You are at your home enjoying a peaceful day. You have no hurries or stress of any kind, for the whole day lies empty before you. With nothing scheduled, you look forward to a peaceful day to simply enjoy yourself. As you finally get your day going, the first thing you decide to do is catch up on some reading. You spend a good while lost in the pages of your book when there comes a knock on your door.
Since you are in good spirits and since you have the entire day ahead of you, you do not mind this sudden intrusion, and so you decide to answer the door. When you open the door, you find a man who is familiar to some and unfamiliar to others. The man standing at your door is none other than myself – Jason Holman.
As you open the door, I quickly explain that I come on urgent business. I explain that I have important tidings that I feel you need to hear.
Some of you who answer the door do not recognize me. To you, I am only a strange face who wants to eat up your valuable empty day. Despite the urgency with which I speak, you choose to pass on the opportunity to hear what I described as important tidings. You politely explain that you are not interested and do not wish to be bothered.
Realizing that I have no right to force myself into someone’s home, I respect your wishes and leave you alone. As you close the door and disappear out of sight, I turn around to walk away. However, before I take a step, I quietly stomp me feet and leave a tiny, barely noticeable pile of dust on your front porch. This act of stomping my feet is not an act of protest or anger, but instead it is just my way of leaving proof that I was there, and that I did make an attempt to share my urgent news.
[ If you are unfamiliar with me and you do not want to be bothered with my urgent news, you are now welcome to close the door. You are welcome to stop reading this writing and go on with your day.]
Others of you who open the door to me do recognize me. It might be that you know me well or that you know me little, but you know me none-the-less.
At first, your face lights up with warmth as you see me, but as I explain the reason for my visit, your warmth soon disappears. As I explain that I have most urgent news, you suddenly remember more about me. You remember the turn that my life has taken. You remember the whispers from others who told you that I had gone off the deep end. You remember the stories told to you of how I had come to believe things that are fetched. Or, maybe it’s not just the whisper of others that you remember, but maybe you have even had your own encounters with me in which I tried to share with you some of what I now believe. Regardless of how you learned about my new beliefs, you are certain that you want nothing to do with them. Assuming that the urgent news I want to share is somehow related to many of my "strange" beliefs, you immediately decide that you do not want to be bothered by me. You inform me both firmly and politely, that you have no interest in hearing anything that I have to say. You politely ask me to leave, and I kindly respect your wishes. As you close the door I turn around, quietly stomp my feet, and move on.
[If you are someone who is familiar with me and somewhat familiar with what I believe and you want nothing to do with me, I respect your wishes. May you also quit reading this and go about your day. However, before you go, I do want you to know that there is a reason I came banging on your door once again. I do not request someone’s time without reason. If I did not feel it was urgent, I would not be here.]
While there are many who shut me out, some of you are willing to invite me in. As you see the urgency in my face and hear it in my voice, you can’t help but be curious as to what it is I have to say. Regardless of the whispers you have heard and regardless of whether or not you know me, you choose to invite me into your house and hear me out.
As you show me to a seat, you are kind enough to offer me food and drink. While I am very thankful for the offer, I decline and explain that I have to hurry for my business in urgent, and I still have many people to see.
As you realize my desire to be quick, you immediately sit down and give me a look that signals you are ready to listen. With that, I begin.
"Mr. or Mrs. ??" I say, "I am hear today to speak in regards to the condition of your heart towards the Great God of the Universe."
With this you nod and encourage me to proceed.
"Well, Mr. or Mrs. ??, first let me say that I know you are a person who is very faithful to attend "church" each time the doors are open. I also know that you profess that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. I know that you are always faithful to give ten percent to your "church," and that you are also faithful to give much more in support of those who travel overseas to share the message that you hold dear."
As I am speaking, you nod approvingly. You have a look of appropriate pride that is balanced with humility. Knowing that I have your attention, I continue.
"As I look at this bare spot on your rug, it appears to me that you are someone who is also faithful to daily prayer. And as I look at your worn out Bible, I can guess that you are also faithful to daily reading. As I look at the stack of tracts on your table, I can also guess that you are one who often goes beyond the expectations of others by trying to share what you believe."
The approving nods continue. "From all that I can see, I am sure you are very careful as to what you watch on tv. I’m sure you’re careful as to what you read. I would also guess that you are very careful as to what you say and how you act. In fact, I think I can sense in you a great frustration that the rest of the ‘church’ has seemed to get careless in these matters."
At this point a nod is no longer enough. With that statement you can’t help but verbally acknowledge and express what seems to be sincere disappointment at the state of today’s "church." For several minutes, you take over the conversation and express you desire for the "church" to experience revival. You express your desire to see the "church" return to what it was just a hundred or two hundred years ago.
As I listen, I conclude that you are truly sincere in your speech. To me, it is apparent that you are not trying to impress me, rather you are only speaking your true heart’s desire. At this point, as you continue to speak, I begin to get very nervous about what it is that I have to say next. Though I know that I will only be speaking truth and though I know that I am only speaking with the hope for good, I am very aware from experience that my words will probably not be received as such. As I continue to listen, I am all too aware that what I am about to say may gain me a quick exit from your home.
As I realize the possible rejection, I am about to face and realize the great discomfort I am about to cause, I, for just a moment, consider not saying all that I came to say. However, as I consider this option, I force myself to remember who it is I serve and who it is that I live to please. As I consider my duty to my Lord and remind myself that I am only seeking good, my heart is strengthened. As your speaking draws to an end, I resolve to say all that I came to say. And once you have finished, I proceed with words that have both the potential to bring life as well as the potential to create strife.
"Mr. or Mrs. ??, despite all that I have just acknowledged about your life and despite all that you have personally expressed regarding your heart for the "church," I want to let you know that I have been sent hear today to tell you that all is not well between you and God. I am here to let you know that all the work you do for God is going up before him as an abomination, for that which you do is not motivated by pure love for him, but instead it is only done as a work. You only do what you do so that you can have eternal life and rewards in heaven and this is not good or acceptable in the eyes of God. Though you have great security in your heart that all is well between you and God, I must warn you that you are in great danger. God has already placed you under judgement in that he has made you blind. Because you have refused to love the truth, God has placed you under a great delusion so that you believe a lie that will bring damnation. If you continue to refuse to love the truth, you will remain blind, and you will continue to believe a lie until the day God comes and punishes those who believed this lie. I am hear to warn you that this day of judgement is fast approaching."
With this said, I pause for just a moment. However, the moment remains silent because you are trying to process all that I just said. Not quite finished with my message, I go on.
"Mr. or Mrs. ??, though you profess a love for God with your lips, in truth your heart is far from him. I have been sent here today to call you to repent. I am here today to call you to turn you heart towards God. If you choose to ignore this call, then rest assured, you will be a recipient of God’s wrath that is coming all too soon on those who use his name for their own selfish goals."
At this point you have finally processed what I am saying. I can visibly watch it all sink in as I see you countenance begin to change. Though you continue to remain polite and calm, it seems clear that the initial warmth you had towards me has faded. With a politeness that seems forced, you now begin to speak and you ask., "And how exactly did you come to this conclusion? With all do respect Mr. Holman, you cannot see my heart. So please explain to me how it is that you think you can accurately judge my intentions and heart towards God."
And to this I answer, "Mr. or Mrs. ??, I assure you that the judgement I just made is not without merit. As for seeing your heart, yes, you are right, I cannot see your heart. However, though I do not see your heart, I can see plenty of evidence that reveals that your heart is blind. I see plenty of evidence that leads me to accurately conclude that your heart is very far from God".
In a calm but somewhat aggravated voice you asked, "And what exactly is this compelling evidence that you have Mr. Holman?" And to that I answer something that you never expected to hear.
"The great evidence I have that proves your heart is far from God, is the fact that you believe that the institutionalized "church" is an institution that belongs to God. The fact that you believe that this institution belongs to God, or that it ever belonged to God, is all the evidence I need to establish that your heart is far from God. Only someone who is blinded by God could believe such a thing. The true children of God know that this institution does not belong to God. Just the same, they know that it has never belonged to God. The fact that you do not know this is evidence that you are still blind."
With this statement you become more puzzled than angry. Of all the ways in which someone might judge someone else as rebellious against God, you never dreamed that someone would make this judgement based only on the knowledge of one’s belief in the institutionalized "church" belonging to God.. To you, this conclusion is not only baffling, but it is also completely absurd. With this knowledge, you have somewhat of an urge to immediately remove me from you home. However, at the same time, you are also filled with great curiosity as to how someone could reach such an absurd conclusion. For now, your curiosity wins out. Instead of throwing me out, you begin to question me in regards to how exactly I came to such a conclusion.
To your questioning, I answer, "I did not come hear to explain such beliefs. What I spoke is truth and it does not need to be explained. I have come only to call you to repent. The statement that you need to repent is truth. The statement that the "church" institution does not belong to God is also truth. These statements are true rather I justify them or not. However, for the slight hope that further explanation may somehow cause you to examine you ways, I will attempt to give you a brief overview of how the false "church" came into existence."
Casually, I reach towards the nearby table and pick up the well worn Bible. As I hold it with one hand, I place my other hand on top of it and continue, "Mr. or Mrs. ??, according to the revelation that is given in this word, the following things are revealed to God’s children. We know through his word that ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, on what is referred to as the Day of Pentecost, the true church was born. For several years after the birth of the church, God protected his newborn baby (the true church). He gave the church many years of nurture and protection through which it could grow and come to maturity. He gave the church many gifts and teachers through which they could grow. During these years, he held Satan back and did not allow him to have much access to the church. God loved his church and protected it. However, as time went by, a large number of those who had been born into the church began to look back with longing to their old life. These same people who had been gloriously saved from the bondage of sin through Christ, were now looking back with longing to the same things they had been saved from. However, because they did not want to lose the gifts that they had received through their marriage to Christ, they were not willing to abandon him. At this time, the church became filled with people who were only clinging to Christ out of hope for his gifts instead of from a true heart of love. Since the gifts of God are only intended for those who sincerely love God, God desired to remove these less than sincere believers from his kingdom. After giving the church several years of protection in which to grow, God saw that the time was now right to release Satan to have his way with the church. God would release Satan to try to deceive the church. God was not afraid to do this since he knew that only the insincere believers would be foolish enough to fall for Satan’s deception. God had confidence that not a single sincere child of his would be lost through this action, and so he set Satan loose."
"Sometime between the years of 70 - 100 AD, Satan was set loose to go and deceive the church. Satan was very wise in his deception. He carefully invented another gospel. This gospel continued to use the name of Jesus, however it change many important truths. The false gospel that Satan invented gave people a ticket to heaven, while at the same time it allowed them to have occasional flings with sin."
"Mr. or Mrs. ??," I continue, "The less than sincere believers fell for this lie. They foolishly chose to believe this gospel, and as a result, Jesus spewed them out of his mouth. At that time, the defectors who fell for this lie, organized themselves and have created - under the leadership of Satan - this institution that today falsely calls itself the "church." Today, this empire is spread throughout the entire world. This empire has many different branches and teachings, but rest assured, each and every branch is as corrupt as the tree it springs from. This empire promotes a message that proclaims how man can have his sins covered and have eternal life in Jesus. To the foolish, the message seems good, but among the wise, it is recognized as only a great perversion of the true gospel that is presented in scripture."
"Mr. or Mrs. ??, I know that you can not see any of this. I know that I only sound like a fool. But the fact that you cannot see it does not mean that it is not truth. Instead, the fact that you cannot see this only indicates that you are currently blind. Unless you repent, you will forever stay blind until your blindness leads you to your damnation."
With this I pause and carefully observe your face. To my surprise, I do not see anger, nor do I see a face that is deep in thought. Instead, it now appears to me that you have a look of pity for me. I soon find that my observation is correct as you begin to express sadness that I could come to such a terrible conclusion. You seem genuinely sad that I could think such things about the institution you hold dear. And where as I originally came as the messenger, for a brief moment the roles change as you try to convince me of my error. In your attempt to convince me of my error, you appeal to scripture. You ask me if I can show you anything at all in the scripture to back up my claim.
At this point I am well aware that my visit is going to be fruitless. I now realize that I need to move on to spend my time where some fruit might possibly be born. I prepare to standup to indicate that our visit is coming to an end, but before I do, I bend down and pull a home made book out of my bag. After doing this I stand up and say, "Mr. or Mrs. ??, Listen, I’ve got to be moving on. I know with certainty that all that I have said today is truth. But I also know with certainty that nothing I can say will persuade you of this. Since you ask whether or not what I said can be supported with scripture, I want to give you this." I hand you the book. As I watch you thumb through it, I continue to speak.
"Within the pages of this book, you will find a clear explanation of the gospel that is revealed in scripture. In addition to the true gospel, you will also find a complete explanation of all that I just told you about false "church." What I wrote is completely based upon scripture. The explanation is clear enough that it should be able to convince the most skeptical jury, and as you read this you should begin to tremble as you come to clearly see the error of your ways. However, I know that this will not happen."
I continue, "What I wrote in the pages of that book is truth, and it is well supported with scripture. But as it is, you will not be able to see it. It was God who opened my eyes to see all of this in his word, and just the same, it is God who will make you unable to see it. For this is the judgement you are under. Yes, you are blind. No argument I can make will cause you to see. The only way that you will ever be able to see is if you repent. If you do not repent, you will forever stay blind to all that I am sharing with you."
[Authors Note: The writing which I just spoke about was sent to many of you nearly a year ago. For those who are interested it is available on line at www.geocities.com/thescatteredsaint/letter ]
Now sensing only great discomfort in the room I make a few steps towards the door to indicate I am about to leave. However, before getting far from where I sat, I stop and say with sincerity, "Mr. or Mrs. ??, I did not come here today to tear you down. Nor did I come here to condemn. I came today with intentions that are good. I came first to obey my Lord. But, I also came because I desire for you to know the truth. I know the goodness that God has for those whose hearts are turned towards him. I once was blind myself. I too was once rebellious towards God. But God showed me mercy and called me to follow and love him. I repented of my rebellion and turned to him with all my heart. I didn’t do this so that I could gain heaven, nor did I do this to escape hell. But instead, I turned to him with all my heart because I realized that he was worthy of such devotion. Since that day, I have experienced true life. Since that day, the scales have been removed from my eyes, and God has shown me much truth in his word. The treasures of God are wonderful for those who fear him. It is truly my desire that you also might have these treasures."
Here I pause for just a moment, and then I continue again, "Mr. or Mrs. ??, what I said it true. God has great treasures for those who fear him. If you repent, you will begin to learn exactly what these treasures are, but as long as your heart stays hard, you will receive nothing from God except for his soon coming wrath. And yes, I feel quite certain that it is coming sooner rather than later. In fact, that is why I am hear today. I said I have urgent news. The reason my news is urgent is because this day of destruction is drawing very close. While I won’t be so foolish as to give you a span of time, I do feel certain that this day of destruction is right at the door.
Long ago as the false "church" began to rise, the true saints of God were scattered throughout the earth. Since that time, the true saints of God have been alone. With only the exception of their own immediate family unit, they are completely void of fellowship. Not only are the saints alone, but they are also constantly grieved by the false "church." They are grieved of the evil things it speaks in the name of the God whom they love so well. Though the saints are currently scattered and grieved, we know that the scriptures promise the return of our King. All the scattered saints know that our King is going to return and gather us all together. And what a wonderful reunion we are going to have. However, at the same time, our King is going to punish the wicked, false "church" for all the evil things it spoke in his name and for all the grief and persecution it gave to the true saints. The saints have waited very patiently for this day, but it now seems clear that our patience is getting ready to be rewarded. God has begun to shine his light upon his word.. Through his word, he is showing us that the day is fast approaching. We are beginning to stir with joy and anticipation, but we are also beginning to stir with the need to scream out one last warning. And that is why I am hear today, and this is why I say that my message is urgent. The days of this false "church" are very soon going to come to an end. Since you are part of this evil institution, you will certainly be destroyed with it. As you continue in your rebellion, you are approaching with great speed a season of never ending misery. However, you have now been warned, and I will be on my way."
Together we walk towards the door, as we are doing so you speak once again, "Mr. Holman, I appreciate you speaking what is on your heart; however, I hope that someday you can come to a more balanced view of things. The Bible speaks a lot of different things to a lot of different people. You are very arrogant and closed-minded to think that your version of truth is any better than my version of truth. The important thing is that God loves us all and sent Jesus to die for us. None of us are perfect Mr. Holman, but praise God we are at least forgiven."
Upon hearing that statement, I realize that little hope remains. So I kindly say goodbye and step out the door. As the door closes behind me, I shake my head in grief and disbelief. While I was prepared for it to end this way, it certainly was not how I hope it would end. Once again I quietly stomp my feet, leave some dust as proof I was there, and go on my way....
Written by Jason Holman
February 6, 2007
Authors Note: So far this story has been played out several times in my life in several different ways. And so far it has only had the same sad ending. The question now is, how does it end for you.
Today, I knocked on your door (by sending you this message)
Today you answered and welcomed me into you home (by choosing to read this message)
Today you have been warned that you are blind.
Today you have been warned that the destruction of the false "church" is drawing very close.
Today you have been called to repent.
How will our visit end?
You are welcome to forward this message as you like. I only ask that you do not alter the content in any way. Thank You!