My enquiry hasn't anything to do with this sermon that I was listening to, but I would really appreciate your opinion of an issue to do with my (Methodist) Church in -------. which is really troubling me. I haven't been member very long, but the 'Puppet Service' is coming round again! Let me explain.
Every year my church celebrates the anniversary of 'Junior' church by staging a Puppet Service where they put up the 'set' where the altar area is, and the puppeteers are concealed behind it to work the 'muppet' style puppets. They say it's 'for the children' , and it's our chance to become kiddies for one day. There is undeniably a strong salvation message offered through these puppets, don't get me wrong. Last year they played the music of the Monkees 'I'm a Believer' (with the words changed to form a christian message) and other tunes, and I had very mixed feelings about it, not quite sure whether I approved of it or not.
This year, I see that they will be putting it on again, in May, but this year I'm having a REAL problem with the whole thing, and communicated this to my Minister. He said it isn't really his cup of tea, but that sometimes we have to accede a small point now and again, as some of our members requested the puppets. He thinks I am too serious and intense, and that a little 'light relief' is needed sometimes. He doesn't want me to write to the Circuit Superintendent (a woman) to complain. None of our Fellowship appears to have a problem with it except me.
I say we are 'bringing the world into the church' and it's not right. It's a form of entertainment which fosters an atmosphere of humour and frivolity. I would much rather hear a sermon on the doctrine of Hell, as this has never been preached since I became a member ------ ago. I have to go to SermonAudio to hear sermons on hell, and the kind of sermon you are preaching here, about salvation. I know that the Methodist Church is Arminian, and wrestle with that too, but the main issue for me at present is the Puppet Service! You sound like a true man of God, and I would very much welcome your view.
Yours sincerely, _____________
Dear _____________
The ridiculous "Puppet Show" is nothing compared to the horrid doctrine of the church. You asked my opinion. So I must presume you really want it; but understand that my opinion comes to you in the words of Christ Jesus the Lord. -- "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Rev. 18:4).
Throughout the Word of God Babylon represents false religion. It does not matter what name the religion wears, every religion that declares salvation by the will, works and/or worth of the sinner, in whole or in part, is the religion of Babylon. It is antichrist. It engulfs the whole world in darkness. God's command to his people concerning Babylon is not, "Reform her", Rebuild her",or "Restore her". God's command is crystal clear and forcibly repeated throughout the Scriptures (Isa.48:20; 52:11; Jer.50:8; 51:6; I Cor.6:17; Rev.18:4).
No less than six times he says, "Come out of her,my people, that ye be not partaker of her sins, (her religious doctrines, ceremonies and blasphemies), and that ye receive not of her plagues." We are to totally abandon all false religion, touching not the unclean thing, and align ourselves with Christ, his gospel and his people.
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