I feel deeply impressed to share this post with my Christian friends, from my heart to yours: I am consistently receiving phone calls, and texted messages from pastors (some older....mostly younger) with lots of questions and real valid concerns.
These are pastors who are tired of religious politics; tired of religious clicks; tired of the pretending; tired of the hype and fluff; tired of the pressure placed on you by others who seek to control you; tired of having to live by someone else's rules. They see the difference between Bible Convictions and personal preferences. They see the difference between sound doctrine and man made traditions. They see the difference between religious politics and Biblical principles. They see the difference between pretending and being genuine. They see the difference between character and image. They see the difference between working the crowd and a real move of God. They are "hungry" for something real and authentic, and they totally understand there is a price to pay for freedom.
Many are afraid; afraid of being attacked; afraid of being alone; afraid of what others might say; afraid of losing popularity and friends. TO THOSE PEOPLE I WOULD SAY....... the more I look back and see where God has brought me from, the more grateful I am for what He has done, and is doing in my life. If I could put everything back just like it was, there is NO WAY!!!
Once you see the truth, it is impossible to unsee it. Has it been easy? Absolutely not!!! Has it been worth it???? Yes it has!!! Jesus, and Jesus only is Lord of the Church, not man, even though he may bear the title “Pastor!” Having the freedom to serve Jesus, knowing He is the ONLY ONE you have to please, and the freedom to make the Bible (and NOTHING but the Bible) your standard, makes it worth it all!!!!
It has been a 51 year journey, but all things considered, I would do it all over again!!! In spite of the imposters, power hungry men, religious manipulators, and religious entertainers, GOD IS REAL....HIS WORD IS TRUE....JESUS IS LORD....and everyone will STAND BEFORE GOD! Love God, love people; do right and let the chips fall where they fall; maintain a servants heart, and always tell the truth .....no matter the cost.....and when that day comes and we stand before Jesus, you’ll be so glad you did!!!
Craig Edwards is pastor of Mayberry Baptist Church-
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Craig Edwards is pastor of Mayberry Baptist Church-
Mount Airy, North Carolina
