Lakeview Christian Life Church practices a peculiar form of idolatry. It has made gods out of its own set of beliefs and practices, its community life, and its leaders. Loyalty to that organization is more important than real love for God and more important than any real understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The love that many of the older members once had for their Savior has cooled to lukewarm and has been replaced by a sort of dogged determination to endure there to the end, as if that will yield a greater reward or position in heaven. The whole place is quite ingrown by now, and I imagine many of its members are more depressed than ever. I was once a member there. I used to say to myself, “If God has you in a prison, make friends with the walls.” Then one day I really listened to the things I was thinking and realized I had lost the joy I once had in Christ. It had been replaced by an oppressive environment of neonomianism, constant scrutiny, and endless work in the church and school. The forced shunning of departed friends and family members just added to the sadness. And the ever-changing tone and content of sermons and so-called prophecies spoken at Sunday worship meetings made God seem like He was moody and irritable—NOT the same yesterday, today, and forever and certainly not the holy, awesome, amazing, wonderful and loving God that He is.\r
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As I’m writing these words, I’m all too aware of all the idols my own heart manufactures and how often I need to ask for God’s forgiveness and repentance, so please don’t think I take joy in throwing stones at Lakeview. But if you’re contemplating visiting there, I would have to say, give it a miss. And if you are a member there secretly reading these posts, please consider using the good sense and intelligence God gave you to think about what you’re doing there. A healthy church will hold up under your internal scrutiny as well as outside scrutiny. Talk to Christians who are outside of Lakeview. Do some serious reading. Contact old friends who left and listen to their stories. And know that if you love and serve Jesus Christ, no one can snatch you from your heavenly Father’s hand. You have many brothers and sisters in Christ praying for you, so take heart and take courage!
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