Pastor’s Blog

Which Culture are You Living In?

As a church member basically all of my life, and a pastor of church members for the past 15 years, I have observed that in the church body are 3 separate and distinct communities:

1. Pop Culture
2. Church Subculture
3. Kingdom Culture

The question is, “Which of these cultures are you living in?” Allow me to elaborate on each one briefly.

Pop Culture – This is the path of least resistance. This culture just goes with the flow. 20 years ago the American Pop Culture saw homosexuality as wrong, gay marriage as a joke and abortion as horrible. Today we know that Pop Culture has moved farther to the left. American Pop Culture once held that sex was for marriage only and that young people should abstain from sexual relationships until marriage. Today that idea is seen as archaic and unrealistic (if not unnatural). Pop Culture is constantly shifting with the changing trends of society. There are little to no absolutes in Pop Culture.

Church Subculture – this group does have some absolutes but most of them are based on religious tradition. The Church subculture never looks outside of itself to notice the plight of the “unchurched” therefore, the unchurched sees this culture as judgmental and uncaring. The Church Subculture speaks it own language that employs code words that the rest of society is not privy to: anointing, sanctification, deliverance, bondage, generational curse, regeneration, etc. This group sees everyone who doesn’t worship like them, dress like them, vote like them, read the same translation of bible as they do, go to the same kind of church they do…as somehow sinful or wrong. And another thing: this group would DIE for what they believe in. They are every bit as committed as those in the Kingdom Culture, they just don’t know that they are dying for a man-made institution, not the CHURCH.

Kingdom Culture – this group is all about building the Kingdom of God in any place, under any name, and with any people. These people do not get tied up in labels. They don’t care who gets the credit for what is accomplished. In fact, they don’t measure accomplishments in the same way the other cultures found in the church do. This group is all about spreading the love and transformational message of Jesus Christ across all borders (ethnic, socioeconomic, religious). This group is radically tied to the methodology and message of Jesus, but could care less about traditions of man. Above all, this group holds the inerrant Word of God to be the only true measure of success and faithfulness.

The question, again: Which group are you in? Feel free to add your definitions of these groups.

The sight of the Sweet Psalmist of Israel leering at Bathsheba from his rooftop must have been enough to make angels sit down and weep. How could the man with a heart after God stoop to such debauchery? It can happen more easily than you might think.

David had a unique hunger for the Lord from the time he was a young boy tending sheep in the wilderness. His spiritual appetite intensified as he spent time with Samuel and deepened during his years of running for his life from Saul. Undoubtedly, David was hitting his spiritual peak when he became king at the age of 30. Yet, within 20 years, he had committed the unthinkable: he had lured Bathsheba into adultery and had her husband killed. What a tremendous blow this was to the Kingdom of God!

How could it happen? The same way it can—and does—happen to 21st Century Christian leaders. There were clear warning signs long before David committed his wicked deeds—warning signs that we too would be wise to watch for.

Danger, Danger, DANGER!
By the time he was in his forties, David had experienced the depths of God, penned most of the Psalms and led Israel to great victories. All the while he was headed straight for disaster. He couldn’t see it coming because he—like many natural leaders—had been blinded by a sense of invincibility. Some, who have lost sight of their need for God’s daily grace, boast, “I will never fall!” However, the apostle Paul strictly warns, “Take heed.”

In my 22 years of helping men find freedom from sexual sin, there are certain red flags I have learned to watch for regarding those in ministry: prayerlessness, pressure, prosperity, pleasure and power. For the sake of simplicity, I will call them “P” flags:

“P” Flag # 1: Prayerlessness.
It seems that the dangers and spiritual hunger that had kept David pressed into the Lord in his younger years were gradually replaced by a sense of satisfaction and security. Though no outward lack of godliness was visible, we can easily suppose that his inward panting for God’s abiding presence began to diminish. Consequently, over time he lost his intimate connection with God.

In my years of helping fallen pastors, I have never had to minister to a “Mary,” but I have dealt with many “Martha’s.” In other words, those who stay at the feet of Christ are not nearly as susceptible to sexual temptation as those who do not. Paul said, “If you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) The sensuous and seductive atmospheres that the enemy creates are very intoxicating to those who allow the busyness of ministry to crowd out their time with God.

Jesus helped Martha to see that, while her intentions were noble, her efforts were misplaced. He told her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Corrie Ten Boom also once warned, “Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.”

“P” Flag # 2: Pressure.
God used David’s leadership to usher the nation of Israel into its most prosperous and powerful period ever. However, as his government and military grew, so did the degree of his responsibility. The crushing weight of high-intensity leadership tends to drain a person’s spiritual vitality—often at a time when he needs it most!

Many Church leaders face the same kind of stress today, which can be a setup for disaster. Scripture offers the solution when it says to, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” (Romans 13:14) Those in top positions, burdened under countless concerns, desperately need the abiding presence of Christ.

How dangerous it is to seek relief from stress by turning to the world! Making provision for the flesh literally means to provide for its sustenance—to keep it alive and healthy. For example, this is what the believer who watches television does to himself. Let’s face it; most TV programming nowadays is the enactment of all of the deeds of the flesh and does far more to corrupt than to edify. What may begin as a means to relax, entertain or unwind will almost inevitably lead to a quenching of God’s Spirit and a downward spiral spiritually.

The Christian leader carrying the weight of ministry cannot afford to diminish his spiritual life. Anything that leads him to Jesus will strengthen his faith; anything that leads him away from God will deplete his spiritual storehouse. This leaves him at risk to the enemy’s attacks.

“P” Flag # 3: Prosperity.
The great sacrifices David made for the Kingdom of God during his early years by no means went unnoticed by the Lord. When He confronted David through Nathan, God told him, “…I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.” (II Samuel 12:8 NIV) For 20 years David reaped the bounty of God’s goodness to him. Unfortunately, that very prosperity led him into years of self-indulgence, which in turn left him spiritually weak and vulnerable.

I doubt if there is anything that brings more joy to the Father’s heart than to bless those who have shown their faithfulness to Him through years of hardship. Those who have risen through the ranks of Church leadership are often compensated for their efforts monetarily. This is as it should be, for the Bible says, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (I Timothy 5:18)

I believe the purpose behind this injunction is that the extra finances afforded to the minister will allow him to be freed from some of the petty concerns of daily life so that he might be able to give himself more thoroughly to the work of God. However, there is always an inherent danger with wealth, as it tends to diminish a person’s reliance upon God. Furthermore, a man who has money has more opportunity and ability to become involved in immoral activity.

“P” Flag # 4: Pleasure.
David’s prosperity and prominence allowed him to lavish himself with pleasure. No wonder then that when he saw Bathsheba, he had no inner strength to withstand the temptation to take her for himself.

This should be a subject of grave concern for any modern-day believer since Paul warned that in the last days many would be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power…” (II Timothy 3:4-5)

Kept in the right perspective, pleasure has its proper place in life. However, when gratification becomes overly important in one’s daily existence, it not only corrodes one’s spiritual life, but it eventually chokes out everything that is wholesome.

Pornography and illicit sexual activity are merely forms of extreme pleasure. Therefore, the person who becomes addicted to pleasure and entertainment might find himself at extreme risk to sexual temptation. The apostle Paul spoke of those who are “enslaved to various lusts and pleasures.” (Titus 3:3)

“P” Flag # 5: Power.
The old adage is true: “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” David’s life proves that everybody is susceptible to the hideous, subtle influences of pride. It is very easy for the person who is reveling in the limelight of fame to become inflated with feelings of self-importance. This is a slippery slope that often leads to a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

Perhaps King David thought he deserved Bathsheba, that she was a just reward for a man who had given so much to Israel. And herein lies the danger of prominence: even the minister who begins his work serving the needs of others can arrive at a place where he sees himself as being so important that they should meet his needs. In other words, he has gone from seeing himself as a servant to that of a master.

Alexander MacClaren once said, “The humble mind thinks not of its claims on others, but of its duties to them.” One of the reasons a Christian leader will fall into sexual sin is that he has lost his sense of stewardship and his responsibility to the public to live above reproach. Once this has occurred, he is only one step away from disaster.

The Aftermath
David’s life was never the same after his great moral debacle. The remainder of his life was marked by hardship, adversity and more failure. This is always the case when a man falls into horrible sin after reaching a position of great influence over God’s people. James ominously warned, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)

One prominent radio preacher who fell into sin shared the following with me: “There are simply no words to describe the pain and agony my wife and I went through during the weeks, months, and years that followed. Not only were we rejected by those we considered to be our friends, but both the elders and the entire staff of the church refused to have any contact with us whatsoever. Yes, indeed, my ministry was shattered as a result of my own foolishness.”

Christian broadcasting professionals have been given a tremendous opportunity to positively impact the spiritual lives of millions of people for the glory of God. But with this wide-open door comes a grave responsibility to uphold that stewardship with integrity of heart and an undying passion for Christ.

Perhaps the words of my friend who has suffered so much from his one mistake will serve as an appropriate conclusion: “I hope you will carefully consider my words. If I have to drive a truck for a living, I’ll spend the rest of my days warning men about the dangers of lust. Gentlemen, please be very careful!”

Steve Gallagher is the founder and president of Pure Life Ministries. He has dedicated his life to helping men find freedom from sexual sin and the abundant life in God that comes through deep repentance.

Article taken from “Unchained” from Pure Life Ministries

Daystar Church is a part of a global initiative where 1,800 churches from around the world are joining together to simply proclaim the greatness of our God through worshiping, sharing, and giving. It’s called One Prayer. The theme of One Prayer is “God is…”

This weekend we proclaimed the fact that “God is…For Me”. Emily Smith and Ben Murray added a beautiful song to the message called “You are For Me”. Hear the song below. Watch the whole sermon by visiting the media page at www.daystarchurch.tv.

What can I say except, “I’m just glad these guys get to use their talents for great causes like this one!”

German National Conference on Pentecost

As many of you know, I recently spent a few days in Germany by the invitation of the German national office of the Church of God. It is customary with the German churches to assemble together in a large hall on Pentecost Sunday for a corporate worship celebration. There are two separate services, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. I was asked to be the speaker for this Pentecost Sunday celebration.

I really developed a burden for the German believers last year when I spoke at the European Theological Seminary in Kneibis, Germany. The humanistic, postmodern shift that the churches in America are fighting, has long since taken hold in Europe, leaving the state of the church in serious need of revival. Currently, about 2% of German citizens are practicing Christians and the number is declining. I wanted to encourage the pastors and church members with the stories of revival happening all around the world. I realize that I was only invited because of the revival happening currently at Daystar Church. I have no political connections nor can I offer anyone political benefit by doing me a favor. I am only there because of the good people and the great God of Daystar Church.

So I determined to take a brief moment to talk about the unfolding Daystar story. With a group of about 100 core believers we relaunched “Daystar Church” in January of 2002. Thousands have come to Christ through Daystar since then and the church has grown to over 2,000. With that great story (and other stories of historic revivals), I told our German brothers and sisters, “Anything God has ever done for anyone, He can do for you. Anything God has ever done any time, He can do now. And anything God has ever done in any place, He can do HERE!” (A.W. Tozer)

On the flight over as I saw the German landscape out of the window of our plane, I thought about WWII and the many planes who sought out there enemy to drop bombs on them. I heard God say to me that my task was to drop a bomb of enthusiasm and revival onto the enemy of God’s church in Germany. The gods of humanism and polytheism will run for cover. The spirit of timidity and fear that has ruled the church will be exorcised, leaving an entrepreneurial spirit of creativity and fire.

With dozens of prayer warriors from Daystar uniting with our German brothers and sisters, we continue to pray for revival. We pray that the good believers of Germany would ask the same question to one another that the leper asked in 2 Kings 7, “Why sit here until we die?” I believe passion-filled German believers are about to rise up in faith and walk with boldness. Just as the lepers found out, we don’t always have to know the outcome, we just have to move in faith and trust God! To all the Germans reading this blog, we are with you in prayer and in spirit. Rise up in faith for the purpose of God!

See more pictures HERE.

Romans 12:2 NIV
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

a. First way to know God’s will is to stop conforming to the pattern of the world!
• Develop a holy scrutiny of the ways of the world.
• How can I know?
b. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
c. The best way to “renew” is to know the Word of God.

Psalm 119:105 NIV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

d. Another way to “renew” is prayer.
• Communion with God will reveal His will.
e. Ask: What decision brings the peace of God?

Colossians 3:15 NIV
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts

• I don’t mean what pleases: my habits, my checkbook, my friends…PEACE OF GOD!
• When you let the peace of God rule your heart, it becomes a regulator that sparks an inner turmoil when you leave the will of God.
• Eventually, you will get used to living in the peace of God, and any departure from that will be obvious.

f) Listen to Godly Counselors.

Proverb 19:20 NIV
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

Proverb 24:6 TLB
There is safety in many counselors.

The Key: SUBMISSION & WILLINGNESS to obey whatever He shows.

Final Safety-Valve for knowing God’s will: “Negative Guidance”:
“Father I want your will for my life above all else. Don’t let me miss Your plan for my life!”

Proverb 3:5-6 NIV
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.