JeffHarpole.com

Are you ready for the next phase in America?  Peter and John were commanded NOT to speak in the name of Jesus or make any mention of Him.  His name was an offense as was His story.  That same command is back and bolder than ever. If you haven’t noticed: Jesus is Offensive.  His name, unless used as a curse word, is insulting and has been said to cause emotional suffering (as stated in a workplace lawsuit). NYT Best Seller’s wrangle with the issue. While the book of Captain Sullenberger’s heroics on the Hudson, saving hundreds, captivates the country, there is no such love for the Messiah.  “Savior” by definition is a turn-off to the secularist.  It sounds exclusionary and discriminative.

Dorothea’s prolonged choice to forsake her husband for “true love” in the book “Middlemarch” is more appealing than the Lord’s choice to forsake Himself and die for the sins of mankind.  His taking the cup of gall is repugnant to the world; not cherished, and now they are poised to outlaw Him and those connected.

Awards in music, literature, and theatre are applauded, except for stories of Jesus. Even though Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing Jesus” does not support His Divine nature, it is still under attack.  CNN and NBC commentators call it “that controversial subject.”  In 2015, Jesus is a Controversial Subject.

Peter quoted the O.T., “Behold I lay in Zion a Chief Cornerstone, elect, precious and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”  The Stone saves those that believe, but to the disobedient it is a“stone of stumbling – a Rock of offense.”  Peter lived in full what we are experiencing in part.  These days are filled with great rebuttal.  The sounds of the End Time are growing louder, making a demand on the Church to be a Witness.  My reply comes from Pilate, “I find no fault in Him.”

Pastor Jeffrey Harpole