I hear many pastors and
believers say: “Pray for a mighty revival.” I am all for revival, but
the revival needs to start with the church first and foremost. There are
many issues within the body of Christ that are conveniently swept under
the carpet by many of today’s churches. The divorce rate within the
church is greater than outside the church. Immorality is overlooked and
sin is not addressed because “we don’t want to offend anybody”. In many
ways the church has compromised with the world. A lot of churches lack
good stewardship. We have so many church programs, activities and
festivities, etc. Many of us are running around looking busy doing the
Lord’s work… are we? Are we really doing the Lord’s work? There are
outreaches, altar calls and crusades which are good in itself and
needed, but I have to ask myself the question, what are the motives?
Many times I hear about big numbers of people coming forward to receive
Christ on some major outreach events. “Thousands of people accepted the
Lord over the weekend and they are going to heaven.” Really, how do we
know? Perhaps some just come forward because of emotions and
atmosphere of the rock concert like environment. Thousands of people
raising their hands to praise the Lord. Personally I wish and pray that
everyone that has come forward at any church or event, received Jesus as
Lord and Savior. In reality, only God knows the heart. Many of our
churches have missions and missionaries that go all over the world
bringing the gospel to people. I love missions and many good things have
been accomplished and many have come to know the Lord. We establish
churches around the world, reaching out via the internet and radio.
Awesome, love it! What about right here at home, in our home church?
Are the pastors and others reaching out to their own congregation and
see the problems of many? Many people are sick with cancer and other
diseases. Some are in financial problems, had their homes foreclosed,
lost their jobs and are in desperate need for help. Some person that
sits next to you in the seat at church, may be spending the night in
their car because they are out of a job and lost their home. I’m not
downing the church, I think overall we as the church do a good job. The
reason I was thinking about this in the first place, is because of a
comment I received on one of my videos. This following comment made me
think about all the hoopla in the church and the failure to serve our
next door neighbor. I believe, this church failed horribly and was a
poor witness to a person in need.
Here is the comment: “I agree
there is a Heaven and Hell. I believe Jesus said it best when he spoke
of The Great Commission. I actually had lost my parents to cancer just
recently, and went to the church, I was told the pastor was too busy,
and the associate pastor was gone. I then called up my Buddhist friend
who told me, “I think Jesus wants to use in a special way.” His
compassion, and understanding helped me more than any MAN has ever done
in a VERY difficult time in my life.”
This is a sad situation when you have a supposed shepherd
of the flock being too busy with activities instead of ministering to a
person in need of help and comfort. I think we all need to step back
sometimes, (that includes me). We all need to test and examine ourselves
to see if we are truly in the faith as Paul wrote. Are we reflecting
the love of Jesus with our lives and deeds to others? Like so many like
to say: “What would Jesus do?” What do you think Jesus would have done
with this person that came to the church seeking for comfort?
“Examine yourselves as to
whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know
yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are
disqualified.” 2Cr 13:5
“For the time has come for
judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first,
what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1Peter
4:17.
Knowledge puffs up and there are many that claim knowledge
of the scriptures, prophesies and eschatology. Some quote scriptures all
day long condemning and judging others. What good does all that
knowledge do, if there is no love? What good does all the knowledge of
scripture do, if there is no wisdom? Paul said that the greatest gift of
all is love. Love for our neighbors, just as Jesus has commanded us.
Jesus would not have turned this person away saying, “I’m sorry, but I
AM to busy right now, come back later”.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
Here is the comment: “I agree
there is a Heaven and Hell. I believe Jesus said it best when he spoke
of The Great Commission. I actually had lost my parents to cancer just
recently, and went to the church, I was told the pastor was too busy,
and the associate pastor was gone. I then called up my Buddhist friend
who told me, “I think Jesus wants to use in a special way.” His
compassion, and understanding helped me more than any MAN has ever done
in a VERY difficult time in my life.”
This is a sad situation when you have a supposed shepherd
of the flock being too busy with activities instead of ministering to a
person in need of help and comfort. I think we all need to step back
sometimes, (that includes me). We all need to test and examine ourselves
to see if we are truly in the faith as Paul wrote. Are we reflecting
the love of Jesus with our lives and deeds to others? Like so many like
to say: “What would Jesus do?” What do you think Jesus would have done
with this person that came to the church seeking for comfort?
“Examine yourselves as to
whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know
yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are
disqualified.” 2Cr 13:5
“For the time has come for
judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first,
what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1Peter
4:17.
Knowledge puffs up and there are many that claim knowledge
of the scriptures, prophesies and eschatology. Some quote scriptures all
day long condemning and judging others. What good does all that
knowledge do, if there is no love? What good does all the knowledge of
scripture do, if there is no wisdom? Paul said that the greatest gift of
all is love. Love for our neighbors, just as Jesus has commanded us.
Jesus would not have turned this person away saying, “I’m sorry, but I
AM to busy right now, come back later”.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
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