Tag: revelations-2

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!