Chosen by God!
As those who profess to be members of Christ’s family today, we must be on guard against the same sins that God condemned in Israel. Many of Israel’s sins could have been avoided if they would have chosen to listen to God. It was when they chose their way over God’s way that they lost wars, were killed, exiled, and so much more. The church today could, no should, learn from Israel’s mistakes and return to their first love, Jesus Christ.
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (I Corinthians 10:11-12 NKJV)
Many church leaders may avoid administering discipline to members who are seriously living out of the will of God because they don’t want to lose “numbers” or “dollars!” Their focus is wrong. Another reason they may not administer discipline to members who are seriously living out of the will of God is they are doing the same things themselves! You can’t call out the sin in other people’s lives when you’re doing the same thing yourself.
Many churches may begin with a clear uncompromised message based on the Word of God but popularity and pride can skew perspective. Suddenly they have a national voice, a platform, and become more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing God. The message gets diluted. They try to make everyone comfortable by preaching a feel good, and inclusive, Gospel where no matter what everyone is going to heaven and there is no hell. This is false teaching!
Sadly, this Scripture out of the mouth of Jesus says it all:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as fit for hell as you are!” (Matthew 23:15 HCSB)
Too many churches are not as concerned with people’s souls, or their spiritual growth, as they are with the benefits of being a pastor or building a megachurch. Somehow we have lost sight of the Great Commission.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)
Nowhere in this command does it say build megachurches, acquire wealth, or become religious superstars. Nowhere! Will the indictment against the 21st century church also be to repeat the cycle of the past?
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4 NKJV)
Be Encouraged! ❤
Leisa Wilkins Ministries
"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"
Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager
www.leisawilkins.com