OK, these churches all had problems back in their day. What does this have to do with any of us?
Although there are many preachers that maintain that these letters were meant only for the individual churches, I am very aware that much prophesy in the Bible is current in more than one time setting. Just because the letters were written to a particular church does NOT mean that it cannot apply today.
Look at a very brief description of each church...
Ephesus - Lost their direction. They think that membership in their church is more important than God's Word.
Smyrna - Satan is trying hard to mislead them. Jesus warns them to hold fast to His word.
Pergamum - They are being distracted by sexual sin. Jesus promises blessings for being faithful.
Thyatira - Doing good work, but too accepting of "alternate lifestyles."
Sardis - Mostly dead and lazy
Philadelphia - Strong in God, poor in money
Laodicea - Complacency
Can you think of even one Christian church that is not affected by one (or more) of the problems listed here? How many churches have you run across that claim membership in their church is all that is needed to ensure you get to heaven? How many have made allowances for "pretend" witchcraft (halloween celebrations and/or fortune telling) and promiscuous lifestyles of their members (including homosexuality)? How many churches do nothing, except go to service on most Sundays? Worst of all, how many have the attitude of "I'm saved. My future is secure. Leave me alone."
Few anywhere are willing to devote their all to giving God His due, and spreading His Word.
I daresay that the greater majority of us will see our churches within this listing of "problem churches." Jesus reminds us that He disciplines us out of love, as would any parent with a much-loved child. Are we willing to put aside our preconceived notions, hear Him knocking at our doors, welcome Him back into our lives and listen to His well-deserved reprimands?
Remember, a crown awaits!
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Revelation churches - part 2
The next church mentioned in Revelation is the one in Smyrna. This city still exists today, but is now primarily Islamic.
"To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things: I know your oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won't be hurt by the second death."
(Rev 2:8-11)web
The "first and last" here is Jesus, of course.
He lets them know that He is aware of their lack of worldly riches, but He reminds them that their true riches are not of this world. He also warns them that they are to face imprisonment and torture at the hands of Satanists who pretend to be "the way to God." Jesus promises the crown of life for those who are willing to risk death for His sake. This risk is very real, even today. In many countries, around the world, you can be tortured, imprisoned and put to death for being Christian. This risk will only increase greatly after the start of the tribulation.
Believe me, God is very aware of those who pretend to be Christians in order to pervert His Word. The devil has many tools operating for him around the world. They are currently planning Satan's rise to power. Jesus warns us that we should not fear these foul puppets. They have no power, except in this world.
If you overcome evil in this world, and lose your life doing so,
you will not die the second death.
So, what is this "second death?"
It is the eternal death of the soul. Death of the body does not begin to compare. Even the most hideous death in this world will end sooner or later. Eternal damnation will not.
Many are asking if the passage above means that poverty is the only way to honor Christ's death for us. The answer is "of course not." We must simply not set such store for things in this world that we lose sight of what is really important. There is a quote whose source I no longer remember, that says, "Why trade that which you cannot afford to lose, for that which you are unable to keep?"
Few, who call themselves Christians today, are willing to actually place Jesus first in their lives. They will be rewarded. Be one of them, please...
The Crown of Life will look great on you!
"To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things: I know your oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won't be hurt by the second death."
(Rev 2:8-11)web
The "first and last" here is Jesus, of course.
He lets them know that He is aware of their lack of worldly riches, but He reminds them that their true riches are not of this world. He also warns them that they are to face imprisonment and torture at the hands of Satanists who pretend to be "the way to God." Jesus promises the crown of life for those who are willing to risk death for His sake. This risk is very real, even today. In many countries, around the world, you can be tortured, imprisoned and put to death for being Christian. This risk will only increase greatly after the start of the tribulation.
Believe me, God is very aware of those who pretend to be Christians in order to pervert His Word. The devil has many tools operating for him around the world. They are currently planning Satan's rise to power. Jesus warns us that we should not fear these foul puppets. They have no power, except in this world.
If you overcome evil in this world, and lose your life doing so,
you will not die the second death.
So, what is this "second death?"
It is the eternal death of the soul. Death of the body does not begin to compare. Even the most hideous death in this world will end sooner or later. Eternal damnation will not.
Many are asking if the passage above means that poverty is the only way to honor Christ's death for us. The answer is "of course not." We must simply not set such store for things in this world that we lose sight of what is really important. There is a quote whose source I no longer remember, that says, "Why trade that which you cannot afford to lose, for that which you are unable to keep?"
Few, who call themselves Christians today, are willing to actually place Jesus first in their lives. They will be rewarded. Be one of them, please...
The Crown of Life will look great on you!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Revelation churches - part 1
Reading the book of Revelation can be confusing. Not only is it sometimes hard to understand, but also there appears to be parts that seem to have been intended for others. To make things worse, some churches (and some preachers) seem to think it is all fantasy, that we "should know better" than to believe it.
I am going to take a look at the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, one at a time, and show how they compare to each other, and to Christians today. I am not claiming to know the mind of God in these matters, just showing that we can relate to His word.
"To the messenger of the church in Ephesus, write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands, says this: 'I know your works, your toil, and your endurance. I also know that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles, but are not, and have found them to be false. You have endured and suffered because of my name, yet you have not grown weary.
However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Therefore, remember how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. If you don't, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But this is to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Let the person who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give the privilege of eating from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.' "
(Rev 2:1-7)isv
The church in Ephesus worked hard to expose the frauds in the Christian community. In the process they were persecuted for their beliefs. They hated the evil that existed in their society, and they worked tirelessly to promote God's word.
So, what did they do that was wrong? They began to see their own efforts as being the reason that they existed. Today, we might call it a "Holier than thou" attitude.
Jesus is pointing out to them that the goal is bringing others to Him, NOT just being a member of their church! Neither we, nor they, are more important than that! He tells them to repent (to apologize). They are told to listen to His criticism, and get back to their real job. Then they are reminded what success really means.
So, how does this relate to us in our world?
Many churches equate salvation with membership in a particular church. This is incorrect, and extremely misleading. Jesus wants us to keep exposing false theologies and ideologies, but He also wants us to expose others to His word. This is far more important.
Remember, you are always going to make mistakes. Repent! Tell God you're sorry, and with His help you'll do your best to not do it again. Mean it.
If you attend (or are a member of) a church that has lost its focus, try to work to set things right within the church. If you are successful, great! But, don't lose heart if they refuse to see things God's way. There is a lot of satanic influence that is VERY active in churches today. You may not be able to influence anyone there. If this happens, bail out, and find a God-fearing church to attend or join. Staying in a church that is being influenced by Satan will wear you down in no time, and make you completely ineffective in spreading the Word.
Spread the Truth! Do it now, tomorrow might be too late!
I am going to take a look at the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, one at a time, and show how they compare to each other, and to Christians today. I am not claiming to know the mind of God in these matters, just showing that we can relate to His word.
"To the messenger of the church in Ephesus, write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands, says this: 'I know your works, your toil, and your endurance. I also know that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles, but are not, and have found them to be false. You have endured and suffered because of my name, yet you have not grown weary.
However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Therefore, remember how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. If you don't, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But this is to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Let the person who has an ear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give the privilege of eating from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.' "
(Rev 2:1-7)isv
The church in Ephesus worked hard to expose the frauds in the Christian community. In the process they were persecuted for their beliefs. They hated the evil that existed in their society, and they worked tirelessly to promote God's word.
So, what did they do that was wrong? They began to see their own efforts as being the reason that they existed. Today, we might call it a "Holier than thou" attitude.
Jesus is pointing out to them that the goal is bringing others to Him, NOT just being a member of their church! Neither we, nor they, are more important than that! He tells them to repent (to apologize). They are told to listen to His criticism, and get back to their real job. Then they are reminded what success really means.
So, how does this relate to us in our world?
Many churches equate salvation with membership in a particular church. This is incorrect, and extremely misleading. Jesus wants us to keep exposing false theologies and ideologies, but He also wants us to expose others to His word. This is far more important.
Remember, you are always going to make mistakes. Repent! Tell God you're sorry, and with His help you'll do your best to not do it again. Mean it.
If you attend (or are a member of) a church that has lost its focus, try to work to set things right within the church. If you are successful, great! But, don't lose heart if they refuse to see things God's way. There is a lot of satanic influence that is VERY active in churches today. You may not be able to influence anyone there. If this happens, bail out, and find a God-fearing church to attend or join. Staying in a church that is being influenced by Satan will wear you down in no time, and make you completely ineffective in spreading the Word.
Spread the Truth! Do it now, tomorrow might be too late!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
But, I go to church...
Have you ever noticed that there is no commandment that says; "Get thee to church"?
If you try to talk with most people about God, they get a bit annoyed, and say, "But I go to church!" Often they will say they go 3 or 4 times a year. Oh, yeah, and uncle John's wedding last year, that was in church!
Why do people equate going to church with doing what God wants? Do we think we are so important that God needs to fit into our schedule?
I have a granddaughter that I love far beyond my ability to express. Last year, she started taking dance lessons, both ballet and tap dance. Prior to this, she's never had any training at all. After only 9 months of lessons, at her first recital, she was asked to do a solo in tap dance. She was very impressive, and I'm not saying this because I'm her grandpa. She was great! A solo by a first-year dance student is almost unheard of...
So why did God bless her so much?
A couple of years ago, this sweet girl wrote a letter to the president, expressing her belief in Christ, and gave him a few examples of God's love. There is no way to tell if it made any change in him, but that is precisely the problem most of us face when witnessing. We feel depressed that there is no immediate change, so we think we've been wasting our time. But we keep forgetting, It is not OUR time!
"And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, His disciples came unto Him, and said, this is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, five, and two fishes." (Mark 6:34-39)kjv
You know the story! Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes, and fed thousands of people, and had a lot of leftovers. We read this story, and think it is a great example of a miracle. But, who was blessed the most that day? Was it the people who ate, and were satisfied?
I think it probably was the apostles. They saw first-hand that God rewards faith and obedience. They did what Jesus told them to do, and He rewarded them, as well as those who ate their fill.
My granddaughter did not just go to church on Sundays, she practiced what the bible tells us all to do; she witnessed her faith! God rewarded her with a skill in an unexpected area, a blessing that amazed a lot of people. I hope she continues to improve at dance, and I'm sure she will, but I will do everything within my limited ability to help her continue with her witnessing.
God abundantly blesses those who do His will!
See you soon, in Paradise!
If you try to talk with most people about God, they get a bit annoyed, and say, "But I go to church!" Often they will say they go 3 or 4 times a year. Oh, yeah, and uncle John's wedding last year, that was in church!
Why do people equate going to church with doing what God wants? Do we think we are so important that God needs to fit into our schedule?
I have a granddaughter that I love far beyond my ability to express. Last year, she started taking dance lessons, both ballet and tap dance. Prior to this, she's never had any training at all. After only 9 months of lessons, at her first recital, she was asked to do a solo in tap dance. She was very impressive, and I'm not saying this because I'm her grandpa. She was great! A solo by a first-year dance student is almost unheard of...
So why did God bless her so much?
A couple of years ago, this sweet girl wrote a letter to the president, expressing her belief in Christ, and gave him a few examples of God's love. There is no way to tell if it made any change in him, but that is precisely the problem most of us face when witnessing. We feel depressed that there is no immediate change, so we think we've been wasting our time. But we keep forgetting, It is not OUR time!
"And Jesus, when He came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and He began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, His disciples came unto Him, and said, this is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto Him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, five, and two fishes." (Mark 6:34-39)kjv
You know the story! Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes, and fed thousands of people, and had a lot of leftovers. We read this story, and think it is a great example of a miracle. But, who was blessed the most that day? Was it the people who ate, and were satisfied?
I think it probably was the apostles. They saw first-hand that God rewards faith and obedience. They did what Jesus told them to do, and He rewarded them, as well as those who ate their fill.
My granddaughter did not just go to church on Sundays, she practiced what the bible tells us all to do; she witnessed her faith! God rewarded her with a skill in an unexpected area, a blessing that amazed a lot of people. I hope she continues to improve at dance, and I'm sure she will, but I will do everything within my limited ability to help her continue with her witnessing.
God abundantly blesses those who do His will!
See you soon, in Paradise!
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