HERE COMES THE JUDGE/ THE SON OF GOD!

A MESSAGE TO THE CORRUPT CHURCH/A SEVERE WARNING AND JUDGEMENT

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” (Revelations 2:18)

If you ever moved to a new community and had to select a new church home, you know how difficult it is to examine and evaluate a church and its ministry.

Impressive buildings may have dying or dead congregations, and be spiritual morgues. While modest structures might belong to strong lion-hearted assemblies on the march for the Lord. The church we think is “rich” may be poor in God’s sight. While the poor church is actually rich.

Only the head of the church, Jesus Christ can accurately inspect each church and know its true condition because He sees the internal, not only the external. The view of many Christians of Christ is narrow because they see him as Savior, as Healer, as Friend, and will call him “Lord” but neglect to see him as Judge. He has to be God-Judge to be God-Justice.

The Supreme Court in the United States is the highest in the land, served by Justices/Judges, and has authority to overrule lower courts. There is a court and Justice that reigns higher than all and has only one Judge/Justice. His name is Jesus Christ!. The nation would be better off if every Supreme Court decision aligned with the world of God. The Ultimate Justice!

The Commendation:

(Revelations 2:19)–  I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

The believers were very busy! They involved themselves in a sacrificial ministry for the sake of others. Their work was increasing, Characterized by faith, love, and patience; They were not guilty of religious activity.

(Revelations 2:20) “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.”

• The sin of the church is they tolerated with corruption! Yes, God holds you accountable for tolerating sin and compromise.
• You are doing a great job with most things that please God, but what is that one or two things, he has against you?
• What are you tolerating just because you are comfortable where you are?

Accusation:

(Revelations 2:19) Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.

The church was permitting a false prophet/prophetess to influence the people and lead them into compromise with the Roman religions and the practices of the “Guilds” (unions, syndicates, federations, fraternities, sororities, coalitions, and associations) So that the Christians would not lose their jobs or their lives.

Where ever these guilds were found idolatry and immorality, the two great enemies of the church were almost always found.

Does this sound familiar? Are you staying with an assembly or job that you know contradicts every thought of God, but you tolerate it for the same purposes the early Christians did? Maybe you joined a group or association so that your resume will be boosted but, overlooked the anti-Christian principles of the company association.

The church became too tolerant of false doctrine. Speaking the truth in love is the biblical balance.

(Ephesians 4:14) Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ

Good News! Repentance!

(Revelations 2:22) So I will cast her (the prophet) on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. (The prophet was unwilling to repent) Have mercy on the prophets who refuse to repent today!

Repentance/ Gk. Metanoia: Is composed of two parts: meta, meaning change, and noia, meaning mind.

As it is today, Everyone in the assembly was not unfaithful. The faithful separated themselves from the false doctrine and compromising practices. He admonished the faithful to hold fast in their resistance to evil. “Till he comes!” referring to Christ’s return for his people, at which time he will reward them for their faithfulness.

Action Steps: If you find yourself in a corrupt situation follow God’s plan.

1. Separate yourself from the evil.
2. Repent of your sins. (Change; mind) results in change actions.
3. Remain faithful “Till he comes”
4. If staying around the evil is pulling you into compromising, “Get Out” with your Soul in tack!
5. Always, pray and ask God to deliver you out of it or give you strength to remain faithful.

Summary Reflection:

Years ago Rev. Billy Graham was stopped for driving over the speed limit. He pleaded guilty. The judge was friendly, and embarrassed for Rev. Graham to be in court. The fine was ten dollars. Rev. Graham stated, “If he let me go free, it would have been inconsistent with justice. The penalty had to be paid either by me or someone else!” Judgement is consistent with love. A God of love must be a God of justice. It is because God loves that He is just. His justice balances His love and makes His acts of both love and justice meaningful.