USGN Article -
September 2000
Terry & Barbi Franklin
Written by Terry Franklin
Benny Hinn has recently been telling audiences that he believes that Jesus will begin showing up at his meetings...in bodily form. Guess what Benny, there is already a church in Atlanta, GA that says Jesus has already visited them! Of course, this was the same church where someone had seen Elvis in the Prayer Chapel!
It got me to thinking, "What if Jesus REALLY DID show up at our churches, at our concerts, or at our conventions. Would He be pleased? Would He see leadership, behind pulpits or microphones, with a singular desire: to see people saved and set free by His Almighty power through anointed praise and worship .....or, would He see a man pleasing spirit that panders to the crowd, only seeking to entertain; actually distracting people from dealing with their relationship (or lack of relationship) with God.
Would He be pleased with our alliances with powerful secular corporations through television, radio, and print? While we SAY that this unequal yoke is the only way we can "reach people where they are," would He see past the spiritual veneer to the profit motivation that clearly lies behind many of these associations?
Imagine Him buying a ticket at one of our concerts or conventions...maybe even paying a little extra to sit right up near the stage. How would He feel when hearing His Name, and the Name of His Father...used to entertain...? Would He chuckle as the Name of His Father was used in carefully planned comedy routines designed to make people...laugh?
Would He hear in the many "heaven songs" more escapism...than devotion?
Would He feel the emotional rush on the last song of the evening as the soundman skillfully gooses the sub woofers, and the sound rises to well over 100 decibels? Would He, who knows the hearts of all men look around, not fully understanding the tears He sees from those who, consistently, live as though He doesn't even exist day after day?
As Jesus exits the building He sees the abundance of merchandise that bears His Name. Glow‑in‑the‑dark crosses, trinkets, tapes, videos...Men and women behind long tables are signing programs and CD's. Jesus doesn't stay to get an autograph...Would all this make Him happy?
In closing, let me ask you, "WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?"
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©2000 Terry & Barbi Franklin.