This week I want to make a plea to the remnant - those of us in the vast array of churches inhabiting our landscape - who are alive in the Lord and aware that time is short.
In the Book of Revelation, chapters two and three, Jesus selects seven specific churches to highlight certain conditions that He either commends and condemns. In the last church - Loadicea (Rev. 3:14-22) - which many bible scholars believe to be representative of the last church just prior to HIs return, Jesus speaks directly to the “lukewarm” temperature of this church. He then goes on to say that if the members of the church didn’t change their ways, he would “Spit them out of His mouth.” (Rev. 3:16).
Before I go any further, I want to say up front that I’m not going to “rip” any specific church apart. To the contrary, I’m going to first ask each of you to check your personal condition -- to see if you are indeed part of the remnant in each church that “has an ear” and is listening to our Lord’s calling.
Once this is established, then we’ll talk about what each of us can do to make a difference, where ever we go.
Sooo --- what would be a simple criteria for measuring our “temperature” -- seeing if we are, in fact, part of Christ’s church here on earth that will make an impact in these final days.
Let’s start with the two greatest commandments -- love God and love each other (Matthew 22:37-40 and Mark 12:29). - Sounds simple enough -- but is it? Certainly we can all say the words but what would be a good example to look at ourselves honestly? -- How about this? -- Do you spend time listening and talking to and with your Heavenly Father? -- Do you hold any anger or grudges toward any person?
And what about worry? Are you one that carries the burdens of everyday life with you wherever you go? - Does the weight of these burdens make it seem impossible to sense any joy in this ever-increasing troubled world?
As for those in need, are you concerned enough about them to make a difference in their lives?
And what about the all-consuming American way of gathering “stuff” here on Earth as opposed to laying up “treasures” in Heaven? -- or -- What about a loving and nurturing attitude towards our spouses - our children - and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
You get the idea. Simply, can people tell us apart from the world? -- One of my favorite quotes is, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
Certainly none of us will ever be perfect, but we must always strive to be the best we can be in our daily walk with our Lord. - Jesus said we “are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Is your light turned on?
Okay, now to the second point -- what we can do. Once you’ve established that your light is, in fact, shining bright, take a look around and see how you can make a difference. -- Is your church leadership and family just going through the motions, or are they “fired up for Jesus”?! Believe me, if your light is truly on, you will know.
One way to measure how your specific church is doing is to turn to the Book of Acts, chapter 2, verses 42-47 and look at how the first church did it. They loved God and each other, they helped and prayed constantly for each other -- and they were in “awe” of God! (vs. 43) -- should we settle for anything less than that?
My purpose today is for each of us to first look at ourselves to see if we are, in fact, in awe of our awesome God. Then, are we making a difference to those we come into contact with? Are we a shining light or are we blending into the shadows of prevailing darkness?
Today we are living in a nation that is rapidly descending into moral decadence and spiritual chaos. Admittedly, it is a difficult time for those of us who are struggling with job losses, rebellious children, physical illnesses and so much more --
But I can tell you from my own experience that there is complete freedom from the pressing cares of this world. Simply, get yourself right with God and truly give all of your cares and worries to Him. Nothing is too big or too small for Him.
Again, from experience - once you give it all to Him, you will “borrow” it back occasionally - but just keep giving it back. It will get easier as you go forth in faith.
Finally, Jesus warns us of the consequences of being lukewarm. He also says in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Are you lukewarm? -- Are you walking on the outside edges of the broad path? -- Are you tarrying in the shadows of darkness?
Change it right now! - Pray for a renewed spirit and start celebrating the victory that is yours in the asking -- Hallelujah!
Until next time,
Red