May the grace and mercy of God, and of His Son Jesus-Christ be upon you, as you read the lines of this letter. Today, allow me to share on the tragedy of relying on a false hope, a lie, which enslaves rather than frees the subject.

John 8:31,32 – So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

But what freedom was Jesus speaking of? Freedom from Sin, for Sin is a slave master

John 8:34,36 – Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

False hope finds its origin in a lie. Lie of a better life coming! Lie of a better season in store for you in the upcoming year (Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:11). Lie that living in Sin, while not recommended, is still acceptable because of the atoning blood of Jesus (1 John 3:6). Lie that lusting after the nice things of life is in alignment with God’s desire to bless His children with a life that is abundant “in the things the individual desires” (1 Peter 2:2, James 4:1-3). Lie that suffering is not the hallmark of the true Christian Walk (Philippians 1:29).

AND ALL OF THOSE LIES ARE FOUND IN THE MOUTH OF THOSE WHO PROCLAIM TO BE THE SERVANTS OF GOD (2 Peter 2:19).

But consider the following statistics in the United States: 75% of Americans identify themselves as Christians (source). Yet, according to the CDC, the rates of suicide increased by 25% since 1996, representing one of the Top 10 cause of death and it is increasing  (source).  A recent report from Barna concluded that the Gen Z are consumed by personal achievement, are far less family oriented and do not nearly consider religion as central to their identity than older generations (source). And there are many more disturbing facts…

But if we just took the 3 above and loosely place them in a Venn Diagram, there is no denying that those three facts intersect! Many of those who commit suicide must be Christians. Many of those who value personal achievement above everything else must be Christians. Many who value personal achievement, AND will commit suicide ARE Christians!

PREACHERS OF THE WORD…WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU SERVANTS OF THE LORD? Those of us who have been entrusted to teach the Gospel, and watch after the flock of God will have to answer to Him, for serving His people a lie rather than the truth. It is the power of sin that overcomes someone to the point of committing suicide. It is the power of sin that leads someone to value their personal ambitions rather than denying self as Christ commanded. Hence, how can we be free unless we are preached the TRUTH?!

Servants, why aren’t you serving the truth!? WHY AREN’T WE SEEING YOU CRYING ON THE PULPIT IN DESPERATION, AS THE PROPHETS OF OLD DID! Where is your urgency! Where is your desperation? Where is your intercession? Why aren’t you pleading with your church to repent? Why…why such a polished appearance, a choreographed service? Where are the tears! WHERE ARE THE TEARS OF ONE WHO IS AFRAID FOR THE FLOCK? Where is the truth, the Truth preached? Why can’t we hear it?

We are afraid to share the TRUTH of the Gospel, the source of true and lasting hope, perhaps for fear of not being loved by the people. For fear that they will no longer come to our Church. For fear that their donations will dwindle and kill our ministry. We promise them a new and better season coming for them, only feeding a hope which sooner (or worse, later) they will realize was based on a lie. We make them believe that they truly understand the scriptures and the grace of God while the fact is clearly the opposite!

PREACH THE WORD, PREACH THE WORD, you servants of the Lord! Every day, you are amassing for yourself the blood of God’s people.

Ezekiel 3:18 – “When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.”

Yes, the individual has his own responsibility, but make no mistake, YOU, servant, will have to answer for your careless act. YOU will have to answer for your selfishness, slackness and hatred of the people! Feeding the flock…feeding the flock…feeding the flock…that is your duty! Would you spare your child vegetables because the child does not like the taste of it! Yet, this is what you are doing, and WORSE with the flock of Jesus!

Matthew 24:45-51 – “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. 47 Truly I say to you that he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is not coming for a long time,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; 50 the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour which he does not know, 51 and will cut him in pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth”.

False hope is a tragedy! You, God’s people who are hearing this message…watch out for those unfaithful servants. Pray for yourself and your brethren! Go on your knees and beg the Father for your souls, that He may open your eyes to understand the scriptures, and send your way servants who are true to Him. For the truth is free for all who ask! Pray to receive the Holy Spirit in greater measure, and you shall know the truth, the source of true Hope, which shall free you from the power of Sin!

In the name above all names! JESUS, the CHRIST. AMEN