Tag: church

THE MODERN CHURCH PT. 6

On By glendarouseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

GOD’S CALL FOR UNITY IN THE CHURCH “THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA”

Revelations 3:8 ‘I know your deeds. Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.

NO REBUKE FOR THIS CHURCH!

The only one of the seven churches in which the Lord has no corrections! Wow!

What was so great about these Christians that God was so pleased? Is Jesus pleased with you so much that he has no “rebukes” only commendations for you?

Last weekend was a whirlwind of what could have been a cyclone of despair for the nation and the world. But God! And more importantly Thank God that he protected those who were not harmed, and much prayer and warm thoughts of love to the families mourning the loss of a father and husband who died shielding his family. Which is just what our heavenly Father does for us. He is our shield and protector.

We continue in prayer for the family at the bedside of the wounded. We proclaim Christ is King and greater is He, than the enemies of brotherly love.

Timely Message!

Today’s leaders call for unity and God is calling from down through the corridors of time for “Brotherly Love” There is no unity without brotherly love. Drop the divisive identity idols, and take up the work of brotherly love as the Philadelphia church did. He will commend you and not rebuke you.

Read Revelations 3:7-13.

Background/Context: How did they please God? They were not perfect and admittedly had but a little strength.

  • This was the church of brotherly love.
  • They so allowed the Lord to permeate their lives and they had Christlikeness in character of love.
  • They were not just hearers of the word but hearers but doers of the word.

How did the Lord Describe himself on behalf of these Christians, then and even now!

7) … “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.“

  • He is God!
  • There is none besides Him!
  • Christ calling himself holy He was by very nature claiming to be God!
  • He That is True: He is right in nature and in conduct!
  • He has all authority!
  • He opens the doors and closes the doors.

(Revelations 3:9-10) 9) I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

In Summary: The Lord provides many opportunities for the faithful ones. If he opens doors of opportunity we must work faithfully. If He shuts the doors. we must wait. Above all, we must be faithful to Him and see the opportunities, not the obstacles. If we miss our opportunities we lose our rewards, and this means being ashamed before Him when He returns.

With just a little strength God moved mountains for the faithful. Because He is strength, a little strength made this church totally dependent on God. Perhaps the problem we see in the world and the church today is that many believe in their own strength and power.

The events of last weekend happened because someone(s) thought they had more strength and power than God. But God! Thank God!

Prayer, Lord, give me a heart for you that is so much like your heart, that this week and going forward I will be kinder, peaceful, more loving toward all people, even when I don’t agree with them. My Character will be like Jesus and the Philadelphia faithful Christians. Amen!

THE MODERN CHURCH

On By glendarouseIn Devotional, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I WANT YOU BACK”

A SEVEN (7) PART SERIES DEVOTIONAL

What is the Church? Who is the Church? Has the definition and expectations of the church changed since its inception?!!!

Many authors and theologians compare the church to a hospital for the spirit, soul, and body, caring for those wounded by life.

What about you and your church assembly affiliation? Do you agree with the theologians’ comparison? Examine yourself and your church assembly. Is quality care, provided for the whole person, with evidence of visible growth and spiritual development?

Seemingly, the words “Church” and “Christian” mean different things to people in this modern world. The terms are used very loosely, today. The world’s view of “church” and “Christian” is quite different from God’s view, according to the Bible, which is God’s written view.

The best answer to questions and frustrations about the church’s past, present or future is to go to the source, The Bible, as it is written.

(I Corinthians 12:12) Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

(I Corinthians 12:27) Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

This is a scriptural reminder that in the Bible the church never refers to a building, it always refers to people, as followers of Jesus Christ. What is God saying to the modern church? First, remember the church lies within each individual who follows Christ.” The church is the body of Christ, with many members.

Why is there so much frustration with the modern church today? You probably know someone who has totally stepped away from it. Largely, due to misconception and frustration. Because, many churches today have fallen for the influential cultural schemes of the world’s view, better known as “Church Hyper-Activity Disorder!

“What is God saying to the church today?

In Revelation Chapter 2, we will examine each message to the Church. “He that has an ear to hear, let him hear. This is an individual and collective indictment. Churches are made up of individuals and it is individuals who determine the spiritual life of the assembly. So, as we ponder God’s word apply it personally and examine your heart.

The Ephesian Church:

God”s Commendations: (which ones fit you)

  1. Hardworking
  2. Perservering in the works of the church
  3. No tolerance of evil wicked people
  4. Test those who claimed to be apostles but are false apostles
  5. Endure hardship for my namesake.
  6. You hate the Nicoliatans (Those who compromise with worldly practices in the church)

God’s Rebuke: Reflection: (Is this your (1) only rebuke, too or do you have more) Write them down!

  1. You have forsaken the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4-5)

God’s Remedy: Reflection (God’s plan + Your obedience)

  • You must consider how far you have fallen. (Check your list)
  • You must repent
  • You must return to doing the things you did at first.

Personal Alert! Consequences for Disobedience: Reflection (Your light will no longer shine but be destroyed) You will Stumble in darkness!

(Revelation 2:4-5) Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.  Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Self Reflection: Are you able to find yourself in the Ephesian Church? Remember. Churches are people, and human nature has not changed so much from earlier centuries, unfortunately!

Over the next couple of weeks, contemplate, which Church mirrors your heart and actions? Next week we will dive into the church in Smynar! Another mirror reflection!

Next Steps: (Read Revelation: 2: 8-11)

Conclusion: God rebuked them because they abandoned the love they had at first. First love always involves passion. There was no passionate pursuit of an intimate relationship with Christ. They merely followed a program. Duty had replaced devotion. They had correct doctrine, but not a correct heart. Question: What is the condition of your heart?

First, is the keyword, not love. They had stellar leadership. How easy it is for a church to become proud and forget that pastors and teachers are God’s gifts which may be taken away at any time. Be cautioned to worship the Lord and not the pastors and teachers! Question: Are you a man/person pleaser or a God pleaser?

All those good qualities were not motivated by a love for Christ. What we do is important. However, so is why we do it! Labor is not a substitute for love; neither is purity a substitute for passion.

Take Action: (This is not optional for God!)

  1. Repent
  2. Confess your sins to the Lord
  3. Restore your original fellowship through (Prayer, Bible Reading, Meditation, Obedient Service and Worship), consistently.

Self Reflection: What will you do about your areas of rebuke discovered this week? Disobedience? or Obedience?

Take Action: Related Reading: The Book of Ephesians

  • Humbly rejoice in your commendations from God!

Pray: Lord, I confess that I have some areas of rebuke. Thank you for the reminder to prioritize my relationship with you before all other things, including service. Search me Lord I repent of anything that has offended you, known and unknown. I thank you for forgiving me. Now, help me to keep the main thing the main thing. You are number 1 in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Share this devotional lesson with others, especially those who may be questioning what’s happening in the church, and need to see God’s rescue plan, one follower at a time. Praying that the readers will be encouraged to make life changes and persevere in the Kingdom of God. I would love to hear your church experience and thoughts.