Originally Posted by deacon blues (Post 1019207)

The last BOTT I attended MJ preached a fine message about Jesus. In fact I was beginning to regret attending the conference until that message. I knew God sent me there to specifically hear that Word from the Lord. I was dumbstruck that people were offended at the message. The sermon basically said that Jesus was what this is all about. That people "would see Jesus". That the only people who got in the way of people who wanted to see Jesus were the Pharisees. MJ preached if we want people to see Jesus we have to fight against a Pharisee spirit. I was in complete agreement. I was convicted to fight the Pharisee in me. I believe all people of faith have the potential to become religious, self-righteous, steeped in tradition, hypocritical Pharisees. I took the message personal and embraced its truth. Others evidently took it personal and were offended. It was the beginning of the crucifixion of MJ.

Funny thing. You would think the "Jesus Only" people, the "people of the Name", the people with the great revelation of who Jesus is would rejoice at such a message. But I guess the Pharisee part hit a little close to home for some and they didn't like the reflection in the looking glass of the Word. They decided to forget what manner of man they saw in that reflection.

And, as history bears out millions of times before, the messenger is targeted, despised, marginalized, defamed, deemed dangerous and toxic. Strange that preaching Jesus, the blood and the cross makes someone a pariah. Preach anything, but don't preach Jesus! There's no other choice. Preach for the praise of men or preach for the applause of heaven.

Burning at the stake, hanging, drowning, firing squad, excommunication, kicked out, pressured out, starved out, crucified, whatever---the end result is the same. The Machine will destroy you. Okay a little dramatic, but you get the picture. MJ will do fine. He's a good man and will keep preaching Jesus. A good church will continue to move forward.

For those of you that want to preach Jesus for those who would see Jesus, keep on keepin on. But be warned, hell takes notice of the Jesus Preachers. Be vigilant, be alert. But take heart: the gates of hell will not prevail.

Originally Posted by Praxeas (Post 1019436)

BTW is Richard Gazowsky still licensed?

Originally Posted by pelathais (Post 1019383)

http://www.yourjourney.tv/#/who-we-are/pastors

dunno about how raspy his voice is lately, however.

Originally Posted by aegsm76 (Post 1019418)

Pel - I don't think you can hang this one on him. I believe that what he meant to happen with the org was stopped by the way NAU handled the affirmation statement.
I think this goes right back to the TV vote, which so far has appeared to be more of a symbolic vote.
This led to the loss of some far right churches, which then resulted in the entire org moving further to the right. Now you have the reaction from the more left-leaning churches who are not happy.
Sort of an interesting study in group org politics and I would like for someone to complete an in-depth look at it, with some facts and figures.

Originally Posted by Praxeas (Post 1019436)

BTW is Richard Gazowsky still licensed?

Originally Posted by Socialite (Post 1019449)

I remember that message. Stirring!!!!

MJ went out with a bang... this prime-time message, and then the General Conference "I'd Rather Be a Hero (to one) Than a Celebrity (to thousands)."

Originally Posted by Socialite (Post 1019502)

Of course MJ was the scapegoat for many WPF preachers, who scoffed at the UPC for what they considered "their future posterboys." So they rolled out their campaign song, "A Preferred Apostolic Future."

Originally Posted by Charnock (Post 1019398)

I recently let my license drop.

I know of six other ministers whom I am close to in both age and ideology who have done the same.

They're sick of it.