The Politician in the Pulpit
The Politician in the Pulpit
Chapter 1: The Pharisee in Disguise
The small town of Clearwood was known for its tight-knit community and picturesque streets. At its heart stood a prominent church, one that prided itself on tradition and influence. Within this church, a man named Gerald Hawkins held sway. Gerald had once sought to become a local politician, but his aspirations had been dashed when the voters decided otherwise. He had charisma, the gift of eloquence, and the uncanny ability to speak without saying much at all—a skill he wielded with precision.
Although he failed to secure a seat in office, Gerald's defeat didn’t diminish his hunger for power. He shifted his ambitions to the church, where he quickly rose to prominence. Married to Angela, who held a high position in the women’s ministry, Gerald became an indispensable part of the church's steering group. He was responsible for media outreach, a role perfectly suited to his political talents. His speeches, often devoid of substance but brimming with rhetoric, kept the congregation engaged and the church's image polished.
Chapter 2: The KJV Believer
Ethan Parker, a quiet but resolute man, had recently joined the church. A devout King James Bible believer, Ethan had come seeking fellowship and spiritual growth. Yet, from the moment he walked through the doors, he sensed he didn’t belong. Gerald, with his polished words and political demeanor, seemed to epitomize everything Ethan had read about the Pharisees Jesus rebuked in Matthew 23. It wasn’t long before Ethan realized the church cared less about scripture and more about maintaining its 501(c)(3) status.
Ethan's attempts to contribute to the congregation were met with polite indifference. His unwavering belief in biblical truth made him an outsider among a leadership more concerned with political correctness and public image. Despite his growing unease, Ethan stayed, hoping to find a place where he could make a difference.
Chapter 3: The Pandemic Unveils the Truth
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the church faced a crisis of identity. The government issued mandates, and Gerald was quick to align the church with the prevailing narrative. Vaccination drives were hosted in the fellowship hall, and sermons focused on compliance with governmental guidelines rather than spiritual encouragement. Gerald’s smooth rhetoric justified every decision, framing it as an act of love and unity.
Ethan watched in dismay as members of the congregation, many of whom had questions and fears about the vaccine, were silenced. The church leadership dismissed their concerns, labeling them as divisive. Ethan’s warnings about discernment and trusting in God’s guidance fell on deaf ears. He realized that Gerald’s loyalty lay not with the congregation but with the government subsidies that kept the church afloat.
Chapter 4: A Time to Leave
As the pandemic dragged on, attendance dwindled. Many, like Ethan, felt betrayed by the church’s priorities. Gerald, however, seemed unbothered. The church, now heavily reliant on government funding, began to resemble a state institution more than a house of worship. Ethan had seen enough. After much prayer and reflection, he decided to leave. The day he ended his membership, he felt an overwhelming sense of freedom. No longer bound by the hypocrisy and compromise he had witnessed, Ethan was free to seek fellowship elsewhere.
Chapter 5: The Great Tribulation
Years passed, and the world grew darker. Inflation soared, and society crept closer to what Ethan recognized as the mark of the beast system foretold in scripture. The church, now barely distinguishable from a government office, continued to preach compliance and prosperity, blind to the spiritual decay around it.
Ethan, meanwhile, flourished in his faith. Unburdened by the weight of institutional corruption, he devoted himself to studying the Word, sharing the gospel, and living out his convictions. As the great tribulation loomed, Ethan found solace in knowing he had chosen the narrow path, leaving behind a church that had lost its way.