I've never been one to buy in to the "mega" church show time, self aggrandizing, money making, self edification that seems to be prevalent in the "charismatic movement". But after one of my family started attending with one of his friends, I decided I would make a visit. It was my last. Apparently the regular preacher was away in Dallas visiting a business associate/fellow minister, and trophy wife was taking the role as preacher for the week. I couldn't believe that this fake nails, fake tan, tight pants, low cut top wearing woman was giving the message, but I resigned myself to keep an open mind, as we are all God's creatures. When she said that Jesus took on the sins of the world, and was so ugly with sin that God couldn't even love Him. I about fell over. That was it for me.. the last straw if you will. The Starbucks, and the gift shop by the front door were bad enough.. but understanding that the ministry of the church is about guilt, and evocation of emotion thinly veiled and guised as "spirit filled" was enough to set my mind against future attendance. The dark atmosphere, the repetitive trance inducing music, the flashing lights, are all known brain washing techniques, all used by the Nazis in their grand productions. To be fair, I believe that God meets us where we are, and some people need exactly what Shoreline provides. I pray that the leaders of Shoreline realize the power they have over the flock, and continue to provide a path way to a better understanding of God's total complete and perfect love. Maybe she was caught up in the emotion of the moment, maybe she mis-spoke. I can't believe that any God loving person would actually believe that God would for one second ever stop loving any of His creation.
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