Christian Greetings,
Firstly, may the Lord forgive me if I am wrong in any way here as my intent is not to act as if I am a judge but a concerned believer and sinner (saved by God's grace) who loves the Korean people whom I have been called to serve.
As we know and like elsewhere on the planet and even back in my home country (USA). There are many sincere believers saved by the blood of the Lamb who do pray, live and serve Jesus Christ faithfully.
With that being said, and after serving here as a missionary and seminary professor for over twenty years I have seen a major paradigm shift even in the students at the school. Sadly, many churches have turned into businesses and more or less look at their membership as customers more than a family. Hence, the mega church I currently serve at the moment.
This is only one of countless churches here where the numbers in attendance and VIP giver$ is more important than sharing the actually Gospel that saves a soul for eternal life. Yes, finances are needed to keep a church building up and running but this is beyond that.
Free gifts, worldly style entertainment, emotionalism and feel good speeches have replaced the Way, the Truth, and the Life, which is Jesus Christ even though you'll hear His name mentioned.
This does not exclude how becoming an elder is set aside only for those who give the most money and or have a high profile / professional title, thus outweighing the faithful little guy who is overlooked because he doesn't have such worldly power or influence.
Please understand, it may seem like it but this is not about condemnation. It's about a broken heart. We are told to be wise and discerning. We are told to test the spirits to make sure they are of God. This a dire and sincere call for love, fervent prayer, revival and renewal for the Korean people as our God desires that all be saved and come to a knowledge of the Truth.
To say, "come to Jesus with false promises of health, wealth, and prosperity" instead of come to Jesus to get Jesus is disheartening. And when you bring it up to those you work with in leadership you're treated like an outsider and it deeply hurts.
With that, the competition between churches is also fierce here. Churches are constantly trying to get members of other houses of worship to quit and join the benefits offered by the bigger churches instead of rejoicing that Christ is being preached and glorified for the kingdom in these respective communities.
Sadly, the smaller Bible believing churches are being snuffed out because of this relentless campaign and I am at the crossroads waiting for the Lord's direction for me hopefully before the end of the year with the hope of embarking on a gospel and more biblically centered ministry away from such.
Apart from those who see our church as a worldly community center filled with cafes and an ATM machine on every floor I meet countless members who tell me weekly that they are Christians through osmosis (meaning their mother and father attend church so they do, too). After a little bit of conversation Christianity is a religion for them and not a personal relationship and they do attend morning worship, whereby true grace and the gift of God (being Jesus and Him crucified, dead, buried and resurrected) is absent from their testimony.
Therefore, I continue to solicit your prayers for Korea with the utmost hope that many will hear and see the Truth and that it isn't about what Jesus can do for them (as if we somehow stand above Him). It's all about what He has done for us.
Please, join with me and pray for Korea. Please pray for me also in that the Lord will grant me wisdom and direction in leading me to a place where I can promote the True Gospel and teach the Bible in season and out of season without being treated like an outcast who refuses to be a team player for the company. Pressing forward for our King who alone is to be praised.
Thank you in advance.
Be blessed
