FIVE LESSONS

Five Lessons from seven churches

Recently I have been reflecting on Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3.  Most of the seven churches had admirable qualities but 5 of the 7 needed significant correction in one area or another.  Three major characteristics of the church required by Jesus Christ are identified in the corrections and two are identified in the encouragement given to the churches which did not require correction.  These lessons are instructive to those of us who are responsible for the integrity of the church.

KEEP FIRST LOVE ALIVE:  The church in Ephesus was faithfully carrying out the work of the Lord and holding to orthodox biblical teaching.  But, they lost their first love and were admonished to remember, repent, and do what they did at the beginning.  This is important enough to Jesus that he said he would remove them as a church, if they did not repent.  Loving God supremely is a vital characteristic of the church.

PROTECT BIBLICAL TRUTH:  The church in Pergamum had a number of people in the congregation who believed that an immoral lifestyle and eating food sacrificed to idols could legitimately accompany the Christian faith.  They were instructed to repent.  The church in Thyatira went a step further and allowed a false prophetess to have direct influence in the church leading some to believe an immoral lifestyle and eating food sacrificed to idols was acceptable in the Christian life.  The Lord promised judgment on the false prophetess and those who followed her, if they continued to resist repentance.  Faithfully teaching the whole counsel of God is another vital characteristic of the church.

DEPEND ON GOD:  The church in Sardis received these convicting words “I know your deeds, you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead”.  The church in Laodicea was rebuked with these strong words “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish you were either one or the other? …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.”

The blessing of effective methods and abundant resources can obscure the foundational need for reliance on the Holy Spirit in the life and work of the church.  Falling into this trap will result in a church with a façade of success but lacking in the presence and life of God.  It is in this context Jesus says, “Here I am I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”  Welcoming the presence of God in the gatherings of the church and persistently relying on God to do what only he can do is yet another vital characteristic of the church.

Two of the churches received commendation, no correction, and encouraging instruction.  From them we note the following two lessons:

DON’T BE AFRAID:  The church in Smyrna received commendation and the following instruction “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.”  The words “do not be afraid” have various measures of impact depending on the speaker.  When Jesus says “do not be afraid” it dispels fear because He has overcome the world, he is always with us, and he is at work in each situation.  Don’t be afraid to lavishly love God in a world that resists Christian faith.  Don’t be afraid to teach biblical truth in love in a world that pressures the church to alter its message to suit political correctness.  Don’t be afraid to invite God’s presence into your gatherings though he is an unwelcome guest in the world.

ENTER THE OPEN DOOR:  The church in Philadelphia received commendation and the following encouragement: “See I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”  In spite of the spiritual darkness of the world around them God was at work in their community and changed the hearts of people as the church went about the business of ministry in partnership with God.  Prayerfully look for the open door God is setting before your church and enter in faith.

RECENT CONNECTIONS

CHRISTMAS:

Merry Christmas!  The Christmas season is a great opportunity for ministry.  For Pastors it is one of the busiest times of the year.  May the Lord grant you energy and his anointing as you encourage the body of Christ and share his good news with those who do not know the Savior.  I pray you will also be encouraged in the Lord as you celebrate his first advent.

RECENT CONNECTIONS:

Sunday, December 1^st I visited the early service at Plum Creek Community Church in Castle Rock, CO.  Plum Creek recently occupied their beautiful new facility and are experiencing significant growth.  The building was packed with people and excitement.  God bless you Pastor Doug Miller and your leadership team.  I then visited the second morning service at the Littleton campus of Red Rocks Church.  The house was full and Pastor Shawn Johnson’s message on forgiveness was powerful.  May God continue to use Red Rocks, and Pastor Shawn Johnson and his leadership team to reach and disciple many for Christ.

Friday, December 6^th Loretta ministered to a full house of women at Life Church in Salt Lake City, UT at their annual Christmas dinner.  Carrie Ayers leads the women’s ministry in this exciting, life-giving church.  May the Lord continue to bless and use Pastor Jim and Carrie Ayers and Life Church.

Saturday evening, December 7^th I had the privilege of sharing with Pastor Marshall and Rebecca Frasier, and the board members and spouses of Chapel of the Plains in Stoneham, CO.  Then Sunday morning I ministered to the congregation.  There seemed to be as many children and young people present as adults.  This is a wonderful church reaching this area of Colorado.  Marshall and Rebecca are a gift from God to this church and surrounding community of people.

Loretta and I spent Saturday night in Fort Morgan, CO in a hotel across the road from The Sanctuary pastored by Gary and Billy Meadows.  They are nearing completion of a very attractive new church building.  The Sanctuary congregation worships in the hotel where we stayed on Sunday mornings till they can occupy their new building.  It was a joy to connect with Gary and Billie that morning and see the people assembling for worship before we left for Stoneham.  I thank God for the growth and life happening in this church.  God bless you Gary and Billie.

Sunday evening, December 15^th I was able to attend and participate in the dedication of new facilities for New Life Fellowship in Logan, UT.  Growth in the church has required the development of this much larger facility.  The church building is beautiful and inviting.  Congratulations Pastor Dane and Bev Wead on this important step forward for the kingdom of God in Logan.

It is exciting to see what God is doing throughout Utah and Colorado and Pastoral leadership is critical to the building of his church.

PRAYER NEEDS:

Claire Davis who was shot in the face at the Arapahoe High School shooting in Centennial, CO is the granddaughter of RMD minister Allen and Leona Davis.  Her father was part of the Youth group at Radiant Church several years ago.  She is in a coma and critical condition.  Please pray for Clair and her family.