Utter Confusion!

"They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you keep your head in all situations" (2 Tim 4:4,5)

I am an ardent fan of John the Baptist. There is no harm in admiring him because all who started as John's fans became Jesus' followers. A comparison of John with many Christian ministers of today makes me hang down my head in shame and sorrow.

 John was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb (Lk 1:15); but the modern prophets communicate with the spirits of men who have gone to the tomb.  The Word of God came to him (Lk 3:2); but many of their revelations contradict the written Word of God.  He was a desert-dweller, dead to the lust for popularity (Mt 3:1); but they are city-lovers, hunting for recognition and lusting limelight.

 John was a voice from God (Jn 1 :23); but the modern preachers are an echo of someone of similar brand.  He did not seek pulpits but people sought him and so his message was uncompromising (Mt 3:5,6); but they are pulpit-mongers and they soft-pedal while preaching lest they lose the second invitation.  When people heard him they confessed their sins (Mt 3:6); but when people hear them they congratulate them.  He foretold the soon-coming judgment and warned the hearers (Mt 3:10); but they predict fortune and prosperity and warm their hearers.  He called the unrepentant religious leaders as Brood of Vipers (Mt 3:7); but they flatter the backslidden bishops and powerless priests with lying words.

 John bore witness to the Light of the World (Jn 1:8,9); but the prophets of today boast about the visions of angels.  He presented Jesus as the Sin-bearer and Sanctifier (Jn 1:29; Mt 3:12); but they proclaim Jesus merely as a Problem Solver.  He did not perform any miracle but prepared a people for the Lord (Jn 10:41; Lk 1:16,17); but they are interested in miracles and leave the people unchanged.  He told the people to give away 50% of their wealth to the poor (Lk 3:11); they ask people to send their tithes to them if they want a blessing.  He rebuked a king for the sin of adultery (Lk 3:19,20); but they congratulate corrupt politicians and even bribe them for a favour.  He said, "He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30); but they project themselves in the Name of Jesus.  He taught His disciples to pray (Lk 11:1); but they tell their followers to write to them for everything, of course enclosing an offering!  He was simple in diet and dress (Mt 3:4); but they live so pompously and luxuriously that the simple believers are utterly confused!

Courtesy : http://www.stanleyonbible.com/dd/08/0807.htm