TO THE SOCIAL MEDIA AND CHURCH PULPITS AND PASTORS ACROSS THIS NATION

The Scriptures are written to and for believers, particularly in Matthew 18:6-9. Jesus is answering, talking to, and admonishing not just anyone, but his disciples —the future leaders of the Church. I believe it would not be far-fetched, but rather exegetically and contextually sound, to direct this admonishment/warning to those standing in or being prepared to stand in social media and Church pulpits, as well as pastors/influencers across this nation, rather than to a congregation. They are leaders who exalt themselves and unapologetically present themselves with a pious demeanor as they covertly exploit the Christian community, causing many to knowingly and unknowingly stumble. Jesus said that an eternal consequence awaits them for the causations of the stumbling blocks they have placed in the Christian community and for the downward spiral the Christian community finds itself in (verse 9, Jeremiah 23:1). Here Jesus wasn't admonishing/warning "false prophets" but to his disciples, the future leaders of the Church. I believe that there is not just a reconstruction coming to the institutional American Church, but a reckoning, because only then can a refreshing happen (Matthew 21:12-14). Jesus turned tables and chairs over so people could turn to him; we should be those who turn the world upside down, not being turned upside down by the ideology of countryism, capitalism, colonialism, churchism, and celebrityism of this world (Philippians 3:18-21).

Now unto him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Be well and stay blessed,

Ray Mingo