
"Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?" (Gal 4:16, ESV).
This crossover poem also appears on my page Apologetics.
17. Religion's Baddies
It’s the likes of ISIS (bigoted murderers), and ISIS-like religious folk
(Who’d love to legislate their will and ways — and in time, no doubt, more fires stoke),
Who give both God and religion a bad name, and who make it hard for others,
Those who’d never force, maim or kill anyone-cum-fellow sisters or brothers.
Religion’s one thing, sharing your beliefs and pointing out errant beliefs too,
But wanting to rule the world and kill so-called infidels? Man, that’s sick and askew.
Yes, I could say sorry for coming on strong, but I don’t think a sorry’s due,
For who in their right mind would condone such and something so satanic pursue?
And they pointing to God! Well, such would make me laugh if it wasn’t so evil,
So darn Hitler-like, so unenlightened, so medieval and primeval.
Yes, it the product of darkened minds, indoctrinated clones-cum-the misled,
Who plague this Earth with their terror and venomously spout the ill they’ve been fed.
And hey, they disowned by many of their own, fellow Muslims who disagree,
They knowing such isn’t the way of either God or good men, but that all be free;
And I’m sure you know what I mean by that — yes, civil, religious liberty,
All following their own path, but not forcing, maiming, killing mercilessly.
No, not turning to weapons, not seeking control stealthily or legally,
But turning to the ways of love, letting folk be-cum-living harmoniously.
And that’s the Christmas message, isn’t it, “Peace on Earth and goodwill to all men,”
Who lessons from the past should’ve learnt and thus not over and over again.
Yes, religion’s baddies, for though one could say there’re some strange religions out there,
It’s these violent, bigoted baddies who’re more the concern and cause for fear,
For tolerance is foreign to them, it their way or not at all, I’m afraid,
Hence their resorting to trickery, dark and inhumane ways, bullets and blade.
Yes, it’s hardly the voice of God they’re hearing, and hardly His words they’re reading,
For Christ who came to save folk (one going by His words), and for whom He's pleading,
Would hardly order such killings, condone such use of force, sanction bigotry;
Yes, He who bore no weapon, raised no hand, nor forced His ways legislatively.
By Lance Landall