POWER BLOG

Link: http://dandouglass.com

Drive down the street in "anywhere, USA" and every mile or two you'll pass a Church. There everywhere. Big ones and little ones of every denomination. They have one thing in common though. In every one there is one man or woman who stands out and above all the rest.

He's dressed possibly a little nicer, he doesn't swear, (probably never has) doesn't drink, doesn't smoke and he or she is holier than anyone else. (Perfect) Being a man or woman of higher stature than the rest, they have a title that commands respect. That title is Pastor, Reverend, Father, priest, Rabbi and many others.

Once every month or two, you'll get to hear his testimony. The testimony about the time he sinned. It was many, many years ago. It was that dark time when he "Coveted his neighbors shoes". (the audience gasps) The good news is, Jesus has set him free! Granted, he still gets up two hours early every morning and prays that God will forgive him for that terrible moment of weakness, But, "he did - and he's forgiven".

It's an awesome testimony that proves the goodness and greatness of God. After all, can we even fathom the idea that God would send his only son to save a wretch like "that". Now, not only him, but everyone in the room is in tears. It's a Kodak moment.

It may appear to some that I have this deep hatred for the Church. Actually, I don't hate anyone. I'll admit, there are some very good and sincere preachers out there, but they are getting harder and harder to find. The corruption of the Church is widespread and almost out of control.

The person I described above doesn't exist. He's a phantom or at the least, an actor. There's an old saying and it's true. "You can't have a testimony without a test!" How do you show someone the way, if you've never been there yourself? How are you going to show someone the way to Pittsburgh and say "follow me", if you've never been to Pittsburgh yourself?

Too many modern day preachers are being pumped out of universities like it's an assembly line, and too few are ordained by God! They are learning the precepts of other men, then passing it along. Sure they come out with an impressive amount of memorized knowledge, but so do doctors, lawyers and accountants.

This degree can only come from God and your diploma isn't on paper, it's stamped on your heart. Again, this doesn't apply to everyone, but it does apply to many.

I have a close friend that attended one of the major Christian Universities (Trust me, you've heard of it) Part of his curriculum was learning when to pound on the podium, when to raise or lower his voice to get the audience excited, and everything to do as you are working up to the climax. Passing the offering plate!

Call this what it is "Theatrics". It's a show. By all means, if you enjoyed the show, pay for the show, but when you leave the theatre, go home and read your bible. See what God has to say to "you".

As you may have noticed, I am a little rough around the edges. I'm not perfect and don't claim to be. My desire is to do better than I did the day before and be more pleasing to God. I am a sinner. I've done far worse in my life than to covet my neighbors shoes.

However, what I do have is a testimony! Some day I'll post it, but truthfully, the way some people get angry and upset over what I have to say about tithes, you're not ready to hear it yet. I can tell you first hand as an eye witness, God is awesome. He does still heal people. He does still work miracles and if your heart is right, he "will" viciously protect you like an angry father protects his teenage daughter. (only much more)

Skip the middle man. Get out your bible and let God talk to you directly.