Not Every Reverend

 

 

Not every Reverend

Is a man of God

Because not every Reverend

Is of the called.

 

Such are imposters

If never called

And a simple word for these

Would be fraud.

 

I am not very good

At telling the difference

Since I am inclined to relate

To biblical content.

 

This allows for me

To map out my course

And not be misled by their power

Or rules they enforce.

 

 

A title is just that

And not anything more

If the wearer just has plasters

For a spiritual sore.

 

I expect much more

From a man of God

That has been made aware

He has been called.

 

Called to a purpose

And given a plan

Straight out of God’s Holy Word

For every man.

 

Man being generic

Meaning women too

And since they are two genders,

That means me or you.

 

Male and female

With no in between

That is now so common place

On today’s scene.

 

Not every Reverend,

I must reiterate,

Has been called of the Lord

At any rate.

 

Whether they are many

Or there is a dearth

A Reverend that was not called

Has little worth.

 

Be wise to their tricks

In the light of the Word

And whenever you are in doubt

To the Bible defer.

 

 

Fall not for titles

And they are quite a few,

Reverend is surely one of them

And Apostle too.

 

Stewart Russell © November 14, 2024

 

Why Do You Go?

 

 

Is it for the fine music?

The reggae, the soul, the jazz?

Is it for the fancy talk?

Or, perhaps the razzmatazz?

 

The reason why, is the question:

To Church is what I mean,

Is it for the afore mentioned?

Or, is yours another scene?

 

Is it the architecture?

The vaulted ceilings and more?

Or, the stained-glass windows

That help your spirit to soar?

Why do you go to church?

That is the critical question:

Is it for a promised breakthrough

Promised in some sermon?

 

Or, is it some other reason

You want to keep to yourself:

Maybe some deep inner conviction

To boost your spiritual health?

 

I could go on asking

For the myriad of reasons why,

One may admit to these reasons

Another might staunchly deny.

 

In conclusion, let me quote

The venerable Charles Spurgeon,

Just a few words there are

But make a poignant sermon.

 

“Do not go

where there is all fine music,

and beautiful architecture.

Go where the gospel is preached.

And go often.”

 

In this current church era

A lot has risen to prominence

But regarding the gospel of salvation

There has been much negligence.

 

Riches and wealth are promoted

So too, popularity and fame,

Add to these the spiritual titles

And association with big names.

 

So, if you go for the music

Or for the celebrities of the church,

It’s time you jettison such illusions

Or you will be left in the lurch.

 

Go to hear the gospel

And go to hear it often,

Go to fellowship with the brethren

And thank God you are forgiven.

  

“Do not go

where there is all fine music,

and beautiful architecture.

Go where the gospel is preached.

And go often.”

 

Stewart Russell © August 3, 2021