Tag: faith

THE MODERN CHURCH PT. 7

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized, Wednesday, Weekly DevotionalLeave a comment

GOD’S FINAL MESSAGE TO THE 7 CHURCHES

“KNOW YOUR TRUTH!”

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (Jn. 14:6)

Exactly what is your truth? If you think your truth is anything other than Jesus Christ, based on the above scripture your truth is something else, and/or anything but the truth.

THE TRUTH

In my journey to discover the truth about the Modern church, and what God is saying to the Modern church, as I come to the close of this 7-week study I have found that the Lord’s message spoken over 2000 years ago to the ancient Church has not changed for the Church today. Because the only thing that has changed is time.

The Godly principles and the actions of many “Christian Believers today are the same. God’s admonishment for those churches, corporately and individually, who do not adhere to his word has not changed loud and clear for the modern church.

Commendations: None! He had nothing to commend or compliment the 7th church.

The Rebuke: Not cold or hot, lukewarm, wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked…

(Revelations 3:15-18) 15) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16) So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17) You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked…

Does Jesus find you and/or your corporate assembly Therapeutic, Refreshing, or Disgusting?

Contextual Background: The Laodicean Church was the largest and richest city in the area, but it had neither hot nor cold water. They had to leave their luxurious homes and travel to Colosse to enjoy fresh, cool water. On the other hand, to enjoy soaking in the hot springs they had to travel six miles to Hierpolis, known for its hot springs.

They attempted to bring the hot and cold water to Laodicea but the project failed and the water was no longer hot, it was not only lukewarm, it developed a sickening nauseating taste. It was revolting that no one wanted to drink it.

So, when Jesus told the Laodiceans, “Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” The message carried a huge punch. He was telling them, “Because you have become so dead, dull, sickening, and, nauseating because no spiritually refreshing waters flow from you and you have no healing properties left, “I will spit you out of my mouth!”

What is Lukewarm? That’s how God feels about a lukewarm spiritual walk. You see, with God there is no middle ground. But if you have allowed your walk with God to become lukewarm, you can reverse that abominable condition! God has tossed the ball in your court, and now it’s up to you. He is calling you to repent of your lukewarm attitude. Go after the tings of God with all your heart, soul, and strength!

  • Not good for anything spiritual
  • neither cool and refreshing nor hot and healing
  • stuck in the middle with no flavor

Self Reflection and Action Steps:

  1. Can you recall a time when you were “hot” for the Lord?
  2. What were you doing at the time that caused you to be on fire for Jesus?
  3. If you have slipped away from that wonderful time in your walk with the Lord, try to recall what changed the condition of your heart.
  4. What can you do to get back there again?
  5. Write down your answers so you can see them and pray about them.

Prayer: Lord, I never want to be lukewarm so that you find me to be an unpleasant taste in Your mouth. Help me to be a fountain from which healing waters flow to the sick and a source of refreshment to anyone who needs strength and encouragement. I repent, in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

THE MODERN CHURCH: “WHAT NOW?!”

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized2 Comments

PASTOR STEPS DOWN DUE TO PAST SINS

LEAD PASTOR RESIGNS

HEADLINE NEWS: CHURCH SCANDALS! WRONG DOING! SIN! ALLEGED CRIME!

Last year my beloved mother transitioned to heaven at the age of 94 years old. One of her go-to responses whenever she learned of unexpected or impending unpleasant news, whether it was family news, or on the global stage. She always responded, “What Now!”

Lately, we are getting rapid news of not-so-good news about modern church leaders and practices. The news is difficult to hear whether it is alleged or true. Each exposure makes you want to say, “What now!”

A story was told: of a popular Megachurch pastor’s conversation with one of the elderly mothers of the church, “Mother, we no longer have to say what Peter told the lame man, with oozing pride he spoke, “Silver and gold have I none.” The Elderly-mother in an uneasy stare gazed at the pastor and replied, yeah but Pastor, neither can you say like Peter, “rise up and walk.”

Followers of Christ, Be Encouraged, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:9)

Read the message to the church in Pergamum! It is relevant for today! Know your real enemy! To the Angel of the Church (the Lead Pastor) of the Church of Pergamum/and all churches!.(Paraphrase)

(Revelations 2:13) “I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.”

What does Jesus know about the church? Jesus knows all about what we do individually, and collectively. He knows where we are, even if it isn’t much to know. This church was in the stronghold of Satanic power. It was in the political center of the worship demands of Roman government.

The above passage reveals that Jesus was pleased that the church of Pergamon did not deny his faith. It is always important to make sure that the faith we hold on to is the faith that belongs to Jesus.

(Revelations 2:14-15) “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.  Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans

Contextual Background: Read Scripture Reference Revelations 2:12-17)

The Nicoliatan (The name means rule the people, conquer the people) infiltrators, a doctrine that Jesus hated, (Rev. 2:6) because they believe in lording over the people and compromising their faith with other occults, religions, and doctrines. “It’s okay to bring practices into the Church from the world because the church needs all the help it can get!” Sounds familiar.

Teachings of Balaam (The True Priophet prostituted his gift to earn money and led Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality.)Balaam also means lord of the people.

Summary:

After the believers would not say, “Ceasar is Lord” and pledge their allegiance. A believer was killed, but the other believers stayed true to their faith. A stretegy of infiltration became the next play of Satan.

When Satan could not accomplish his goals by using persecution, He tried to accomplish his goals by using deception. (He uses the same tactics today.) He first used violence, persecution, then through infiltrating a group of compromising people an alliance was established.

It was a difficult environment, however difficulties never justifies compromise in the name of “We need all the help we can get.” No church then, or today needs that kind of help. The church began to look like the world. (The doctrine of Nicoliatan) Compromise! Worldly worship became the norm.

Self Reflection

  • Can you think of any area of your life where you have allowed yourself to be compromised by the world? If so, has that compromised hindered the power of God from operating in your life?
  • Do you know any believers who thought they could live with one foot in the church and another foot in the world, but in the end the world ensnared them and they backslid into a life of sin?
  • If you know someone who is on the verge of backslliding, what do you think the Lord would have you do to help bring that person back to where he or she ought to be?

Action Steps: What Now?

  1. Repent- a call to all Christians, not only those who first come to Jesus
  2. Hear what the word of the Lord teachers- Obey the word of God
  3. Examine your place of worship- False teaching and immorality is still a problem today.
  4. Make Jeus the main attraction for all you do! Know the word for yourself.
  5. Seek wise counsel.

Pray: I don’t want to allow any spirit of compromise in my life! I don’t want to live with one foot in the church and another foot in the world. I want to break free completely from the world and its influence so I give myself completely to your cause! I want to live in a way that pleases you and, to experience your power in my life. Today I am renewing my commitment to you all over again! I turn from the world, and I am running to you! I pray this in Jesus’ name! Amen!

Related Readings: Numbers 22-25

THE MODERN CHURCH

On By glendarouseIn Devotional, Uncategorized1 Comment

IS JESUS LORD? IS CHRIST KING? DEVOTIONAL II

Have you noticed the headlines, lately? The world has always been wild and crazy! However, I believe it was King Solomon who said, “Nothing is new under the sun.”

Please examine yourself as you read the messages to the Church in Revelation 2. The message to the Ephesian Church in Revelations 2 emphasizes God’s requirement of passion and love for Christ, the passion that makes God first in all things. 

Many Churches today, like the Church of Ephesus, individually and collectively, have all the boxes checked, except the main box of maintaining and growing an intimate relationship with Christ. How about you are all your boxes checked, also?

Even the phrase, “Christ is King” has been made a controversy by worldly standards. Are you able to maintain your peace amid all the lies, false narratives and, “Christian” persecution?

The attacks of the enemy are never his first rodeo. His tactics are the same. As you read the scripture try to find yourself and the church today. Do you see yourself? Do you see the modern church crisis’? The word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.

Read Revelations 2:8-10

9 I know how much you suffer and how poor you are, but you are rich. I also know the cruel things being said about you by people who”Claim to be God’s people.” But they are not really God’s people. They are a group that belongs to Satan.

10 Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life. (Gk. crown of life)

11 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Whoever wins the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

Context & Cultural Background:

The Smyrna culture was deeply committed to idolatry and worship of the Roman Emperor. (Government) The evidence of their worship was political allegiance and civic pride. (Socialism) They were required to burn incense and say “Caesar is Lord” to receive a certificate that they had performed their religious duty. They could then go away and worship as they pleased.

However, the true-to-faith Christians determined they would give no man the name “Lord” because that name is reserved for “Jesus Christ” alone. The faithful refused to conform to the culture.

Are you conforming to the pressures of the culture today? Is Christ King? Is Christ Lord?

As a result of not conforming the True Christians of Smyrna knew poverty because they were robbed and fired from jobs in persecution for the gospel. This kind of economic persecution was one important reason why Christians were poor. Even today across the globe it’s happening! Find yourself yet?

The Blessing to Christians who remain True to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you rich?

Rich in spirituals; rich in faith; rich in grace; rich in good works; rich in bonds and deeds; of gifts;: rich in hope: rich in reversion;

When God’s people are impoverished for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, God makes all up to them in spiritual riches, which are much more satisfying and enduring, eternally.

Gospel of Jesus Christ vs Gospel of Satan?

Those Christians in name only were really the synagogue/church of Satan. (Rev. 2:9)

15 Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. (Matthew 7:15)

They were doing the bidding and work of Satan, then and now. Have you seen anything in churches that look less like Christ and more like Satan, lately? As Christ has a church in the world, “The Body of Christ”, so Satan has his church. Those assemblies which are set up in opposition to the truths of the gospel. They promote and publicize fake gospel news.

Their gospel is set up in opposition to the purity and spirituality of gospel worship according to the scriptures, They promote and multiply the narcissistic inspiration of men and their rites, rituals, and ceremonies that never entered into the thoughts of God.

Have you seen any Satan Churches disguised as Christian Churches, lately?

Synagogues/Churches of Satan carrying on, where Satan presides over them, he works in them, and his interests are served by them. God is greatly dishonored when his name is made use of to promote and patronize the interests of Satan. He will take revenge on those who persist in it.

Sadly, many followers don’t know the truth, because the pure word of God is not spoken. It just feels good and right to them. An emotional rollercoaster! Religious modification and no transformation!

(Rev. 2:10) Don’t worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days.

Question: Why couldn’t the Christians stop the attack? Rebuke the Devil, Right?

Answer: God had a purpose in their suffering, so he allowed it. In their suffering, God proved the true riches of the church.

God has a Promise:
(Rev. 2:10b) …But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life. (Gk. crown of life)

What is in your treasure chest of Riches? Does your faith journey align with the Smyrna Church?

Action Steps: Study the scriptures to ensure your faith aligns with the gospel of Jesus Christ and not Satan’s gospel. God’s Church and not Satan’s church. Are you attending a church where Jesus Christ is the main attraction? Check yourself daily!

SPIRITUAL WINDOW SHOPPING

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized2 Comments

COUNT UP THE COST!

Window shopping or browsing is examining goods or services through the window and not intending to purchase anything.

Growing up in small-town Arkansas, during the Baby-Boomer Era, we received the Sears Robuck Catalog. One of my favorite things to do was perusing the catalog. We called it the “Wish Book”, The Christmas edition would get worn out by the end of December. This was our only form of wide-variety window shopping. My siblings and I would circle everything we wanted and hand it to my parents. We were too young to understand that the “Wish Book” was not a promise book.

Window shopping continues to be a favorite time for many. You may be thinking, “What does window shopping have to do with Access to the promises of God?” Check out the relevance.

Spiritual Window Shopping:

Many Christians spend time weekly, spiritual window shopping. However, the largest spiritual shopping day is Sunday morning when millions worship in the House of the Lord. The word of God is spoken and many in the seats, hear and see the word, but fail to access and experience the promises due to the obedience factor. They browse the Bible or the screen picking and choosing the word they like, or will follow, leaving on the podium or screen the cutting, life-changing word they will not follow.

Spiritual window shoppers only view the promises of God. Embracing God’s promises requires a “Tag/Marking”. Yes, there are tags on God’s promises, and the “Tag or Marking” identifies the cost and it’s not a dollar value. It is a “Faith value”.

Count up the Cost!

The Watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:1) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ” (John 10:27)

How does it make you feel that Jesus knows and calls you by name?

“My sheep!” says Christ describing his people, those who have come to Him or those who will become His; Redeemed by His power, willingly and cheerfully surrendered themselves to Him! His own peculiar property.

Christ is the proprietor of the sheep. If that describes you, then you are positioned to access His promises.

When there are so many flocks of sheep, it is necessary to mark them. Our savior marks us. There are two tags or marks on Christ’s sheep, not found on any other sheep. (1) mark on the ear, “they hear my voice. (2) the mark on the foot, ” I know them, and they follow me.”

His sheep hear spiritually. They listen to or give heed, they obey His call. Their spiritual ear listens to God. They hear not just with the outward organ, but with the inward heart. They hear His voice, His counsel, His command.

Christ tagged or marked his sheep on their feet as well as ears. They follow Him. They are gently led, not harshly driven. The sheep of Christ follow Him as their example.

ACCESS TO THE PROMISES OF GOD:

Self Examination/ Introspection:

Do you have the earmark/tag? Do you have the footmark/tag? Are you His sheep or just a window shopper, browsing the things of God? Are you accessing the promises of God?

Obediently following Jesus opens the flow of God’s promises into the life of Christ-followers.

If you have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, invite Him into your heart, to govern your life. Salvation is much more than life after death. Embrace the earmark and the footmark God has given you that will take you through this earthly life.

No more browsing and window shopping through life. Access everything God has for you, now! Listen/obey His voice and follow Jesus!

Related Reading: John 101-18; Psalm 23; Isaiah 9:6; Ezekiel 34:25-31; Revelation 2:17.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

You are my Savior and Lord. I am not perfect and I thank you that you don’t require perfection, but holiness. From this day forward I strive to be more and more like you, embracing all of your promises. You are my Shepherd and I am your sheep. Amen!

WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHT?

On By glendarouseIn Monday, UncategorizedLeave a comment

LIGHT AND DARKNESS

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Only a few weeks ago on April 8, 2024, people were excited and planning for the 2024 Solar Eclipse. People were thrilled and stirred over the predictable appearance of the earth, moon, and sun alignment, better known as the eclipse. The 2024 eclipse inspired awe, created opportunities for Science, and compelled eclipse chasers generating upward of 1 billion dollars in revenue.

The thrill of the eclipse was watching the gradual procession of the moon, like an on-scheduled parade march toward alignment between earth-view and the sun. For a brief period, sunlight turned off in the areas of total eclipse. It was a convincing and amazing experience when the light turned off and darkness ushered in.

And God said, “Let there be light.” and there was light.” God said, The light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3)

The power of light in the beginning proved to be dominant and commanding, dispelling the darkness of the deep.

“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (Jn. 8:12)

This month was not only historical it was also a great teachable moment. Millions of people observed God at work in His life laboratory of natural and spiritual phenomena. Only God can cause a celestial body to move in alignment with another, obscuring the illumination of the source of light.

This world is in the dark. Many things are obscurring the light of Life these days. In a real sense, there is darkness within each of us, and definitely there is darkness all around us. But there is someone who is able to turn on the lights, for those who are engulfed in the darkness of sin, light is available even when darkness seems overwhelming. But you may be surprised about where Jesus says this rescue light is found. Matthew 5:14 says, “YOU are the light of the world.”

  • Light expels darkness.
  • Light exposes things that are hidden in darkness.
  • Light reveals that which is otherwise hidden by darkness.
  • Wherever you go the things done in darkness are exposed.
  • Light helps you stay on the path.

HOW TO BECOME EFFECTIVE LIGHT!

  1. Gird yourself with the word and let your lights burn.
  2. When you are girded with the Word, your light is bright.
  3. God’s Word will enlighten you to the wisdom of God, to the mind and direction of the Spirit of God. The Word is the fuel supply for the light.
  4. Are you a light among your family and acquaintances? Are you a light at work and at the gym? Are you a light in your culture and in your community?
  5. Are you clothed in Son Blocker or Son Light?

When you enter a dark room, you have no idea what might be lurking in that room. A Story was told of a group on mission staying in a condo in Hawaii and had been preparing their meals and sandwiches on the bread-board, but one dark evening when they went into the kitchen and turned on the light, it was like the sink was in motion as the cock roaches scurried to get back into their dark recesses.

Immediately, the group changed their food preparation process. and set traps all over the kitchen. The light revealed what was in the darkness, and all were quite uncomfortable with what was exposed.

TURN THE LIGHT ON!

Be the light God has chosen you to be! You are important to God. Though darkness is all around today, God has made provisions for you so you won’t have to walk in darkness.

The same God who commanded light to shine out of darkness in the beginning want to turn the light on inside you. First, He wants to enlighten your darkness within. Say yes Lord! Share this encouraging message with others as an immediate action toward turning your light in the darkness.

Reflective questions: Who or what is blocking your SonLight? It may be you or someone else! What is your Son Blocker?

Prayer: Father, I want your light to shine in and through me, dispelling all darkness in my path. May your wisdom and discernment be my light sensor and motion detector of darkness. Let your light shine in me so that all the world will know you better because of the Light of your Son shining in and through me. Amen!

Related Readings:

John 14:16-17; Job 18:56; Proverbs 13:9