This Pastor Angers Me

If you haven't heard yet, a pastor in Arizona has shamed the church - not just the Baptist or the American church but the overall church.

He decided that his sermon, Why I Hate Barack Obama, was a word form God, and he challenges his congregation to join him every night to pray for the death of our president.

Look, I disagree with President Obama on many fronts. I also agree with him on a number of things. I would never use the Bible, however, to defend my positions unless the Bible said - I hate Obama. AND IT DOES NOT!

The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It goes on to say that every one is justified freely by God's grace but only through faith.

More than that, the Bible tells us to never wish evil upon those we disagree with.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

Where is the good in calling for God to kill a man? I checked out the website of this so called minister and to be honest, I would be afraid and run. His claim to fame is the memorization of 100 verses or something like that. He admits he does not have any biblical training other than being a member of another church.

If he has memorized so many verses, then why did he skip this one:

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

So while God is being patient with those who act counter to His will, this fake pastor is praying that God become a god who goes against his own character. Foolishness with the words of the Bible is what God speaks about in the end of times.

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NIV)

Here is what the Life Application Concise Commentary has to say about how to identify false teachers:

Paul reserved some of the harshest language for those who were boasting about their ministry among the Corinthians: They were false apostles. One of the first signs that a teacher is false is that that teacher tries to discredit true Christian teachers and preachers. A second sign is self-serving methods. The teachers at Corinth were boasting of their own credentials, comparing themselves to Paul (3:1; 10:12). Their methods (their loud boasts) should have been a clue that these teachers were not looking out for the Corinthians’ spiritual welfare but instead for their own financial welfare. A third sign that these teachers were false and deceitful is that their methods were causing division and conflict in the church. The final sign that these were false teachers is the message they preached. A careful analysis would have revealed that it was “different” from the true gospel that Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Apollos had preached (11:4-5).

The Corinthian believers should have tested the teachers to see whether they believed Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 4:1-2). The Corinthians had failed to do this and had even let these teachers wreak havoc in their congregation. Paul was disappointed with the Corinthians’ lack of discernment (11:4, 19-20).

Folks, this false teacher does not in anyway represent the church of Jesus. Beware of wolves in sheep clothing, they may just have you in their sights next.

I pray that President Obama has a long and healthy life and a successful presidency (okay many of his policies need to fail in my opinion). I pray that his family grows stronger and wiser. I pray that his staff members seek God and His face. I pray that our Congress bows upon its knees and asks for the grace of God to shine upon our nation. I pray for God to send a new prosperity into our land so that we can once again lead this world in a way that honors God by lifting up the weak, sheltering the poor, feeding the hungry, providing for those who are thirsty, and remembering the orphans and the widowed.

Jesus came to give hope. I am so thankful for that! Be thankful for something today - it will lift your spirit and send your attitude and altitude soaring!