Jesus, in Matthew 16:18b (NKJV), stated, “on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it”. By providence and declaration from Heaven, our Lord died and completed the work of the Father in establishing salvation by faith in The Church (Acts 2:47). Over time, the Apostle Paul and others planted or established other congregations around the world, furthering the Gospel message unto all those who believed and desired salvation through obedience. Peter established the fact that everyone who has been baptized according to the authority resting in Christ alone has been adopted as sons of faith, thus having been cleansed of their sin (2 Peter 1:9). What a privilege!
Nonetheless, there were those who, over time, had come to resist the faith and relinquish the zeal of the Lord in their work towards Him. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, wrote to the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation, that some, like Ephesus, had “left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). And in doing so, the Lord gives a stern warning that they were in jeopardy of losing an everlasting salvation in Heaven! Jesus warned that anyone who comes to be found lacking in repentance and correcting their ways would be lost forever. He states, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent” (Revelation 2:5). The key to eternal life resides not only in initial obedience, but in perpetual compliance to the Lord. Every individual holds their unique challenges in faithfulness. Additionally, some congregations struggle to assemble and resonate with the Church of the New Testament, the only one we can read about in Scripture.
So, what would He have to say about the Church you attend? Ever thought about this? Has anyone ever asked how you would describe your congregation? What could you confidently state about the ________________ Church? Would you label yourselves liberal or conservative? Would you immediately connotate historically that the place you worship in is mostly monoethnic, White, Black, or Diverse, in makeup? What would any of this mean? What would it mean to the Lord who died so that we might live?
Modern scholars have labeled the first-century congregations as loveless, persecuted, corrupt, compromising, dead, and lukewarm (Revelation 2:1-3:22). Jesus states that none of these qualities are acceptable because the Church DOES NOT belong to us but the Lord (Acts 20:28). Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to love the Lord and serve Him wisely just as he has spoken (Hebrews 9:15).
Is your congregation serving faithfully? Have you noticed, God stated to the church at Philadelphia, “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8). Every congregation can be known as this congregation was known, but what it will take is to do the Father’s will. Quite a few churches SEE themselves as Philadelphia, but the truth of the matter is they would be better known as the ___________________ Church. What about where you worship? What does God know about you? About the preaching? About the teaching? About leadership? About the follow-ship? Are you lacking? And what are you willing to do about it? Think on these things and God Bless,
Dr. Archie R. Green, Ed. D.