There's No Middle Ground
“And
said to him, ‘Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on
the foreheads of those who sigh and groan over all the abominations
that are committed in it. Cut down old men, young men and young women,
little children and women, but touch no one who has the mark. And begin
at My sanctuary’ ”
(Ezek 9:4,6).
In this earth’s closing chapter, and as Christ’s coming draws near,
Two groups within the Church are forming — the evidence clear.
One’s behind much trouble, the wrongfulness and heresy,
Caused by rebellion or silence and inactivity.
The other group are “watchmen on the wall” walking rightly,
And sounding the trumpet where there’s wrongfulness, heresy.
Such Christians are not for sale, they cannot be bought or sold,
Thus, despite opposition, their witness is true and bold.
They sigh and groan over the ills that the first group create,
And do so while searching their own hearts — repentant, prostrate.
In love they warn — yet, are saddened by the other group’s fate,
Whose eyes are dry, foreheads unmarked — and whom retaliate.
This group flirts with the world, (spiritual fornication),
Has embraced what God says to flee, spurned His revelation.
They’re barely indistinguishable from the world — are soiled,
Yes, by the very things from which they should have recoiled.
Instead of showing the world how to live, they’ve sought its advice,
They’ve bought into its philosophies and practices, its vice.
They’re using any worldly method in efforts to attract
The worldling, with whom they inappropriately interact.
Instead of trusting in the power of God, the power of prayer,
They’ve turned to human ways and means — thus, lack of faith declare.
And they’ve commercialized, even merchandised, the gospel,
Cheapened it, diluted it, sought to thrill, not do God’s will.
Thus, Christian celebrities and entertainers abound,
And within the home and Church their same razzle dazzle’s found.
Hence, the solid Word of God doesn’t have the same appeal,
Which is why most don’t go by Scripture now, but by how they feel.
Adding insult to injury, they ignore discipline,
Lest they offend man and spoil the feel good factor within.
They’re more concerned about folk feeling good than walking true,
Oblivious to God’s coming wrath that’s rightfully due.
And lest they appear intolerant or unloving, they,
Tip toe around rather than confront — fear of man display.
Instead of dealing with issues in need of attention,
They do the side shoe shuffle, down cry those who such mention.
Hence, sin within their ranks and the Church goes unchecked, and grows,
And into the pews — quantity, not quality — thus flows.
And with it, a deepening mix that more so will offend
The God of truth and order who’d not sanction such a blend.
Oh yes, such a casual brand of Christianity
Will hardly stir, change, nor due respect for God oversee.
But instead, ensures a return to the likes of TV,
And other amusements that backsliding will guarantee.
Sadly, this group of Christians who accept or aid such wrong,
Will soon find that the other group had it right all along.
For it’s only the repentant, whose lives reflect their Lord’s,
Who enter into Heaven via God’s grace that such rewards.
By Lance Landall
“I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to damage the earth and sea, saying, ‘Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have marked the servants of our God [those who’re true and faithful] with a seal on their foreheads.’ ” (Rev 7:2,3). Parallels Ezek 9:4,6.
“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).