Lady of Light
I read a recent article, "Mega church Leader Surrenders on Charge" The article states:
"Archbishop Earl Paulk, 80 years old, Leader of Atlanta Megachurch surrenders on perjury charge.
The longtime Pastor of Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill Harvester Church made a deal with the Cobb Couonty Sheriff's Office to surrender within 48 hours."
"... The felony perjury charge against Paulk stems from a lawsuit against him, his brother and the church by Mona Brewer, a former church employee. The lawsuit alleges that Earl Paulk manipulated Brewer into an affair from 1989 - 2003 by telling her that it was her only path to salvation."
It is indeed a tragic situation when such allegations are brought against a church leader. It affects many people. At one time, this church had a membership of 10,000 which has dwindled to about 1500 because of allegations regarding this leader's sexual misconduct with women. The article says that eight women have come forward over a period of time with sexual allegations against him.
Whether or not these statements are accurate, let us say that if they are, what can people do to prevent falling prey to false teaching about salvation and other doctrines, and an unhealthy dependency on church leaders ?
The bible is God's inspired word and the information and answers to our salvation and all matters of faith are contained within its pages. While Pastors, leaders, commentators, radio and TV can inspire us to learn and assist us in our understanding and application of God's word, the first question we should ask ourselves is, "Does this individual sincerely attempt to live by the Word of God, and does what this person believes and says line up with the Word of God?"
Although God will hold leaders and teachers accountable for what they say, he will also hold us accountable for the light we have been given.
What does the bible say about salvation? We cannot depend on the fact that we are born into a Christian family - salvation is a personal decision that each person must make in relationship to Jesus Christ.
"That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe it in your hear that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9.
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
The Bible trac "Steps to Peace with God" put out by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association suggests a simple prayer to pray to invite Jesus into your heart and receive salvation:
"Dear Lord Jesus:
I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that You dide for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus name, Amen."
Then, from that point on, if you have received salvation and you know what the bible says about salvation, it will be easier for you not to have an unhealthy dependency on Leaders or to fall prey to false teaching and ideas.
I watch Charles Stanley of In Touch ministries and also Joel Osteen on Sunday mornings. I feel that both of these Christian leaders have been especially gifted from God to teach and encourage fellow Christians and to share the gospel with those who don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ but I don't take their word at total face value - I ask myself if what they say lines up with sound teaching and with the Holy scriptures. Fortunately, both of these men usually reference their thoughts with scriptures so that you can read them for yourself. So I am not saying that church leaders are not important and worthwhile for spiritual life and growth. I am saying that your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the bible should be the basis for all else.
This unfortunate state of affairs has helped me to be grateful that I live in a country where we have bibles and can read them and learn about God. I am thankful for those gifted in teaching who are able to highlight things from God's word to help me apply the scriptures to my life. I am most grateful for my salvation and for the gift of Eternal life given to me from God through Christ Jesus.
We must remember that the bible tells us that "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Let's not put our faith in men, but in God and only look to men to confirm and reaffirm what God teaches in His word.
The way we live and the way we think and believe not only affects us but it affects others around us. Perhaps we can become more responsible when we think of this.
The irresponsible behavior of this church leader in the article, if, in fact, it did take place, affects so many people. It is a sad situation for everyone involved, I am certain.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
Also, remember that being a church member or having a special relationship with a church leader or working in the church does not make you a Christian - trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation does.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--and not by works so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:4-9
Lady of Light
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