Paul's "final appeal" to the saints at Rome

A few of the questions on the minds of my critics: "Lonnie, why are you so intent on stirring up controversy and dissension within the Church of God International?" "Why must you persist in attacking certain ministers?" "Why have you persisted in alienating members of your own family?" "Why are you so relentless?"

The TRUTH is that I have no desire to be controversial or stir up dissension within my family, CGI, or any other church organization. The TRUTH is that I have challenged the MESSAGING of certain ministers because THEY insist on dispensing their political and cultural views from the pulpit - instead of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, as I have stated MANY times, I would gladly never write another word about headline theology or cultural and political topics if the folks that I have challenged would simply stop addressing them from the pulpit! In other words, the controversy and dissension would end immediately if these folks would simply stick to the commission which Christ gave to his ministry and Church! That being the case, who is stirring up controversy and dissension?

Near the end of his letter to the saints at Rome, Paul wrote: "And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people." (Romans 16:17-18) Paul taught a message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Is that message too narrow and small for some folks? Is it too dull and boring? Why do some folks insist on preaching about things that lie well outside the purview of the gospel message and their area of expertise? Most of us have our opinions about current events, but what does any of that have to do with Christ crucified and the eternal spiritual principles which underscore that event?