This is a challenge,- a call to repentance. A little over a year ago, the Lord showed us that we did not belong in any of the nearby churches. Many have asked us why this area needs another church.
The Lord has shown us that there are two kinds of christians. A small minority have entered by the narrow gate and are living the difficult life.
( Matt. 7:14 ) The Lord has made them new creations. ( 2 Cor. 5:17 ) They determine their own christianity by examining themselves, whether they are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5 ) and determine the christianity of others, not by looking at one or two incidents in their past, but by examining their fruits. ( Matt. 7:20 )Unfortunately many that we have met in our area are of the second kind. They are claiming to be " saved " and yet their so-called salvation is not based upon what God or Jesus did, but upon what they did. They said a sinner's prayer ONCE, or believed in their minds ONCE, or were baptized in water, or went to church a few times, or joined a church. They may have even prophesied in the name of Jesus, or cast out demons, or done wonders in His name. Yet the Lord will say to many of these in that Day, " I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawnessness!"
( Matt. 7:23 and Matt. 25:12 )Even worse, many in this second category are telling others, even their youth, that they are " saved ", when in fact, their youth are living in sin, and uncleanness. In spite of the fact that these others are destroying their bodies, and wasting their resources, that should be going to support themselves or their families, or to the Lord's work,- by smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or wasting their lives in unprofitable pleasures, they are being told that because they said a prayer once, they are still " saved " and everything will be ok. Hasn't anyone ever read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and
Galatians 5:16-21?In the churches of these other " christians " there is seldom, if any, worship:
When, if ever, did you hear the pastor, or song leader in your church, say," I worship You Lord, or I worship You Jesus? ( John 4:24 )
When, if ever, did you see any in the congregation of your church on their knees. ( Rom. 14:11 and Phil. 2:10 )
When, if ever, did you see the congregation of your church raise their hands in praise and worship? ( 1 Tim. 2:8 )
When did you hear anyone in your church shout, " Praise the Lord! "
( Rom. 15:11 and over 100 times in the Old Testament ) A lady who had come from one of the local churches was heard recently saying how wonderful the service in her church was because nobody said " Praise the Lord! " How long will the Lord put up with this wickedness?When, if ever, did anyone in your church exhort you to pray in the Holy Spirit daily? ( Eph. 6:18 and Jude 20,21 )
Have you heard someone in your church blaspheme the Holy Spirit by saying that the gifts of the Spirit ceased in the apostolic age, and that the present day manifestations of the Spirit are of the Devil?
How long has it been since you have heard a message that included teaching, and exhorting, or waging spiritual warfare? ( Eph. 6:10 - 18 )
Do you wonder why church attendance in our area is so sparse? Why should anyone want to go to church, when what they hear in the church is the same as outside?
If you have questions, or comments, feel free to e-mail us, by clicking on the E-mail pastor Tim link below.
Have a wonderful week. May God bless you, and your family!
To learn more about Jesus' return, click here: Jesus is Coming Back Soon