My sister-in-law and her husband are here tonight, together with two of their grandchildren. Paul and Becky have been missionaries in Brazil for many years and it's rare that we can be together.
In the course of our conversation Paul was talking about three of the churches that they have founded over the years, two of which are in lower income neighborhoods, and one in a more "middle class" sort of place.
The two churches in the less well-to-do communities are doing well. The other one, actually the one Paul and Becky started first, is having a hard time because the people of the church are gone so often on weekends. The people of the middle-class church appreciate the ministry but just don't have the same contagious Holy Spirit enthusiasm as the others do. In the lower income neighborhoods the people just love to be together and are often inviting others to come along. That doesn't happen as much in the middle class church. It seems he is describing a walk with Jesus that might be described as "lukewarm."
I am SO thankful for the MANY middle-class people that I know who DO have "fire in the belly" for the Lord! I praise God for how many are desiring a closer walk with Jesus, and who find great joy in the Christian community. Many are with us at Crossroads! Thank you Jesus!
I know, however, that the temptations toward individualism and "family life" can get in the way of the work God is wanting to do among us. That is particularly evident among people who can easily get away on the weekends and who have lots of options other than coming to the house of the Lord on Sundays and at other times. None of us are immune to the temptation toward "lukewarm faith."
The men's Bible study at Morris Excavating is reading through the "letters to the churches" in Revelation. As we consider the temperature of our own relationship with the Lord, take time to read what the Spirit says to each of these churches... in the ancient world... and today. Go to http://ref.ly/Re3.14-22;nasb95.
Jesus says: "I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3:18-19)
The gold is found in the Word of God. Buy it by spending time in it every day. Go to Bible study where you can encounter God's word in the company of others! Adjust your life based on what God says to you. Obey, don't resist. The clean, white garments are found in relationship with Jesus alone. Take time in prayer, confessing sin, seeking His will, receiving His grace and amazing joy. Thank you, Jesus, for providing just what we need.
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