NECF Devotion Day 38 - 28 April 2020

Day 38 Devotion – 28 April 

Text: Read Rev 2-3:22

“…. you have a reputation of being alive…”

Christ addressed the 7 churches in Asia from chapters 2- 3:22. The churches were given commendations and rebukes, some of them both. They were also given solutions and were warned of the consequences of not taking the Word of the Lord seriously. Each one was given promises if they became conquerors. 

Today, I want us to focus on one of the many things Jesus was addressing in the church of Sardis.

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you” (NIV Rev 3:1-3)

Having a REPUTATION of BEING ALIVE, but are DEAD!

Reputation is defined as, “a widespread belief that someone or something has a particular characteristic or the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something”

Every church has a reputation, and we advertise our reputation in different ways with the goal of drawing people to our churches. It is difficult to see the lurking dangers because it is so attractive and especially when people gravitate towards it. Reputation, especially good ones can be deceiving, if it is built on the perception of what people want, the acceptance of prevailing culture and also our personal idea of how the church should be.

We must ask God’s opinion and measure the ministry of our church against the plumb line of Scripture (Amos 7:7-8) to avoid what Sardis was indicted for, “They have a REPUTATION of BEING ALIVE but THEY are DEAD!” 

Here are some probing questions for us to reflect prayerfully on today:

1. Are our worship services “Alive” because the Holy Spirit is moving among us, in us and through us or is it because we have discovered and acquired the best ways to get the best out of the people via culturally attuned music and preaching (talking) styles and the employment of effective social and psychological soft skills. What would be our reputation if we only have the Holy Spirit to keep us alive?

2. Do we preach the full Word (in content, urgency and seriousness) that emphasizes on eternal realities and obedience instead of just earthly practicality where people are challenged to prepare for imminent eternity or are we just moralizing? Do we preach to convince, convict, equipping and give instruction in godliness (2 Tim 3:16-17) or just to give, “an emotional lift” and to massage the human ego?

3. Is discipleship emphasized as a norm for every Christian or do we allow our reputation to mould our messages? When is the last time we preached strongly on faithful committed serving, giving, carrying the cross, making a stand for our faith and sharing the Gospel? 

4. Do we preach the importance of being faithful to the local church or are we just emphasizing on helping people grow (means nothing without faithfulness to the local church). 

5. Do we discourage “church hopping” and fully emphasize on soul winning or are our services and ministry prepped to attracted believers from other churches?

6. Is Christianity viewed as a daily walk with God or just a weekly Celebrative event to inspire? Do we emphasize time alone with God and corporate prayer with the church?

7. Do we treat everyone the same, preach and lead without fear or favour or do we give exceptions (openly or through nuances) because of social status, economic contributions, political affiliations and personal interest?

Jesus Christ loves the local church (Eph. 5:25-27) and we should likewise. These questions are not meant to be critical nor judgmental, but are for us to search our hearts, our motives, our actions, and let our reputations be defined by God and Scripture. Not by pop culture or the latest fad. I believe this is the reason why He wrote to the Seven Churches

It is of great significance that each of these messages were addressed to the “angel”–“anggelio” or messenger or pastor/main leader of the church (2:1,8,12,18;3:1,7,14.). The spiritual leader decides the direction and the quality of the local church.

Let us remember to pray for all our Pastors, Elders and Spiritual Leaders as they lead us to greater victories in these increasingly challenging days

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 3:6).

 

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