THE FORM OF "GODLINESS"
by Lahry Sibley
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
The slide downward of Modern Day Christianity, is lubricated with "Pragmatism". Pragmatism is the philosophy that teaches that if something works, it should be embraced regardless of ethical considerations.
Pragmatism is unspiritual, not just because it deems Biblical ethical considerations to be secondary, but because it depends on techniques rather than on the POWER of ELOHIM to produce the desired effects.
To present the Gospel without change of heart in the lives of both the preacher and the listener is considered failure. Since only YAHWEH can see the true heart of man, HIS work is not always obvious, at least for the moment. To pause activity to wait on the LORD has very low entertainment value. Man's expectations are seldom in line with the will of HAYAH at the moment. So when that which appeals to the flesh only pauses, people tend to panic. Who ever heard of an entertainment performance of whatever kind just pausing? Take a trapeze artist for example. They are up in the air, swinging back and forth. Then without warning, they just pause. In 10 minutes time, the audience will be ready to demand a refund.
And so it is with "church services" that follow pragmatism. The audience comes with expectations. If the performance fails to measure up, then guess what? They won't come back. Worse, they will tell their friends and neighbors about it, discouraging whatever faith they have because there was no emotional hoopla during the service.
Man has not assembled according to scripture in a very long time with few exceptions . There is no protocol for worship in the New Testament, except it be in spirit and in TRUTH. Time and place are not mentioned. What protocol that is given in scripture, is typically not followed. And guess what? The manifest presence of HIS SPIRIT, is sorely missing. ICABOD (HIS glory has departed) is written over the door, and man is imposed upon to perform on cue, and deceitfully call that, a move of HAYAH. Stink begins right here.
Instead of a coffee bar in the for, what if it were replaced with a "Phone Check Booth". Before entering the "sanctuary", you must turn off your phone and check it in at the booth. Redeem it when you exit. Then when you come in, simply sit, in unity, and wait on the LORD. Wait. How long? As long as it takes, until the LORD begins to stir hearts. No expectations. Just sit, and wait, in FAITH of course. Seek HIM. Make HIM the centerpiece of your congregation. Worship. Worship without hoopla. I promise you, if HE chooses to visit in such a way that it is discernable in the flesh, you won't have to be concerned about emotional responses. They will happen. Not on cue, but spontaneous. Someone will break the silence with a prayer. A prayer of repentance and devotion. Others begin to confess sins. Maybe someone will sing an old hymn that would cause a tombstone to weep in worship. Oh beloved, there is nothing that gets HIS attention, like true SPIRIT led REPENTANCE! The cleansing follows and so do the sobs of worship. Deep groaning within. Whatever. When HE SHOWS UP, I promise you, emotion will be maximized. And you don't need to be concerned if there is a "catcher" behind you, should you think you should be "slain in the spirit". Those truly touched by HIS presence, will likely fall on their knees, or lay face down prostrate on the floor, and worship.
Please understand, if what happens in the meeting is expected before you arrive, arranged and rehearsed, it's PRAGMATIC. I believe, by personal experience, that my ELOHIM, is far greater than anything that has ever occurred in a pragmatic meeting.
Are you afraid to stand in HIS presence? In your prayer closet, or in your meeting place?
Flesh has a disdain for waiting. Mine does. It would seem that YAHWEH is not in a hurry, to appease your flesh, or mine.. It may just be that you will need to surrender your will and your expectations, before you will see and experience HIS manifest presence in your midst.
What is commonly called "church", waits for no one. By demonstration, everyone believes that only the "pastor" has any gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT and all much listen to and watch him/her perform. When HE is not in it, man is put upon to perform. The better the performance, the more the people love it. Tragic deception.