Pointing to the Cross

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I've been doing a lot more reading when I have a spare minute.  I have been pondering where the church is going, how it is led and how watered down the word of God has become.  Turn on the television or  go online and the majority of preachers/pastors promote themselves, their own theology, their books, their dvd's and draw you in with promises or answers to questions that ultimately leads people away from the Word of God!   

I have no problem with doubts, questions or fears that anyone...including pastors may have.  However, I do have a problem when their ministry becomes one that supports or encourages a person's doubts rather than redirecting them back to the cross.

"Christianity, if false, is of not importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it can...not be is moderately important." C.S. Lewis

We all experience doubt, we all go through incredible dry spells, dark times, but acknowledging that you will hold on to what feels like a thread of a promise, trusting God, you will come through it.

"Patience is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says--'I cannot stand anymore.' God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God's hands. Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."

— Oswald Chambers

 If as a church or as a Pastor we can not be supportive of someone with doubts, yet continually point them back to the Cross, back to the Word of God then we aren't doing our jobs.  Our desire to nod in agreement, assure people that their doubts and fears are real, valid, and common, yet never redirect them back to the Cross in case we offend them, then ultimately, we end up adding to their fears!