Oppression of Stagnation

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“… These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” (Rev. 3:1-2)

“Stagnation” is defined as being without motion, not flowing; also, becoming foul because of lack of movement, lack of activity, lack of interest, and sluggish. “Oppression” implies to hold down by a cruel use of power, to harshly burden, or to tyrannize over the mind, body, and/or spirit. Thus, it can be said that stagnation in a church becomes a cruel oppressor forcibly holding down the minds and the spirits of the congregation.

The lack of flowing life in a church chokes out the living and a dreadful stench arises as death begins to settle amongst the membership. Unless the cause of the stagnation is rectified the minds and the spirits of the congregation will be forcibly terrorized by this stagnation into believing there is no hope of life until its ultimate demise. Many a church has given up and closed its doors because the membership surrendered their minds and spirits to the cruel tyranny of stagnation. Stagnation brought forth death.

Problem and cure: “…And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matt. 14:29-31)

When a congregation takes their faith off of Jesus they are tyrannized and stagnated by fear. The stagnation initiates an oppressive thought pattern causing them to sink into the depths of despair, and unless it is set right the oppression of stagnation will bring forth death. The solution in every case is in the Master. When Peter returned his eyes to Jesus and called upon Him, Jesus immediately caught him and corrected the situation. A church must believe and keep fixed upon Jesus, as they keep moving toward the upward calling. Go! Go be witnesses! Bring movement back into the church, or you shall surely provoke the oppression of stagnation.